Super Bowl 50: Panthers vs. Broncos MVP Favorites and Stat Predictions

The Super Bowl is often the quarterback's game.

Tom Brady picked up the MVP in last year's Super Bowl, and a quarterback has won the award in five of the last six games and seven of the last nine.

That should bode well for Cam Newton and Peyton Manning, at least in theory. Newton has had a dramatic and huge season this year, and it would be a shocker if he doesn't win the regular-season MVP after throwing 35 touchdown passes and running for 10 more scores. 

Manning has already won the award, capturing it following Super Bowl XLI when the Indianapolis Colts beat the Chicago Bears 29-17.

However, it seems unlikely that Manning has a legitimate shot of capturing the award this time around. The 39-year-old is no longer the gunslinger who threw the ball all over the lot and directed a high-scoring attack. At this point in his career, Manning is trying to perfect the art of not making mistakes and avoiding turnovers.

Through two playoff games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Manning has thrown two touchdown passes and no interceptions.

That performance comes on the heels of a season in which he played in just 10 games and compiled a 9-17 TD-interception ratio.

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If the Broncos win this game, the chances are that Manning will be managing the game, and if Denver has a star who steps forward, it could be a defensive player.

Defensive players have won the Super Bowl MVP, as Manning and the Broncos know quite well. Linebacker Malcolm Smith of the Seattle Seahawks won the honor following Super Bowl XLVIII when he registered 10 tackles, took an interception back 69 yards for a touchdown and also recovered a fumble. Smith now plays with the Oakland Raiders.

Dexter Jackson of the Buccaneers, Ray Lewis of the Ravens and Larry Brown of the Cowboys are three other defensive players who have also brought home the Super Bowl MVP in the last 20 years.

Position	Player	Team	Odds	Stats needed to contend for award
QB	Cam Newton	Panthers	-130	240 passing yards, two TDs
QB	Peyton Manning	Broncos	+275	225 yards, three TDs
LB	Luke Kuechly	Panthers	+1,400	10 tackles, one interception, 1.0 sack
WR	Ted Ginn	Panthers	+2,000	Five receptions, 140 yards, two TDs
RB	C.J. Anderson	Broncos	+2,000	145 rushing yards, one TD
TE	Greg Olsen	Panthers	+2,200	Eight receptions, 110 yards, one TD
RB	Jonathan Stewart	Panthers	+2,200	125 rushing yards, two TDs
WR	Demaryius Thomas	Broncos	+2,200	Eight receptions, 150 yards, two TDs
WR	Emmanuel Sanders	Broncos	+2,200	Six receptions, 135 yards, two TDs

Newton is the favorite to bring home the MVP in this year's game. Those who are betting that Newton will get the award have to risk $130 to win $100 (10-13), according to Odds Shark. Manning is the only other player within hailing distance of Newton. He has 11-4 odds (+275) to win the honor, meaning a handicapper would have to risk $100 to win $275.

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Luke Kuechly of the Panthers is third choice to win the MVP at a robust 14-1. Kuechly has returned interceptions for touchdowns in each of Carolina's postseason victories over the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals, and he has proved to have big-play ability.

No other player from either team is better than 20-1. C.J. Anderson of the Broncos, Ted Ginn of the Panthers and Von Miller of the Broncos are each at that figure, while Greg Olsen, Jonathan Stewart, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are all at 22-1.

Prediction

The MVP should be Newton's award to win. Per Odds Shark, the Panthers are 5.5-point favorites in the game, and they have the more explosive offense. While they are going up against the NFL's best defense, it doesn't seem likely Denver will shut down Newton.

Perhaps the Broncos will hold him in check on a few drives in the first half, but eventually Newton should find his rhythm. His running ability makes him even more dangerous when his receivers are covered. Newton will decide to take the ball and run with it if he sees the Broncos have dropped seven in coverage. If the Broncos rush four (or three, as they did against the Patriots), Newton will find the running lanes and make big plays.

Expect Newton to make decisive plays when the game is on the line. He should pass for 240 yards, two touchdowns and run for 55 yards. He will lead the Panthers to the win and hoist the MVP Award.