NFL MVP Predictions: Odds and Analysis on Which Elite NFL Player Will Win Award

Sometimes, the NFL is an imperfect place. It is (along with baseball) a sport where statistics matter as much as winning and losing. But on the flip side, the record of a team usually determines postseason hardware.

And for some NFL stars, it is a shame that being part of a team with a losing record means they are not a consideration for some of the league's top honors.

There are some strong candidates that cannot be ignored and some who may surprise, but in the end, when media voting is complete, the winning and losing along with the statistics will determine who takes home the MVP in the league.

Here is a look at some of the candidates and their odds of winning the award.

Jared Allen, Defensive Tackle, Minnesota Vikings

He played on a 3-13 team, so he will not get the recognition that he may deserves.

But Jared Allen was a beast this season for the Minnesota Vikings. All he did was lead the league in sacks with 22 for the year. Allen's presence was also felt with 66 tackles, four forced fumbles and an interception.

He had one of the more dominating seasons for a defensive player in recent years and it will go unnoticed. What a shame.

Allen, who came to Minnesota after the 2007 season from Kansas City, is the cornerstone of this young and underdeveloped defense and figures to be in middle of his best years as a player.

Odds of winning: 75-1

Rob Gronkowski, Tight End, New England Patriots

All "Gronk" did was change the way we look at the tight end position. Actually, "Gronk" and a few others redefined what the position means in the NFL this past season.

But the cult hero was superb in Tom Brady's offense and set NFL records along the way.

With 90 catches for 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns—insane numbers for a position that also has to deal with blocking and run protection—he set a new standard. And when he was tied up on offense, it opened things up over the middle for Aaron Hernandez and Wes Welker, both of whom had pretty good seasons themselves.

Odds of winning: 60-1

Maurice Jones-Drew, Running Back, Jacksonville Jaguars

This may be the saddest selection of them all.

Maurice Jones-Drew ran for 1,606 yards and accounted for over 46 percent of the Jacksonville Jaguars offense for the season. He finished second on the team in receptions and did everything he could to will his team to a win each week.

But remember, the Jaguars were 5-11 this season and looked more like a second-string college team than one that belonged in the NFL. Heck, even with an NFL rushing title, he wasn't even selected as a starter in the Pro Bowl and was not given the proper respect he deserved all season.

If anyone deserves to be most valuable player, it is this man.

Odds of winning: 30-1

Eli Manning, Quarterback, New York Giants

I think it is safe to say Eli Manning is finally an elite quarterback.

Maybe in some respects, he has passed his brother along the way. Or, maybe not having big brother playing this season helped define Manning as his own man.

Whatever the reason, Manning's statistics rivaled others who got more attention.

While the Giants record showed a roller coaster of a season (9-7) before the playoffs, Manning was at his best against the likes of New England, Dallas and Green Bay in the regular season.

Having Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham helps when you need a dependable receiver when the game is on the line.

He is the toast of New York and seems to be in the prime of his NFL career.

Odds of winning: 20-1

Tom Brady, Quarterback, New England Patriots

While Drew Brees was setting the world on fire, there was another quarterback setting records on his own.

Tom Brady had the best season for a quarterback in the AFC ever. But because Brees was the first one to do it, he gets all the accolades.

Brady and the Patriots offense set the world on fire when he threw for over 500 yards in the season opener against the Dolphins. The passing offense did little to take their foot off the gas pedal along the way.

Does Brady still have it? Yes! Does he compare with other great NFL passers? Yes! In any other season, this would be a no-brainer. The award would be his.

Just not this season.

Odds of winning: 10-1

Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers

When the dust settles, it really comes down to a two-horse race.

And Aaron Rodgers has been neck and neck with Drew Brees all season.

The Packers quarterback started the 2011 year by winning the Super Bowl and then decided to just enjoy the ride and put up numbers that were just sick. With 4,643 yards and 45 touchdowns and only six interceptions, his statistics are as impressive as anyone ever in the NFL.

That includes guys named Manning, Brady, Brees, Favre and Marino.

Only problem with his season this year is some guy named Flynn came on in the final game of the season and threw for 480 yards and six touchdowns. So is the system to blame or are both passers that damn good?

Rodgers coming into his own has been a work in progress for a few years now. There is no denying he is worthy of elite status and being named as one of the best in the league and has a legacy to build on.

He will get lots of attention this season and in all reality, he and Brees should split the vote and share the award.

Odds of winning: 5-1

Drew Brees, Quarterback, New Orleans

The stats don't lie.

Drew Brees had the best season of any quarterback in NFL history. And from the looks of things, he will not slow down anytime soon.

5,476 yards in the air and 46 touchdowns. AMAZING.

He makes it look so easy and when you have four receivers, a tight end and running backs who can all catch the ball; it is like child's play and playground fun.

When it comes right down to it, winning and statistics combined wins you an MVP. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers had a better record than the Saints, but Brees was the better quarterback.

Odds of winning: 2-1