When you think about which NFL player is most likely to win the 2023 MVP, quarterback names like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts come to mind. This trio of starting QBs headline impressive resumes that include Super Bowl wins and appearances and remarkable playoff performances.
You could even consider a name like Aaron Rodgers, especially since the Packers’ leader snagged back-to-back MVPs in the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
If you’re looking to throw money at a position other than quarterback, Vegas Raider Josh Jacobs might be a good catch. The Raiders running back rushed for a league-best 1,653 yards in 2022, so it seems reasonable to project him to land as MVP again in 2023.
But the name of the betting game is taking risks, and that’s exactly what bettors have done to back a surprise candidate to win the NFL MVP award next season.
The guy punters are fighting for MVP threw for an average of 149.5 yards per game in 2022. And even with that lower stat, he’s currently more likely to win NFL MVP than Mahomes and Hurts, combined.
You read it right. According to Caesars Sportsbook editorial content writer Max Meyer, Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields has garnered more future MVP bets than the two quarterbacks mentioned above. And that is after Patrick and Jalen faced off in Super Bowl LVII earlier this month.
Fields, the No. 11 pick in 2021, was nowhere near the Super Bowl. His Bears went 3-14 last season, finishing as the worst team in the NFC North and one of the worst teams in the entire NFL.
So why would punters go big on a QB like Fields, who only threw 17 touchdowns and had 11 interceptions in 2022?
Bears reportedly ‘leaning toward’ trading for No. 1 pick in 2023 NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is coming up, and the Chicago Bears currently have the No. 1 pick, but are reportedly “leaning toward” trading him.
For starters, the Bears should be better next season as they have plenty of cap space and the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. ESPN too reported on Monday that several teams are currently interested in trading with the Bears for this first pick. If that happens, Chicago could fill their needs, giving them an opportunity to quickly improve next season.
As for Fields himself, while the QB’s passing numbers weren’t the best, his ground game was electric.
Justin was elusive when it came to hitting the rock last season, rushing for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns. Fields also broke the single-game quarterback career rushing record with 178 yards against the Miami Dolphins.
The 6-foot-3 signal caller is currently +3500 odds to win the league’s top honor at FOX Bet. Essentially, it’s a long way from winning the award.
However, bettors are clearly betting on Fields breaking out much like Lamar Jackson did in 2020 during his own MVP campaign. During this season, Jackson rushed for 1,005 yards and seven touchdowns.
If the Bears QB steps up his passing game, takes advantage of his ability to elude defenders with his legs and leads Chicago to a postseason berth in 2023, Fields for MVP could end up being a good bet.
FOX Sports Top Stories:
Download the FOX Super 6 app for a chance to win thousands of dollars on the biggest sporting events every week! Just choose your picks and you could win the grand prize. Download and play today!
Get more from the National Football League Follow your favorites for information on games, news and more