According to Caesars Sportsbook, Mahomes holds +400 odds (bet $100 to win $400) to be the 2020 NFL MVP. Reigning MVP Lamar Jackson has the second-best odds at +650, followed by Dallas Cowboys. After his Super Bowl LIV MVP performance, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the favorite at odds of 4-1. Last season’s Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson slides in a close second.

The Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is one of the most exciting and explosive young quarterbacks in the game.

He can throw and run, essentially he can do it all.

This is precisely why he was named the 2019 NFL MVP.

Can Lamar Jackson win another NFL MVP award in 2021?

Yes he can, and here is why.

1. Quarterbacks Won In Recent Years

When the running back was the most dominant player in the NFL offense, he was a more viable candidate.

Emmitt Smith is an example of that.

We are now in the age of quarterbacks being more focal players and either earning glory or disdain.

The 2020 NFL MVP is Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers; this is his third time earning the distinction.

Jackson won in 2019, and the year before Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes won the 2018 MVP award.

In fact, Adrian Peterson in 2012 is the last non-quarterback to win the award.

Tom Brady, Matt Ryan, Cam Newton, and Peyton Manning were winners in the 2010 decade also.

The odds are very good that a quarterback will win the 2021 NFL MVP award.

Since Jackson already won, his odds are even better.

Speaking of odds, oddsmakers are already speculating on who next year’s MVP will be; Jackson is definitely in the running.

Odds to win 2021-22 NFL MVP @WilliamHillUS 📊

+450: Patrick Mahomes
+700: Aaron Rodgers
+1000: Josh Allen
+1200: Russell Wilson
+1500: Lamar Jackson, Tom Brady
+2000: Justin Herbert, Kyler Murray, Dak Prescott, Deshaun Watson, Matthew Stafford
+2500: Ryan Tannehill pic.twitter.com/nAu6RcQ8F3

— The Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) February 24, 2021

2. Statistics Help To Make The MVP Case.

For Lamar Jackson to win the 2021 NFL MVP, he needs to have great statistics.

Aaron Rodgers threw 48 touchdown passes and rushed for 3 touchdowns during the 2020 regular season.

Rodgers’ 51 touchdowns eclipses Jackson’s 2019 numbers.

Jackson threw 36 touchdown passes and rushed for 7.

When Mahomes earned the honor, he threw 50 touchdown passes and rushed for 2.

Though Lamar had 43 in his MVP season, it looks like the quarterback needs over 50 touchdowns, through a combination of passing and rushing, to have a legitimate chance to nab the honor.

3. Big Wins Over Top Tier Teams Improve Jackson’s Chances.

In 2020, the Pittsburgh Steelers were the best team in the Ravens’ division, AFC North.

The Ravens lost both of their matchups with the Steelers.

Of course, the pandemic and Jackson’s own bout with COVID-19 contributed to these results.

However, the point remains.

To be considered NFL MVP, the player must have big games against good opponents.

Lamar Jackson Preseason Mvp Odds

It means more than wracking up numbers against the lesser-talented opponents.

Jackson’s AFC North is division is becoming increasingly competitive.

Three of the four teams made the playoffs in 2020.

And the fourth team, the Cincinnati Bengals, is definitely up and coming.

Jackson will have a lot of tests against formidable opponents in 2021.

For Jackson to repeat as NFL MVP, his performances against these division foes must be top notch.

Concerns About Lamar Jackson And Baltimore Ravens

There is the perennial injury concern for Lamar Jackson given his tremendous mobility.

The other concern is his lack of a supporting cast.

Jackson lacks big name backs and receivers to help spur the Ravens’ offense.

Lamar Jackson Mvp Odds Before The Season

Also, the Ravens lack money, their salary cap carryover is the worst in the NFL.

The League average is just shy of $10 million, and the Ravens are at $587,000.

A look at the salary cap carryover for 2021: pic.twitter.com/Q5JELBem2u

Lamar Jackson Mvp Odds

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) February 19, 2021

Lamar Jackson Mvp Odds

All of these factors could impede Lamar Jackson’s individual success.