2014-15 NFL MVP: Winner Prediction and Complete Odds for Top Candidates

It's been a long time since there has been such a varied debate over the NFL's Most Valuable Player award.

In most seasons, the question is simply which quarterback has been the best over the course of the year. If a running back has put together a record-breaking year, he will garner consideration. However, we haven't seen anyone besides a quarterback or running back win this prestigious award since Lawrence Taylor in 1986.

There are obviously some great quarterbacks deserving of this title, but this season has featured a wide list of players at least deserving a mention, from running backs to receivers to defensive linemen. Of course, voters might have a different idea of the eventual winner.

Here is a look at the latest odds for the 2014 MVP, courtesy of OddsChecker.com, along with predictions for the final vote.

Player	Team	Odds
Aaron Rodgers	Green Bay Packers	1-33
J.J. Watt	Houston Texans	7-1
Tom Brady	New England Patriots	12-1
Russell Wilson	Seattle Seahawks	20-1
DeMarco Murray	Dallas Cowboys	25-1
Marshawn Lynch	Seattle Seahawks	25-1
Tony Romo	Dallas Cowboys	40-1
Peyton Manning	Denver Broncos	90-1

Predicted Finish

3. DeMarco Murray, RB, Dallas Cowboys

After falling short many times, the Dallas Cowboys are back in the playoffs. While many want to credit quarterback Tony Romo for a great season in finally getting the team over the top, the real reason the squad is in the postseason is the re-establishment of the run.

The offensive line cleared lanes all year long, and running back DeMarco Murray took advantage, leading the NFL with 1,845 rushing yards. While Romo was one of the best quarterbacks in the league, Murray was clearly the top running back, finishing with 484 more rushing yards than anyone else in the NFL.

Without him, Romo would have once again been forced to throw the ball too much and likely would've ended up with more mistakes than he had this season.

The fans certainly know who the MVP candidate is:

Murray has carried the load for a team that tied for the best record in football at 12-4. This puts him among the top names for the prestigious award.

2. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

USA TODAY Sports

In many ways, Aaron Rodgers was simply unbelievable this season. He helped the Packers finish with an undefeated home record thanks to some incredible numbers:

Then again, he still had to play on the road, and his numbers weren't quite as impressive. He had five interceptions to go with 13 touchdowns, and his quarterback rating dropped from 133.2 to 94.2. This still represents quality production, but it was only enough to bring his team to a 4-4 record away from Lambeau Field. 

More importantly, Rodgers didn't separate himself as clearly the best quarterback in the NFL this season. He finished behind Tony Romo in both quarterback rating and Total QBR. He also ended the year third in touchdown passes and seventh in passing yards.

The only things he led the league in were interception percentage and State Farm commercials. 

Obviously, Rodgers put together an outstanding season and is the main reason Green Bay has a first-round bye. However, he wasn't by far the best at his position in the way the next person was this year.

1. J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans

There are those who argue defensive players shouldn't be MVP because they don't have the same level of impact over a game. Those people likely haven't watched J.J. Watt play this season.

The numbers are certainly impressive, as he ended the year with 20.5 sacks, 78 tackles, four forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns. He also added three receiving touchdowns on the year.

Dan Hellie of NFL Network believes his finish in Week 17 should have put him over the top:

Of course, his impact went beyond the box score, as he was also capable of putting pressure on the opposing offense whether he made the play or not. Double- and triple-teams on Watt also freed up space for teammates.

Cornerback Jonathan Joseph believes the defensive end did all he could to win the award:

The Texans didn't make the playoffs, but they were just one Baltimore Ravens loss away from the postseason. Considering they didn't have a capable quarterback all season, this is simply incredible.

Watt deserves the recognition as the Most Valuable Player in the NFL.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.