NFL MVP 2015-16: Updated Odds for Top Candidates and Predictions

With four weeks to go in the NFL regular season, the MVP debate should be heating up. But thanks to the Panthers' undefeated record, it appears as though this season's race may already be decided. 

Of course, crazy things can happen in the NFL in December, and one bad loss or an injury could throw a wrench into the MVP debate.

The updated odds for MVP are below, followed by a breakdown of the top candidates and what needs to happen for each to win. 

Candidate	Team	Odds
Cam Newton	Panthers	4-6
Tom Brady	Patriots	15-8
Carson Palmer	Cardinals	10-1
Andy Dalton	Bengals	33-1
Aaron Rodgers	Packers	50-1

Current MVP Favorites

1. Cam Newton

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

As long as the Panthers remain undefeated, the 2015 MVP race will be among the most boring in recent memory. 

Newton is currently the overwhelming favorite and will be until the Panthers lose. 

Over the past 10 seasons, five teams have won at least 14 regular-season games, and all five produced the eventual MVP. With Newton standing alone as the only viable candidate on the Panthers, he would be the obvious choice and may even be a unanimous selection, as suggested by ESPN's Mike Greenberg:

"

Three fourths of the way into the season, Cam Newton is clear choice for MVP. If the vote took place today it should be unanimous. #Panthers

— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) December 7, 2015"

With four games remaining, the Panthers only have to go through the Falcons (twice), Giants and Buccaneers, giving Newton a seemingly easy path to his first MVP trophy. 

2. Tom Brady

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

The Patriots loss to the Eagles in Week 13 was a devastating blow to Brady's MVP hopes. 

New England's offense was noticeably missing Rob Gronkowski, calling into question just how much Brady needs his tight end to play at an elite level at this stage of his career. 

But despite the struggles, New England still has a chance to run the table and finish with an impressive 14-2 record. As previously mentioned, that record alone would at least put Brady in the conversation, especially if the Panthers suffered a loss down the stretch. 

3. Everyone else

Sports Illustrated's Michael Silver summed up the MVP race after Week 12:

"

Leading MVP candidates after 11 games: 1) Tom Brady 2) Cam Newton 3) never mind

— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) December 1, 2015"

While the order of Silver's top two candidates have changed due to the Patriots' recent losses, his assessment of the other candidates holds true. 

Oddschecker.com gives Carson Palmer the next best odds at 10-1, but he likely needs the Panthers and Patriots to each suffer multiple losses down the stretch in order to climb into the race as a serious candidate. 

In the event that Newton and/or Brady were to falter, it is worth noting that Palmer's late-season schedule would give him an opportunity to win over voters in the final weeks. 

The Cardinals close out the regular season by hosting the Packers and Seahawks in the final two weeks, giving Palmer two high-profile games in which his candidacy could receive a boost.