NFL MVP 2014-15: Predictions and Odds for Award's Top Candidates

Players at various positions have their claim at being this year's NFL MVP, but it will be difficult for anyone besides a quarterback to win the award.

A quarterback has been named the most valuable player of the league in six of the last seven years, with Adrian Peterson being the only exception. Meanwhile, no one outside of quarterbacks or running backs have won this award since Lawrence Taylor in 1986.

Could this be the year another defensive player gets to bring home the trophy?

There are a few alternative options this season at receiver, running back and even defensive end to consider besides just the usual suspects. Of course, being considered and actually winning are two very different things.

Here is a look at the latest odds for the NFL MVP award, courtesy of OddsChecker.com.

Rank	Player	Pos.	Team	Odds
7	Le'Veon Bell	RB	Pittsburgh Steelers	33-1
6	Andrew Luck	QB	Indianapolis Colts	25-1
5	Peyton Manning	QB	Denver Broncos	20-1
4	DeMarco Murray	RB	Dallas Cowboys	16-1

3. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots (9-1)

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

After the way he played in the first month of the season, it's truly amazing how well Tom Brady has performed this year. He is on pace for his fourth straight season of 4,000 passing yards and already has 32 touchdowns with just eight interceptions.

Thanks to his effort against the Miami Dolphins in Week 15, the New England Patriots were able to clinch the AFC East while remaining in position to earn the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

While his efforts as a passer can never be disputed, his true value is that of a leader on the field. One play that stood out in this respect was the 17-yard run for a first down on 3rd-and-11 in the third quarter. 

Tackles Nate Solder discussed the impact this play had on the team, via Mike Reiss of ESPN.com:

"

It was an emotional lift, and with a guy like Tom who is committed to doing whatever it takes, I think that permeates through the entire team. We saw him do it last week [twice on third down against the Chargers] and saw him do it this week, and it’s just a reoccurring theme with his character and his work ethic and his determination.

"

These plays could be the difference between a good team and a great one. With Brady at the helm, it certainly seems like great things are on the way.

2. J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans (11-4)

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

It's hard to deny J.J. Watt is the best defensive player in the NFL, if not the most talented overall. His 16.5 sacks are just half a sack off the league lead, while his 10 passes defended are the most among defensive linemen.

The Houston Texans star also has three forced fumbles, five fumbles recovered and two defensive touchdowns (not to mention the three receiving scores while lining up at tight end).

Albert Breer of NFL.com made an observation while watching him play against the Indianapolis Colts:

The only argument is whether he is truly valuable enough to win this prestigious award. Gregg Doyel of the Indianapolis Star doesn't think any defender should be considered:

Considering the Texans have dropped to 7-7 and are out of the playoff race, this argument seems to carry weight. Then again, it would be difficult to imagine this team being anywhere close to .500 without the talented lineman.

1. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers (1-3)

It appears Aaron Rodgers is not perfect. The Green Bay Packers quarterback had one of the worst games of his career against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, completing only 17 of his 42 passes with two interceptions and no touchdowns.

The Packers lost for the first time since Week 8, and it dropped them back into a tie with the Detroit Lions for the NFC North lead.

Still, even this pitiful performance was not all on Rodgers. ESPN's Adam Schefter noted the receivers were heavily at fault:

Bleacher Report's Zach Kruse thinks things could've been much different:

Either way, this is hardly an excuse to panic. Green Bay has a winnable game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the division will be decided with a game against the Lions in Week 17. If the Packers are able to win the division and likely earn a bye, Rodgers has to be the league's most valuable player.

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