2022 NFL MVP odds: Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert now most-wagered player on prop

Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen has been the betting favorite to win 2022 NFL MVP honors since mid-April, and he still is at +700 via Caesars Sportsbook. Allen also had been the most-wagered player overall but recent heavy action at the book now has put Chargers QB Justin Herbert, down to +1000, into that spot.

Herbert originally opened at +1400, but his number has been getting shorter for months and is tied for the fourth-lowest odds with two-time reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers behind Allen, Patrick Mahomes (+800) and Tom Brady (+900). The only Chargers player to win league MVP was running back and future Hall-of-Famer LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006. LT deserved it as he set NFL records with 31 total touchdowns scored and 186 points that year.

In July, Herbert has been the most popular MVP bet by both tickets (15 percent) and money wagered (a whopping 36.4 percent) at Caesars. Herbert now leads in overall money wagered on the prop at 13.2 percent with Allen at 12.4, although Allen leads in tickets at 10.6 percent and Herbert is second (for now) at 9.4 percent. Incidentally, Herbert, Allen and Raiders QB Derek Carr (+3000) have combined make up 85.9 percent of the overall NFL MVP handle in July at Caesars.

"Maybe some bettors are looking for a little bit more value than betting the favorite," said Adam Pullen, Assistant Director of Trading at Caesars Sportsbook. "Herbert is a natural choice considering he's still at double-digit odds. He's put up big numbers, but I think his ability to get MVP largely hinges on the Chargers making the playoffs and making some noise. They've been very hyped up the last few years, but they're just fallen short. If he does get them in the playoffs this season, he has a good chance of being in the mix for MVP."

I haven't seen this bet yet at Caesars but a few other books are offering it: AFC West quarterback vs. the field for MVP. Herbert, Mahomes, Carr and new Denver Broncos signal-caller Russell Wilson (+1600) are the four elite names in the loaded division.

Herbert is the +750 second favorite to Brady (+700) at Caesars to lead the NFL in passing yards and +900 fifth favorite for most passing TDs. DraftKings lists Herbert at Over/Under 4700.5 yards and 36.5 TDs.

Chargers veterans report to training camp Tuesday and they are 3.5-point home favorites for the Sept. 11 season opener vs. Carr's Raiders. 

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