NFL MVP Odds Update: Lamar Jackson Makes a Jump

NFL Week 7 was certainly one for the books. There were major upsets, repeat ejections, last-second touchdowns, and, of course, some very bad beats.

However, in terms of the NFL MVP odds at FanDuel Sportsbook, the recent movement was a bit peculiar. Other than three very specific quarterbacks, just about every player in the market had their odds lengthen. Of course, the three who shortened in the market were superstars Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson.

Interestingly, Mahomes and Jackson are the only players competing in the 2023-24 NFL season to have previously been named league MVP. However, if Aaron Rodgers hadn't blown his Achilles tendon in the season opener, that would obviously not be the case.

Let's dig into the latest NFL MVP lines ahead of Week 8.

All NFL odds via FanDuel Sportsbook

*Denotes 2022-23 NFL AP MVP

Current Frontrunners

Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: +340

One of only nine players to ever win the AP MVP more than once, Mahomes is rolling yet again in 2023. If he wins his third award by this season's end, he will join Rodgers, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Johnny Unitas and Jim Brown in sharing that accomplishment -- what a list.

As mentioned, Mahomes is humming at the moment. With a 15-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio right, he is completing passes at a 69.6% rate. For reference, that is a better completion clip than Mahomes produced in either of his previous MVP campaigns.

At 6-1, the Kansas City Chiefs are currently coasting toward their eighth consecutive AFC West title. Certainly, streaks like that will keep your name hot in the MVP conversation. Let's be honest: "Showtime" Mahomes has thoroughly dominated the league since taking the keys to the car in 2018.

Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins

FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: +450

Undoubtedly, Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins have been one of the more fun storylines of 2023. They are the NFL's top-rated offense in terms of scoring (34.3 PPG) and total yards per game (462.3). Tagovailoa has been the perpetuator of Miami's success, showing a 69.3 QBR -- fourth-best at the moment.

Chucking the ball for 9.1 yards per pass attempt, Tagovailoa has the highest mark among all 2023 starters there. Under head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins move the ball with speed and intention. Of course, having burners like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Raheem Mostert absolutely helps the cause.

Tua has been nothing short of prolific in 2023, but can he sustain this production over a full 17-game regular season? So far, his health and pocket protection are both rock solid; Tagovailoa has been sacked just nine times this year.

Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: +450

Like Mahomes, Hurts had a relatively slow start -- by his standard -- to the 2023 campaign, but the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback appears to be in full stride now. He dazzled his last time out, passing for 279 yards and two touchdowns (with an additional rushing score) in a victorious effort over Miami.

As last season's MVP runner-up, Hurts has unfinished business. Naturally, falling short in the most recent Super Bowl has surely added to the chip on his shoulder. Hurts' scoring production is still solid at the moment, having already produced 15 all-purpose touchdowns. Can he reach his 2022 mark of 35 total scores?

Surprisingly, only one Eagle has ever been named league MVP, which was quarterback Norm Van Brocklin back in 1960. With Philadelphia hitting its stride at 6-1 right now, this team very well could "Brotherly Shove" Hurts into the award.

Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: +700

Following his masterful performance over the Detroit Lions, the electric Jackson has seen his MVP odds cut in half at FanDuel Sportsbook -- going from +1400 to +700. He fleeced Detroit for 393 all-purpose yards and four total scores. Simply, it was vintage Lamar. With it, the Baltimore Ravens are 5-2, sitting atop the AFC North.

As the 2019 winner in this market, Jackson is the only active player outside of Mahomes that has been named league MVP. Additionally, Jackson earned the coveted Heisman Trophy (2016). That means he belongs to a prestigious club of just seven players to have won both awards.

Jackson's elite athleticism is well-regarded, but his strides as a passer should not be ignored. At the moment, he is sporting a 71% completion clip, which is a personal best. Still, if he is looking to reach his best touchdown figure from 2019 (43 total scores), he'll need to ramp up the pace a bit. Jackson has 13 touchdowns (eight passing and five rushing) so far this year -- let's see if he can expedite that rate in the coming weeks.

Honorable Mention

Trending Up

• No one outside of the top four; all other players lengthened in FanDuel Sportsbook's MVP market.

Falling Down

• Brock Purdy +1400

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.