Posted on 11/6/2007 7:44:07 PM

NFL Betting – The MVP Race

By Tim Furious

THE MAN - Tom Brady (QB) – New England Patriots

Brady is on a ridiculous pace. Even calling it “ridiculous” doesn’t begin to encapsulate the kind of season he is having. Brady is on pace to shatter Peyton’s passing touchdown record with 59 scores and is projected to have an eye-popping 4,775 yards.

Next game: BYE WEEK

THE OTHER TWO - Randy Moss (WR) – New England Patriots

Speaking of shattering records, I wonder how safe Jerry Rice feels about his receiving touchdown record. Moss is currently on pace for 21 touchdowns, but if Uncle Bill wants him to go after the record, he won’t hesitate to call his number in the red-zone. And it’s not a bad option, for Uncle Bill or the savvy betting investor, since Moss is virtually unstoppable.

Next game: BYE WEEK

Peyton Manning (QB) – Indianapolis Colts

Lost in the madness of the Patriots unbelievable season is Peyton Manning. The two-time NFL MVP is leading a solid attack, and his sharp play calling and audibles have steadied the Colts in the face of a rough schedule. His ability to march the field and keep the ball in the hands of the Colts has allowed them to take complete control of games. But, even with a tougher schedule than the Patriots, Peyton is going to need a miracle to surpass Brady in this discussion.

Next game: Indianapolis (-3) vs. San Diego

THE UNDERDOGS - Brett Favre (QB) – Green Bay Packers

Favre is having a magical season, and it’s infecting his entire team. Brady has all the weapons, but Favre is getting it down with zero running game behind him and three guys named Donald Driver, James Jones and Greg Jennings. Favre is a close second to Brady in passing yards with 2,406 and is on pace for an earth-shattering 4,812. The problem may be his interceptions, which has always been a problem for the gunslinger. But if this is Favre’s swan song, it’s an extremely fitting way for him to go.

Next game: Minnesota vs. Green Bay (-6.5)

Adrian Peterson (RB) – Minnesota Vikings

Peterson is literally running away with the rushing title. He has 1,036 yards on the year while Willie Parker is a distant second with 768. He’s also done it with only 158 carries, so it’s fairly obvious that he leads the league with 6.6 yards per carry as well. And if that wasn’t enough for the rookie, he leads the league in rushing touchdowns with eight.

It’s a surefire bet that he wins the Rookie of the Year award, but considering his incredible offensive output, there is no reason he doesn’t belong in the MVP discussion, especially considering how morbid the offense around him is.

Next game: Minnesota vs. Green Bay (-6.5)

THE LONGSHOTS - Tony Romo (QB) – Dallas Cowboys

Romo is making the best of his weapons in Dallas. He is third overall in the passing touchdown race with 19 on the year, and is far behind Tom Brady. But he is the best quarterback in the NFC and is on pace for a solid 4,616 yards and 38 touchdowns. Still, he is a longshot to win unless he lights up the league in the second half. Considering the Cowboys schedule and the impending return of Terry Glenn, it’s not that much of a stretch. But catching Brady at this point will be difficult for any quarterback.

Next game: Dallas (-1) vs. NYG

Jon Kitna (QB) – Detroit Lions

Yes, Jon Kitna. Ok, so the chances of winning are slim to none, but the year the Lions are having is largely due to his fiery and emotional leadership. He only has ten touchdowns on the year but he has thrown for an astounding (for him, anyways) 2,000 yards thus far. Kitna was courageous in predicting a 10+ win season for the Lions, but who looks stupid now? We do for doubting him.

It would be tough to convince any knowledgeable betting investor to take a shot with Kitna in the MVP race, but the Lions could be playoff bound and are worth a look in our NFL futures to challenge for the NFC North title and make the playoffs. For now, however, Kitna deserves the respect he has fought tooth and nail for his entire career. And we at BetUS.com are happy to give it to him.

Next game: Detroit (-1) vs. Arizona

Ben Roethlisberger (QB) – Pittsburgh Steelers

Roethlisberger’s chances would be worth taking a betting chance on if the Steelers hadn’t lost to the Cardinals and the Broncos. The former game manager has thrown the fewest attempts of any full-time starting quarterback in the league (137-of-208 completions) but he is second in the league in touchdowns behind Brady with 20. His yards will never jump out at you, but Pittsburgh has emerged as an aerial force and the often criticized Roethlisberger has finally silenced his critics.

Next game: Cleveland vs. Pittsburgh

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