Updated NFL MVP Odds After NFL Week 1

The NFL MVP award is not any different than the Oscars are for actors and actresses.

Only the best performers get recognized as candidates for the prestigious recognition, and in most cases the faces are familiar.

Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos proved that on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Interestingly enough, Manning remained a familiar face despite missing the entire 2011 season because, after all, he has won the award four times prior. To that end, there are other obvious names who join Manning as early MVP candidates.

Fortunately, for the sake of drama—just like in acting—some new faces also make a strong appearance. Let's view post-Week 1 odds for the 2012 NFL MVP award.

Aaron Rodgers: QB, Packers

We have to cut Aaron Rodgers a break.

He faced the NFL's top defense and performed well without any kind of running game.

The Green Bay Packers were limited to just 45 rushing yards on 14 attempts, so for the cheese to win Rodgers was the only hope. Going 30-of-44 for 303 yards and two touchdowns with a pick, Rodgers did everything he could.

He even led the Packers in rushing, which is something that shouldn't happen.

All that goes to show is how important Rodgers is to the Packers offense.

Considering the defense got diced up once again, Rodgers remains a strong MVP candidate solely because Green Bay wouldn't be a Super Bowl contender without him.

Odds: 2.5 to 1

Drew Brees: QB, Saints

As expected, Drew Brees is carrying the New Orleans Saints.

NOLA's defense remains vulnerable to any offense, as the Washington Redskins proved in Week 1 with 464 total yards.

Well, Brees will have to dial up numerous times again like on Sunday.

Completing 24 of 52 attempts for 339 yards and three scores to two picks, Brees spread the field quite well. However, that Tim Tebow-esque completion percentage does need to improve.

Still, this was a solid day without any dominant No. 1 receivers because Brees, like any elite quarterback, makes his targets better regardless of their ability. Also, it's not like he was facing a scrub defense. The Washington Redskins are much better than given credit for, and they will be in the playoff race.

As long as Brees can start games stronger and not have to make a comeback, we'll see better numbers and the Saints defense not getting exploited too often.

Odds: 3 to 1

Peyton Manning: QB, Broncos

Peyton Manning quieted any cynics about his return.

Despite being a four-time NFL MVP, Manning needed to re-establish himself after having sat out for so long.

Well, against Dick LeBeau's defense, Manning shredded the Pittsburgh Steelers. Going 19-of-26 for 253 yards and two touchdowns, this performance was no different than anything from Manning before.

He was checking multiple audibles (as usual) once the Denver Broncos went to no-huddle, and it paid off big time.

This wasn't so much about Manning's overall performance as it was the impact. Pittsburgh won the time of possession battle 35:05 to 24:55, but it was him taking full advantage of every opportunity provided.

Odds: 4 to 1

Adrian Peterson: RB, Vikings

Adrian Peterson's return was impressive.

Facing the Jacksonville Jaguars, who had one of the NFL's best defenses in 2011, wasn't an easy task by any means.

The Jags made Peterson earn his production, and he finished with 84 yards on 17 carries and scored twice. By no means was this typical Peterson, but it's a good sign of things to come for his 2012 campaign.

This also bodes well for Christian Ponder's development, as he tossed for 270 yards and had a 74 percent completion rate. Minnesota doesn't present any top-tier receivers, so Peterson's contributions as a runner, blocker and occasional receiver are more important this season.

He must be the main man for the Vikings to be in the playoff race.

Odds: 4.5 to 1

Tom Brady: QB, Patriots

Just another day of work for Tom Brady.

On the road against the Tennessee Titans, Brady was dominant in completing 74 percent of his passes.

Unsurprisingly, the New England Patriots rolled to a 34-13 win, and Brady was sacked just one time.

Five different players caught two or more passes, and after the big halftime lead, the Pats let Stevan Ridley take over. New England's ground game this season is only going to make Brady more dangerous because the passing attack itself cannot be completely shut down.

Averaging more than 10 yards per completion, Brady had the Pats going 50 percent on third down and winning the time of possession battle as well.

Not an extreme showing for Brady, but precise nonetheless.

