2014 Super Bowl XLVIII MVP Odds and Predictions: Favorites, Dark Horses and Sleepers

2014 Super Bowl XLVIII MVP Odds and Predictions: Favorites, Dark Horses and Sleepers: While the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks will be battling it out for the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl XLVIII, one lucky player will take home MVP honors. With the exception of Dallas Cowboys’ linebacker Chuck Howley in Super Bowl V, every MVP has come from the winning team. Quarterbacks have historically dominated the award, winning 26 times, including four straight and six of the last seven. Five players have won Super Bowl MVP honors multiple times with Joe Montana winning the award a record three times. Denver quarterback Peyton Manning has a chance to join the list of players that have earned the honor multiple times, but there are plenty of other plays that could add their name to the prestigious list. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the players that could take home MVP honors for Super Bowl XLVIII.

The Favorites

If the Denver Broncos win the Super Bowl, Peyton Manning is the clear frontrunner to take home MVP honors. After all, he is the quarterback for the top-rated passing offense in the NFL, and if the Broncos put points on the board, they will likely come courtesy of Manning’s arm. The fact that he would be lighting up the best secondary in the league in the process would just be icing on the cake. Honestly, Manning could take home MVP honors simply by having a solid game in a Denver victory because of all he has done for the Broncos during his record-setting season.

The centerpiece of the Seattle Seahawks’ offense is running back Marshawn Lynch, and he has continued to be a workhorse in the playoffs. Denver’s run defense has been solid, but that won’t stop Seattle from giving Lynch all the carries he can handle. Granted, Seattle’s defense will likely be the determining factor for whether or not the Seahawks win, but they have to put some points on the board either way. Lynch is the best bet to be responsible for those points. If he is able to wear down the Broncos’ defense to the tune of 100-plus yards and a score or two, “Beast Mode” will likely walk away with MVP honors.

The Dark Horses

Although Seattle is a run-first team on offense, quarterback Russell Wilson has the more favorable matchup against a banged-up Denver secondary. The Broncos will likely be focused on stopping Marshawn Lynch and the Seahawks’ running game, which should give Wilson some opportunities to make some big plays in the passing game. Throw in his scrambling ability, and the Seattle QB could certainly have himself a big game. A strong showing from Wilson in a Seattle win will likely net him MVP honors.

Seattle’s defense was the best in the NFL this year in a variety of categories, including points allowed, yards allowed, passing yards allowed and turnovers. Cornerback Richard Sherman was responsible for a league-leading eight interceptions, and has been a star for the Seahawks’ elite secondary. Whether you enjoyed his rant following Seattle’s win in the NFC title game or not, the fact is that he has generated some buzz for himself. If he follows it up by helping shut down Peyton Manning and Denver’s record-setting offense, he will be in prime position to win MVP honors.

The Sleepers

He has been banged up all season, but Seattle receiver Percy Harvin is on track to play in the Super Bowl. He instantly becomes the Seahawks’ most explosive weapon in the passing game, and he is equally deadly in the return game. If Harvin can stay on the field long enough to rip off a couple of big plays, he could end up being the X-factor that tips the scales in favor of the Seahawks and earn himself MVP honors in the process.

While Denver has been a pass-first team all year, running back Knowshon Moreno has quietly had a solid season, as well. The Seahawks will understandably focus their efforts on shutting down Peyton Manning, which could open the door for Moreno. If he makes the Seattle defense pay for keying in on Manning and has himself a 100-yard game in a Broncos’ victory, he could end up stealing the spotlight and grabbing MVP honors.

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