Super Bowl 2012 MVP Odds

Super Bowl MVP awards usually go to the quarterback of the winning team. It's happened 24 times in 45 Super Bowls.

Green Bay Packers QBs won the first and last Super Bowl MVPs. That much will change.

But will another position rise above the field general to hoist the MVP trophy Sunday evening?

Anything can happen during a 60-minute football game. That's why prop bets are so popular on Super Bowl Sunday.

One thing is almost certain—the MVP will come from the winner of Super Bowl XLVI.

When you and your buddies decide to throw down on who will earn the game's top individual honor, here's a guide to the odds.

Vince Wilfork—50:1

The mammoth defensive tackle has been a force all year. He's done it all—tackles for loss, forced fumbles, interceptions, unbelievable interception returns.

The odds are against Vince Wilfork, though.

Only one defensive tackle—the Cowboys' Randy White—has been named MVP. And he shared it with his teammate.

For Wilfork to win, he'll need to have at least two sacks and force at least one turnover. He'll also need the Patriots offense to struggle.

Those are long odds.

Rob Gronkowski—25:1

Playing at 100 percent, Rob Gronkowski would be much higher on this list. He is one of the Patriots' top two threats offensively.

But with his status questionable because of an ankle injury, he likely won't be as effective as he has been all season.

He is the sleeper pick, worth putting some money on.

If he's as tough as his lineman-sized frame suggests he is, he will fight through the injury and still pose problems for the Giants linebackers and safeties.

Ahmad Bradshaw—20:1

Every team—let alone a Tom Coughlin team—wants to establish the run. That means Ahmad Bradshaw should get his opportunities.

Early on, at least.

However, New England defends the run much better than it defends the pass. That hurts Bradshaw's chances.

If he is able to break a big run or two, his odds increase. He hasn't been much of a big-play threat this year. His longest run is only 37 yards.

He will need to score two, maybe three touchdowns to be considered.

Victor Cruz—15:1

Going against a porous New England secondary helps the odds of the New York receivers.

Victor Cruz has yet to score in the postseason but established himself as a reliable deep threat for the Giants during the regular season.

The Patriots will have their hands full with Cruz, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks. Cruz's breakaway speed gives him the best chance to make the most big plays among the Giants' receivers.

Wes Welker—10:1

Teams must account for Wes Welker.

If you're ever able to watch a Patriots game in person—and you don't have to watch the game through the eyes of cameramen and producers—you will see Welker is open on nearly every play.

If Tom Brady is able to get the ball in Welker's direction, Welker will hang on and make plays.

The problem for Welker and all receivers is they have to play with a flare for the dramatic to overtake their QB for MVP honors. If they don't turn heads by the stylish way they get the job done, they will have a tough time separating themselves from the passers.

Jason Pierre-Paul—8:1

The Giants' best bet to win the game is by pressuring Tom Brady.

Brady is not nearly as effective as a passer when he's under duress. Jason Pierre-Paul, along with Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora, will need to put Brady on his back at least eight times on Sunday.

The reason Pierre-Paul gets the edge over Tuck and Umenyiora is his sheer athleticism. That gives him more of an opportunity to come up with not only a couple of sacks, but he also has shown better ability to make big plays on special teams.

A blocked field goal could be the difference between a win and a loss.

Aaron Hernandez—5:1

No tight end has ever been named Super Bowl MVP. So, why is Aaron Hernandez so high on this list?

Bill Belichick's reliance on tight ends in the passing game is one of the reasons.

The other key reason is how frequently the Patriots have shifted Hernandez in the postseason. Not only is he catching passes and blocking, he's also lining up in the backfield and carrying the ball—effectively.

Hernandez was the team's leading rusher in a playoff win over the Denver Broncos. If he is able to run the ball as effectively as he did against Denver and shoulder the load for an injured Rob Gronkowski, he has a chance of becoming the first tight end to win the Super Bowl MVP.

Eli Manning—2:1

If the Giants win, chances are Eli Manning picks up his second Super Bowl MVP.

Not only does he have the edge by simply being the quarterback, but he also has a great chance of shredding New England's patchwork secondary.

After throwing 58 times in the NFC Championship Game, Coach Coughlin has shown a willingness to air it out.

That could be the key to Manning winning another MVP—and the Giants winning another Lombardi Trophy.

Tom Brady—3:2

Tom Brady looks to join Joe Montana as the only three-time Super Bowl MVP. He won it in Super Bowl XXXVI and Super Bowl XXXVIII, but he was beaten out by his receiver Deion Branch in XXXIX.

If New England's offensive line gives Brady time to pass, he's always among the most dangerous in the game.

With the team's dependence on short passes to tight ends and slot receiver Wes Welker, the line won't have to block New York's vaunted pass rush for quite as long. That gives Brady a good chance of completing a lot of passes and guiding his team to a fourth Super Bowl championship.