Odds: 5 to 1

Calvin Johnson: WR, Lions

There are few receivers capable of winning the NFL MVP, but Calvin Johnson is one them.

Megatron had another solid outing; despite not scoring versus the St. Louis Rams, he did account for 111 yards on six receptions.

That's one insane yards per catch average (18.5 yards), and he was only targeted seven times. The Rams certainly did a solid job limiting Johnson's dominance, and it showed, because St. Louis was winning until the end.

Still, Megatron's presence is what allowed the Lions to stay in the game.

Matthew Stafford's three picks didn't help; however, a defense does become vulnerable when putting so much attention on Megatron. In turn, Detroit finished with 83 total rushing yards, and five players excluding Johnson caught two-plus passes.

He allows the Lions offense to utilize other weapons, and that impact goes a long way.

Odds: 7.5 to 1

Matt Ryan: QB, Falcons

Matt Ryan was a boss on Sunday.

Facing one of the NFL's better defenses against the Kansas City Chiefs, Ryan tore up Atlanta's AFC West foe.

In 31 attempts, Ryan completed 23 passes for 299 yards and had three touchdowns to zero picks. Additionally, Ryan was sacked just once and scrambled for another score.

Five different targets caught at least two balls, and 17 of his completions were shared by Roddy White, Julio Jones and tight end Tony Gonzalez. The man knows how to find his best players, and it paid off.

Also, the Falcons didn't turn the ball over, and Ryan's efficiency got Atlanta into a rhythm early. Finding a rhythm is an extremely underrated aspect of football. Doing so increases the offensive chemistry and reduces penalties, which ultimately leads to scoring 40 points.

Remember 1998, when the Falcons were "Hot-lanta"? Well, 2012 has a similar feel.

Odds: 10 to 1

Andre Johnson: WR, Texans

Andre Johnson's Week 1 contributions are a clear indicator of how vital he is to the Houston Texans.

Receiving 10 targets from Matt Schaub, Johnson caught eight for 119 yards and one touchdown.

Sure, it was against the Miami Dolphins; however, Johnson needed this kind of game early on to really get his confidence back. He hasn't played a full regular season since 2009, and that did hurt Houston's offense.

Arian Foster may be among the select few elite running backs in the game, but Johnson is in that same category for receivers. Comparing Foster's recent seasons to Johnson's, defenses have every reason to stack the box and play man coverage.

Johnson must continue to get it done at a high level and provide the Texans with another unstoppable offensive dimension. If he produces, then Foster can be even more dangerous between the tackles.

Odds: 14 to 1

DeMarcus Ware: LB, Cowboys

There's only a small number of defensive players capable of winning the NFL's MVP award.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware is one of them.

Right now, Ware is the league's best and most dominant sack-master (sorry Jared Allen fans), and if you take him away from Big D, the Cowboys lose their best player. Every year from 2006 through 2011 Ware has recorded double-digit sacks, and he collected eight as a rookie in 2005.

Obviously past performance does not affect any current awards, but it does create evidence of Ware's impact for Dallas. Against the New York Giants in Week 1, Ware accounted for five tackles and two sacks, which matched Big D's sack total of Eli Manning last season.

One thing we can count on is Ware keeping close to this pace. Eli has some of the NFL's best pass protection around, and with the Cowboys upgrading around him, 2012 has the potential to be Ware's best season yet.

Odds: 20 to 1

Robert Griffin III: QB, Redskins

The only rookie to make the list, Robert Griffin III pulled a Cam Newton in Week 1 of his first NFL season.

As most remember, Newton torched the Arizona Cardinals for 422 yards to open 2011, and RG3 similarly thrashed the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

Piling up 320 yards and two touchdowns to zero picks, Griffin added 42 yards on the ground and led Washington to a 40-32 victory. Granted, this was against a horrendous New Orleans defense that hasn't improved much since 2011.

Then again, RG3 is still a rookie, and there's quite a bit of pressure with being the No. 2 overall pick. Provided that Griffin continues to put up good numbers and the Redskins win, it's tough to imagine him not being considered for the MVP award down the stretch.

Odds: 35 to 1

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