NFL Awards – Futures Betting

NFL betting isn’t just restricted to the action every Sunday.

Even in the heat of the summer months, football fans can put money down on the upcoming NFL season.

Player awards are a very profitable NFL prop bet and here’s an inside look at two of the most popular:

NFL MVP

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Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts (+550)

Manning will likely be an MVP candidate every season until he finally hangs up his cleats.

The Colts quarterback is coming off back-to-back MVP awards after taking Indianapolis all the way to the Super Bowl and toying with an undefeated season.

He still has favorite targets Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne and welcomes back No. 2 receiver Anthony Gonzalez, who missed 2009 due to injury.

The Colts’ defense is getting older by the game, so Manning’s performance is even more important in 2010.

If he can keep them among the NFL’s elite, another MVP is almost guaranteed.

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints (+700)

A MVP award is the only thing really missing from Brees’ resume following his dream season in 2010.

The Saints kept their Super Bowl team pretty much intact, with Brees back under center.

He’s dangerously accurate with a cannon for an arm and he’s been sharp in the red zone, throwing the most red-zone passes of any NFL quarterback last season.

Brees has the stats, wins, and now a Super Bowl swagger to sway MVP voters in 2010.

Tom Brady, New England Patriots (+800)

Much like Manning, Brady must be considered among the top players in the NFL every year.

The Patriots will battle the New York Jets for the top spot in the AFC East and have loaded up with some new faces to help Brady get them there.

Veteran tight end Alge Crumpler and receiver Torry Holt are on board along with WR Randy Moss.

However, Wes Welker doesn’t look like he’ll be back from knee surgery at the start of the season. He’s been Brady’s go-to guy the past few seasons.

Rookie of the Year

Ryan Matthews, San Diego Chargers (+500)

Out with the old and in with the new in San Diego.

The Chargers dropped LaDainian Tomlinson and drafted Fresno State stud running back Matthews to carry the rushing load in 2010.

Matthews led the nation in rushing yards last season but has yet to come to terms with the team.

He will miss the start of training camp while both parties mull over contracts.

Matthews is a more physical runner compared to backfield mate Darren Sproles, giving San Diego a terrific tandem on the ground.

Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys (+500)

The playmaking wideout was making headlines as soon as the Cowboys traded up in the draft to get him.

Bryant will wear Michael Irvin’s No. 88, putting on some huge shoes which the franchise is hoping he’ll fill.

Bryant was a downfield dynamo at Oklahoma State but missed most of his final college season due to suspension. He was the first top pick to sign and was the first player on the field at Dallas’ training camp.

He’ll join a stellar air attack for the Cowboys alongside Miles Austin, Roy Williams, and tight end Jason Witten.

Jahvid Best, Detroit Lions (+600)

Best is another move in the right direction for the lowly Lions.

The former Cal running back put up great numbers in his final year in the Pac-10, rushing for 867 yards and 12 touchdowns despite an injury-shortened season.

He’ll share carries with Kevin Smith in a rushing attack that should take some of the heat off second-year quarterback Matthew Stafford and a budding passing game.

Best is another top pick that has yet to sign but Detroit expects him to be ready for camp sooner than later.