Christian McCaffrey Listed as a Top-3 Contender for NFL MVP at +750 Odds

• Christian McCaffrey’s 2019 Most Valuable Player odds improved by nearly 500% after Week 5
• The Panthers’ RB went from a distant +3900 longshot all the way to +750
• Only two players – Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson – are ahead of him in the odds

Christian McCaffrey had a monster game on Sunday against Jacksonville, gashing the Jaguar defense, both on the ground and as a receiver, displaying the versatility that makes him so dangerous.

His 237-yard, three-touchdown masterpiece took him all the way to +750 in the updated odds to win NFL MVP. Prior to Sunday, he sat outside the top ten, way back at +3900.

Odds to Win 2019 NFL MVP

*Odds as of Oct. 8.

Is McCaffrey a Safe Bet?

There is no doubt that the Panther running back is playing at a high level. His numbers on Sunday were tremendous. Against the Jaguars, McCaffrey carried the ball 19 times for 176 yards, an average of 9.3 yards per carry. He found the end zone twice on the ground, and also added 61 yards on nine receptions with another score through the air.

Air McCaffrey. Oh my, @run__cmc! #KeepPounding #JAXvsCAR

?: CBS
?: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app
Watch free on mobile: https://t.co/d6meepU6Nz pic.twitter.com/4Wlo5UCSDX

— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2019

When it comes to MVP, however, he still faces an uphill battle. A running back hasn’t taken home the award since 2012, and it took a historic season from Adrian Peterson to do so.

Recent NFL MVP Winners

This league loves its quarterbacks, and again this year, there are plenty to choose from. McCaffrey has a shot at winning MVP, but by no means is it safe to bet against the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, and the other elite quarterbacks in the league.

Russell Wilson Makes a Jump

Much like McCaffrey, Russell Wilson has inserted himself into the top echelon of NFL MVP candidates. Similarly, Wilson’s jump also comes after a huge performance in Week 5. In a Thursday night thriller, the Seahawk quarterback completed 73.9 percent of his attempts, and found the end zone through the air on four separate occasions.

Even the non-scoring plays were electric.

Something about these uniforms…@DangeRussWilson making more magic happen ❇️

?: #LARvsSEA on FOX
?: https://t.co/pfuFFe7HxS
Learn how to watch: https://t.co/I6INVckndX pic.twitter.com/GQxMWGbzJM

— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2019

Now sitting at second in MVP odds at +275, this improvement has many bettors kicking themselves. Prior to the regular season, Wilson’s odds to be the NFL’s MVP were as high as +2800. After Week 3, he still sat at +2700 to win the award, and before that huge game against the Rams, he was at +1800.

All it takes is one big game on national TV to make the league take notice. He had been hovering in the top ten, but after this weekend, Wilson has now entrenched himself as one of the favorites to take home the 2019 MVP award.

What’s The Best Bet?

Mahomes and Wilson are the two quarterbacks currently at the top of race, but it’s hard to ignore Aaron Rodgers at +1200 odds. The Packers didn’t have the cleanest start to the year with Rodgers and head coach Matt Lafleur learning to work together, but lately, they are trending upwards.

HE’S A BADDDDDD MAN!

This play from Aaron Rodgers is ridiculous! ?

(via @thecheckdown) pic.twitter.com/XEBzKueHP8

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) October 6, 2019

Against Philadelphia in Week 4, Rodgers threw for 422 yards, and also led the team in rushing. The Packers jumped out to a huge lead against Dallas, so they didn’t have to throw the ball much, but the offense was still clicking. With a Monday Night game against the Lions coming up, Rodgers is in prime position to insert his name into the MVP race.

For now, however, he still holds value at +1200.