Luc’s Favorite Future Bets: Super Bowl Predictions to MVP
A thrilling Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs gave us high-flying offenses, amazing special teams moments, and a Sunday slate of two battles that came down to the final moments. It was truly amazing to witness, serving as a true testament to the quality product that is postseason football. As we approach the annual NFL Honors ceremony in two weeks, I thought it would be the perfect time to analyze where I think the NFL regular season awards should go, and how I think the rest of these playoffs will pan out. Here are my best NFL futures bets.
MVP: Josh Allen, -300
I don’t think there’s any doubt that Josh Allen has played the best football of his career this season. The seventh-year veteran threw for 28 touchdowns, and ran for another 12, all while cleaning up his history of turnovers with just six interceptions all year. In the process, Allen led his team with marquee wins over the Lions and Chiefs. Maybe his MVP-defining play came against Kansas City when he called his own number on a fourth and two very late in the game for a 26-yard touchdown run. There are others in the NFL who had fantastic seasons, but given Allen’s incredible performances week in and week out, take Allen for MVP in any future parlay with confidence.
Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Surtain II, +150
The 2024 Defensive Player of the Year all comes down to a two-man race between the Steelers’ T.J. Watt and the Broncos’ Patrick Surtain II. Both had stellar years at their respective positions. Watt, the slight favorite, had 19 tackles for a loss including 11.5 sacks, both near the top of the league. When he wasn’t delivering punishment, the Steelers’ All-Pro defensive end ate up blocks to open up space for teammates to make plays. Many believe Watt did just enough to earn his second Defensive Player of the Year honor in his spectacular career.
Patrick Surtain II, meanwhile, made a case for himself with an essentially perfect season from his defensive back position. Despite being paired up against the opposing team’s top wide receiver each week, Surtain somehow only allowed 279 yards all year long. The passer rating for opposing quarterbacks when targeting a receiver Surtain was guarding, was a meager 56. It was the season of a lifetime for the 24-year-old corner from Plantation, Florida. The votes will be close, but I think the plus odds on Surtain II combined with what he managed to achieve this year makes him my favorite futures bet on this award.
Super Bowl Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Washington Commanders: +432
I am taking the Chiefs to return to the Super Bowl for the third straight year and the Commanders finding the upset in Philadelphia as my Super Bowl futures prediction. For me, the Eagles make far too many mistakes to maintain success in the always competitive NFL Playoffs. Based on what I saw from Jalen Hurts as well today, I don’t think he is fully healthy. Similarly, this Chiefs team has only gotten better as the season goes on. People questioned Patrick Mahomes’ ball security and decision-making throughout this season and for fair reasons. By Week 11, the three-time Super Bowl MVP was near the top of the league with 12 interceptions. Since then, Mahomes has thrown 12 touchdowns and no interceptions, with about 250 yards passing per game. In other words, he’s been plain unstoppable. Give me the Chiefs to take home another AFC Championship en route to their third straight Super Bowl win.
