The NFL regular season is still months away from beginning but now is the time to get in on some NFL futures action. Bookmakers released their odds for NFL MVP over the last couple of days and it's interesting where they have Dak Prescott.
Per Bet Online, Prescott initially came in at +1600, but has seen his odds move up. He's now at +1400. Upon initial release of the odds, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback was tied with Kyler Murray and Tom Brady but has since pulled ahead and has the fifth best odds to win the 2021 NFL MVP Award.
The favorite to win the MVP is no surprise. It's Patrick Mahomes, the best quarterback in football. Mahomes comes in at +500 followed by Aaron Rodgers at +900, Josh Allen at +1000, and Matthew Stafford at +1400.
With the fifth best chance to win the MVP per Bet Online, Prescott looks poised for quite the season. Coming back from his fractured ankle, Dak will command an offense that is returning its top six receiving options. The offensive line will get a fresh start in 2021 with a clean bill of health and the defense should be improved if only marginally.
The Cowboys still may play in some high scoring games in 2021 but the defensive improvements should help them to win more if those than they were on pace for in 2020.
Before the injury last year, Prescott was on a torrid passing pace. Though it's unlikely he would have kept up his 6,400 yard pace over the course of 16 games, it's not a stretch to think he would have thrown for 5,000 yards.
Had he stayed healthy, Prescott would have thrown the Cowboys into the NFC East title hunt and been in the MVP conversation. Heading into 2021, that conversation will come in full speed.
What we witnessed last season was the importance of Dak Prescott to the Dallas Cowboys. His play, his perseverance, and his leadership provide something that can't be replaced even by a solid backup like Andy Dalton. It's those intangibles that give the Dallas Cowboys a chance to win every time they step on the field. In 2021, when Prescott steps on the field, he'll be declaring his MVP candidacy every week.
