NFL Playoffs 2012: Odds on 10 Possible Super Bowl MVPs

Tom Brady and Eli Manning have both had fantastic years, and with the way the two have been playing so far in the NFL playoffs, one of the two could end up with another Super Bowl victory.

What are the chances of Manning and Brady winning the Super Bowl MVP?

They would have to get to the Super Bowl and win it first. The Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers might have something to say about that.

All four of the remaining teams have players with increased odds of winning the Super Bowl MVP award. While some player's chances are better than others, every once in a while there is a dark horse who comes out on the Super Bowl stage and has a tremendous performance.

So, who will bring home the Super Bowl MVP this season?

Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers

This would be quite a story. 

Alex Smith goes from being labeled as one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL to winning a Super Bowl and grabbing the Super Bowl MVP award.

Smith played a solid game against the New Orleans Saints (he really stepped in the fourth quarter). He completed 24 of 42 passes for 299 yards and three touchdowns without throwing a pick. Smith added a rushing touchdown to his stat line as well.

The fourth-quarter shootout changed the San Francisco 49ers' usual game plan. They often have a more balanced approach to their offense, but Smith always keeps the ball safe (especially in the red zone), and he knows just when to take his shots downfield.

I wouldn't bet on the former No. 1 pick being the Super Bowl MVP (a few others on his team have just as good of a chance), but with the way Smith and his team have been playing this season, I wouldn't bet against him either.

Super Bowl MVP Odds: 5 percent

Hakeem Nicks, WR, New York Giants

The Eli Manning-to-Hakeem Nicks connection is one of the most dangerous in all of the NFL.

Nicks has massive hands and he can pull down just about anything thrown in his direction.

In the New York Giants' divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, Manning threw a Hail Mary toward the end of the first half that found Nicks for a touchdown and help give the Giants a 20-10 halftime lead. 

Nicks finished the game with seven receptions for 165 yards and two touchdowns.

Manning has a few other targets at wide receiver like Mario Manningham and Victor Cruz, but if you had to pick one wideout out of the three who has the best chance of winning the Super Bowl MVP award, it has to be Nicks.

Super Bowl MVP Odds: 5 percent

Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens took care of business against the Houston Texans in the divisional round, and they kept their perfect home record intact.

The Texans defense is relentless, but Joe Flacco managed to put up two touchdowns in the Ravens' win. He only threw for 176 yards and completed just 14 of 27 passes, but Flacco was able to escape with a victory in the defensive matchup and fight another day.

John Harbaugh doesn't ask too much of Flacco, but every once in a while he throws a rope for a long touchdown.

Flacco could have a huge game in the Super Bowl. He has the ability, and although he is less likely to dominate a game than Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers, it doesn't mean he can't.

Super Bowl MVP Odds: 5 percent

Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Frank Gore has to share a few carries with other running backs, particularly Kendall Hunter, but if a San Francisco 49ers running back gets the Super Bowl MVP, then it will be Gore.

Gore is a great back. He is tough as nails to bring down. Gore has the power to knock over defenders, but he can also break a run off for a long gain. 

It was an anomaly that Gore had just 13 carries against the New Orleans Saints in the divisional playoff round (the team found itself throwing more than usual), but he still managed to get 89 yards, including a 42-yard scamper).

If the 49ers get to the Super Bowl, they are likely to depend heavily on Gore (especially on the goal line).

Super Bowl MVP Odds: 5 percent

Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens

While Joe Flacco has one heck of an arm, the Baltimore Ravens offense usually leans on Ray Rice.

He carried the ball 291 times for 1,364 yards (second in the NFL in rushing yardage) and 12 touchdowns during the regular season, but he also saw quite a few short passes and screens.

Rice didn't have a great game against the Houston Texans in the divisional round. The former Rutgers star had just 60 yards on 21 carries, but the Texans have one of the NFL's best run defenses (ranked fourth against the run and second in total yardage allowed)

If there is a brother-versus-brother rematch and the San Francisco 49ers are in the Super Bowl, Rice's chance of getting the MVP is small because of the 49ers' run defense. 

But if the Ravens face the New York Giants, then Rice will carry the offense on his shoulders and increase his odds of being the Super Bowl MVP.

NFL MVP Odds: 10 percent

Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England Patriots

Tom Brady expected a lot out of Rob Gronkowski this season, and he sure got it.

