Predictions and Odds for the CFP National Championship MVP: Sawyer and Howard are the Favorites

• Notre Dame (14-1) collides with Ohio State (13-2) for the college football national championship Monday at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.
• There will be an official Offensive and Defensive Most Valuable Player Award given at the conclusion of the game.
• Check out our analysis as we break down the odds on the MVP award and tell you what to look for before Monday’s championship.

It’s a battle of college football powerhouses when Ohio State meets Notre Dame Monday for the national championship in Atlanta.

In the previous 10-year history of the CFP title game, players on the winning team has also swept the Offensive and Defensive MVP awards.

On the offensive side, the MVP has been a quarterback six times (no surprise), with a running back winning twice. Defensively, a defensive back/safety has won the honor six times, usually related to a turnover. Last year’s defensive MVP, Will Johnson, had a pick in the Wolverines win over Washington.

We have a deep look at the odds for this year’s MVP awards and tips on the best value for Monday.

Offensive MVP Odds

Odds as of Jan. 19 at DraftKings Sportsbook. Be sure to check the top DraftKings Sportsbook promos before making a bet on any big football match-up. 

Howard Favored for Offensive MVP

It’s no surprise that Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard at the top of the list. Ohio State is the strong favorite to win, and Howard has been brilliant in the first three playoff games, throwing for 311, 319 and 289 yards.

JEREMIAH SMITH DID IT ALL ON THIS DRIVE 🔥

ANOTHER RIDICULOUS ONE-HANDED TD GRAB 😱 @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/EmdWmKKXBA

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 5, 2024

Then it gets interesting looking at the other Buckeyes. Jeremiah Smith has been one of the breakout stars of the season, but Texas held him to just one catch in the playoff semifinal. The freshman has 293 yards receiving in the playoff. TreVeyon Henderson had a big game in the Rose Bowl against Oregon and has four TDs in the playoff, but his running mate Quinshon Judkins has almost as many yards from scrimmage.

Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard doesn’t overwhelm anybody with one thing, but he wins. He’s run for 866 yards. The Fighting Irish also have a great tandem of running backs in Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. There’s some great value on Price, who has been the Irish’s big-play threat out of the backfield.

• Our Pick – It’s boring to go with the favorite, but Howard is the man here for Ohio State. Even if Smith has a big game with six catches and two touchdowns, Howard will get the votes.

Defensive MVP Odds

There might be some recency bias here, with Sawyer leading the way after his game-sealing scoop and score for the Buckeyes against Texas. Sawyer is only sixth on the Buckeyes in tackles. Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs has two picks and 7.5 tackles for loss.

I keep coming back to this play as the moment you really believed Notre Dame could do this.

This was “SEC speed” from Adon Shuler. Not that the Irish didn’t believe it themselves, but this was proof they more than belonged on the field. pic.twitter.com/kGjUu0M4Sg

— Jack Soble (@jacksoble56) January 3, 2025

On the Irish side, Watts is the top pick with six interceptions this season, and keep an eye on Shuler, the freshman safety. He could be matched up with Smith, and if they shut him down, that could sway some votes his way. Jack Kiser is coming off a season-high 10 tackles against Penn State in the semifinal.

• Our pick – We love Cody Simon, the Ohio State linebacker. He leads the Buckeyes in tackles with 104, and you know Notre Dame will try to run the ball. Simon could finish with 12 tackles and a forced fumble and be the Defensive MVP.

As the College Football Playoff National Championship game approaches, all eyes are on the potential MVP candidates who could make a significant impact on the outcome of the game. According to sportsbooks and analysts, two players stand out as the favorites to win the prestigious MVP award: Bryce Young of Alabama and Stetson Bennett of Georgia.

Bryce Young, the star quarterback for Alabama, has been a standout player all season long. He has thrown for over 4,300 yards and 43 touchdowns, leading his team to an impressive 13-1 record. Young’s ability to make plays with his arm and his legs has made him a dangerous threat to opposing defenses, and he will undoubtedly be a key player to watch in the championship game.

On the other side of the field, Stetson Bennett has been a surprise standout for Georgia this season. After taking over as the starting quarterback mid-season, Bennett has led the Bulldogs to an undefeated record and a spot in the national championship game. Bennett’s ability to make clutch throws in crucial moments has been a key factor in Georgia’s success, and he will be looking to continue his impressive play in the championship game.

While both Young and Bennett are deserving favorites for the MVP award, there are several other players who could also make a strong case for the honor. Players like Jameson Williams of Alabama, who has been a dynamic playmaker all season long, and Jordan Davis of Georgia, who has been a dominant force on defense, could also be in contention for the award.

As the game approaches, sportsbooks will be offering odds on who will win the MVP award, giving fans the opportunity to place bets on their favorite players. No matter who ultimately takes home the award, one thing is for certain: the CFP National Championship MVP will be a player who makes a significant impact on the outcome of the game and cements their place in college football history.