There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill. He’s gotten the Titans to the playoffs twice in the last two years and has the face of a bright and attractive franchise star.
Still, he’s up against insanely strong competition, and that’s why his MVP odds for the 2021 season are +2500, according to WynnBET.
To no one’s surprise, Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, and Josh Allen round out the top three (to no one’s surprise) while Tannehill’s closest competitors are Kyler Murray (+2000) and Baker Mayfield (+3000).
Titans fans should be elated to know that two of Tannehill’s division rivals have worse odds than he does. Colts’ signal-caller Carson Wentz is down there by Derrick Henry at +4000 (honestly, we think Henry could outperform that guy any day). Jaguars rookie Trevor Lawrence is way down there joining the eye-candied quarterback group of Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo at +7500.
The Texans’ controversial Deshaun Watson, though, has slightly better odds than Tannehill for winning MVP at +2000. Given the blatant fact that Watson might not even play due to his legal troubles, his projected odds have us scratching our heads.
Titans QB Ryan Tannehill has meager odds to win MVP this season
NFL analysts have previously compared Tannehill and Watson’s respective production value last season, and a few placed more confidence in Watson to lead a team into the playoffs and be able to play on the big stage.
When both QBs are healthy, Watson may have the edge in pound-for-pound performance, given his stellar collegiate and pro league history (and he’s seven years younger too). But Tannehill is slowly chugging his way up to stardom, coming off the heels of a 2020 season when he threw for a career-high 33 touchdowns and had 3800 passing yards. His 13 interceptions in the last two seasons are his lowest ever, and though he has just one Pro Bowl in 2019, he could be due for another.
The main reason? Two words. Julio Jones. With one of the most formidable receiver units heading into 2021, Tannehill will have his work cut out for him, whereas the only work Watson may have this season is legal paperwork.
At the end of the day, Tannehill stacks up well against his AFC South peers and his MVP odds shouldn’t draw concern for the Titan’s postseason run. When Tannehill’s got teammates like Derrick Henry and A.J. Brown, he knows winning MVP isn’t necessarily the goal.
Winning the Super Bowl is the goal. Visit BetSided.com for more betting insight and for more stories like this one.