Gronkowski finished the regular season with the most touchdowns and yards by a tight end in a single season. He had 1,327 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns on the year.

Against the Denver Broncos in the divisional playoff round, Gronkowski picked up where he left off. 

Gronkowski caught 10 passes for 145 yards and three touchdowns, and he led the New England Patriots in each category.

Regardless of who New England plays in the Super Bowl, the Patriots are a pass-first team that gives Gronkowski a good chance of having another great game when the stage is the biggest.

There is only one thing that seriously lowers Gronkowski's odds of getting the MVP—the guy who is throwing him the ball will likely be considered before Gronkowski is.

Super Bowl MVP Odds: 5 percent

Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers

Vernon Davis had an up-and-down season. He had decent statistics this year, but at times, coach Jim Harbaugh kept Davis on the line of scrimmage in order to help block the pass rush.

But Davis showed signs of life throughout the season as he easily beat teams that tried to cover him man-to-man (safeties or linebackers).

It was fitting that Davis had his best game by far when his team needed him most.

Against the New Orleans Saints in the divisional round, Davis caught seven passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner. Alex Smith only threw for 299 yards on the day. 

The San Francisco 49ers don't have a prolific passing attack like some of the other teams left in the playoffs, but Davis is as much of a receiving threat as any other player at his position.

Super Bowl MVP Odds: 5 percent

Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants

Armed with three deadly wide receivers, Eli Manning has been playing lights out this season. Manning has had a few bad games (so has every other quarterback), but he has shown himself to be among the elite players at his position.

He finished the regular season with 4,933 passing yards and 29 touchdowns (he was fourth overall in passing yards).

Manning has continued to play well in the postseason. First, he threw for 277 yards and three touchdowns while knocking off the Atlanta Falcons in the wild-card round.

Then, Manning went on the road and pulled off an upset against the Green Bay Packers with 330 yards and three touchdowns.

If Manning can get past the San Francisco 49ers, he would either face the Baltimore Ravens or the New England Patriots.

And if it is a Patriots-Giants Super Bowl rematch, then you can expects Manning and Tom Brady to post some astronomical numbers.

Super Bowl MVP Odds: 10 Percent

Ed Reed, S, Baltimore Ravens

Even after Ed Reed rolled his ankle against the Houston Texans, he is atop the list of potential Super Bowl MVPs.

Reed is a ball hawk. He can cover vast amounts of space and make a big interception, or he can fly down to the line of scrimmage and lay a devastating hit on the opposing running back.

Against the Houston Texans in the divisional round, Reed made six solo tackles and pulled down an interception.

There really isn't much Reed can't do. He has some other great players alongside him too, but if the Ravens play the pass-heavy New York Giants in the Super Bowl, Reed will be in for a big day.

Super Bowl MVP Odds: 5 percent

Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots

One would think it would be hard for Tom Brady to raise his Super Bowl MVP stock, but after his spectacular performance against the Denver Broncos in the divisional round of the playoffs, he did just that.

Adding to his laundry list of accomplishments, Brady threw for five touchdowns in the first half of the game, breaking an NFL postseason record.

He threw just one more in the second half and ended up with 363 passing yards, but that was good enough to tie him with Steve Young and Daryle Lamonica for most touchdowns in a playoff game with six.

Brady already has won three Super Bowls and two Super Bowl MVP awards, but he is ready to get another of each. 

Super Bowl MVP Odds: 15 percent

Everyone Else

There are a number of great players who could end up with the Super Bowl MVP that were not listed, but the players aforementioned have the greater probability of getting the award.

If the Giants win the big game, then the defensive ends have a shot. Mario Manningham, Victor Cruz or Ahmad Bradshaw could even end up walking away with the MVP.

If Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs play the run-heavy San Francisco 49ers team, they will have a huge impact on the outcome of the game. One of the two could easily take home the award, and it wouldn't be a surprise if someone on the Ravens defense is picked.

With Tom Brady's ability to carve up opposing defenses, Wes Welker or Aaron Hernandez have a slight chance of winning it as well.

A member of the exquisite San Francisco defense could be rewarded with the honor. Patrick Willis, Carlos Rodgers, NaVorro Bowman, Aldon Smith and Justin Smith could all be deserving, and with the 49ers defense, the list goes on and on.

Super Bowl MVP Odds: 30 percent