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

This was shaping up to be one of the least interesting MVP races in NFL history, but the Carolina Panthers upset loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday adds some intrigue heading into the final week of the season. 

According to OddsChecker.com, Cam Newton remains the overwhelming favorite, but there's still some hope for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer. 

Here's a look at the remaining candidates and predictions for the award. 

Candidate	Team	Odds
Cam Newton	Panthers	1-9
Carson Palmer	Cardinals	11-2
Tom Brady	Patriots	50-1

Top MVP Candidates 

Cam Newton

David Goldman/Associated Press

It was a virtual lock that Newton would win the award if the Panthers finished with a perfect 16-0 mark, but their loss to the Falcons raises at least a sliver of doubt. 

Even if the Panthers lose again in Week 17, Newton should remain a strong candidate. 

"

If you'd have voted MVP for Cam Newton at 14-0 but wouldn't at 14-1, you shouldn't be voting.

— Frank Schwab (@YahooSchwab) December 28, 2015"

While MVPs typically end the season on a high note, it would not be unprecedented for Newton to win after closing out the season with consecutive losses. In fact, we only have to go back to Peyton Manning in 2009 to find the last MVP to end the season on a two-game losing streak. 

It is worth noting, however, that the 2009 Colts had already clinched home-field advantage heading into Week 17, which allowed them to rest Manning for the majority of the game. 

The Panthers, on the other hand, might need a victory on Sunday to clinch the No. 1 seed. 

Carson Palmer

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

A couple of weeks ago it appeared unlikely that anyone other than Newton could win the award, but there is now a scenario in which Palmer could generate some last-minute momentum. 

If Newton plays poorly in a loss to the Buccaneers and Palmer leads the Cardinals to a victory over Seattle and the No. 1 seed in the NFC, Palmer might emerge as the MVP favorite. 

In that scenario, both candidates would have led their teams to 14-2 records, but Newton would be coming off back-to-back losses while Palmer would have consecutive wins over two playoff teams. 

That late swing in momentum could shift the voting in Palmer's favor. 

Final Prediction

While the scenario for Palmer to win is certainly plausible, it requires a Panthers loss at home to the Buccaneers, which simply isn't likely to happen. 

Over the past 10 seasons, five teams have won at least 14 regular-season games, and all five teams were led by the eventual MVP.

Based on that track record, if Newton leads the Panthers to a 15-1 record and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, it would be difficult to imagine him losing out to Palmer.