Don’t look now! Matthew Stafford odds on favorite to win NFL MVP award

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NFL: Detroit Lions at New York Giants
Dec 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) warms up prior to the game against the Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Just prior to the start of the 2017 regular season, it was announced that the Detroit Lions had decided to make Matthew Stafford the highest paid player in NFL history.

Stafford’s first test as the highest paid player would come in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals and things did not start off as planned. On his first attempt of the game, Stafford threw a pick-6, awakening the Twitter trolls, who did not hold back with their insults. One of those trolls was none other than ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who immediately tweeted out his displeasure with the highest paid player throwing a pick-6.

But from that moment on, Stafford took over the game and ended up throwing four touchdowns as the Lions took care of business by beating the Cardinals. Smith ended up apologizing for his tweet and everyone moved on.

Now, after leading the Lions into MetLife Stadium and taking down the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, Stafford is starting to get some major love from around the nation.

In fact, Bovada now has him listed as a 5-1 favorite along with Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers to win the 2017 NFL MVP award.

Not only are the Lions off to a 2-0 start, but statistically speaking, Stafford has certainly been on top of his game. In two games, the Lions signal-caller has completed 71% of his passes while tossing six touchdowns and only one interception. His quarterback rating of 114.6 ranks him No. 4 in the NFL and he has been a major reason for the Lions success.

If you recall, Stafford forced his way into the MVP conversation in 2016 before fading down the stretch. One thing is for sure, if the Lions continue to win football games and Stafford continues to put up numbers, he definitely has a shot to take home an MVP award. But that is probably the last thing on his mind.