MVPs of Super Bowls usually come from the offensive side of the ball. That's where the points are scored.
Bleacher Report is looking at the three most likely candidates for the New England Patriots, and there are no surprises. Drake Maye, their MVP-level quarterback, tops the list, followed by running back Rhamondre Stevenson and wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Quarterbacks are the usual suspects since touchdown passes and/or runs by the QB are clear difference-makers. Yet, running backs also score touchdowns, and a big game by Stevenson (or TreVeyon Henderson, for that matter) could earn the nod.
Additionally, wide receivers have to be on the other end of those touchdown passes, and the Patriots' best by far is Stefon Diggs, who had a superb year coming off ACL surgery. Those are the best choices; though, don't count out big-game defensive tackle Milton Williams. A huge game by Milton with three sacks or so might just tip the balance in his direction, but it's unlikely.
Offensive stars usually get the Super Bowl MVP nod
You're not winning any game, never mind a Super Bowl, without putting points on the board. That's why any observer is going to look in that direction for the MVP. Most of the time, it's the quarterback who rises to the occasion, and Drake Maye is Bleacher Report's top choice for the Patriots, at +232 odds, followed by Stevenson (+2897) and Diggs (+5000).
"This one's pretty simple," B/R's Kris Knox worte. "If you believe that New England can pull off the upset, it's worth backing Maye as an MVP candidate. The talented dual-threat signal-caller was one of the most productive quarterbacks in the league this season and is a finalist for the regular-season MVP award."
One factor that could influence the result if the Patriots win the game, and the MVP award, is Maye's ailing shoulder and his current illness. Maye's shoulder is balky, and he'll be up against a top defense in the Seahawks. If he's not up to snuff as a passer, it won't only dent his MVP possibilities but could sink the Patriots as well.
Drake Maye is still the Patriots' best MVP bet
Balky shoulder or not, expect Maye to show up and star in the Super Bowl. It's the biggest game of his life, and he's not going to let a shoulder injury, an illness, or anything else keep him from going all-out to win this game.
Stevenson and Diggs could also be in the mix, but to a lesser extent. Stevenson isn't a home-run hitter but a solid, dependable back when he holds onto the rock. Diggs is a Pro Bowl-level receiver, but to excel, he needs to get the targets from Maye.
And, to top off why Drake Maye is the Patriots' most likely MVP candidate, it's his superb running ability. The team has used almost no programmed runs for Maye this year. His 450 yards on the ground during the regular season were almost exclusively from broken plays.
In the AFC Championship Game, Maye ran a naked reverse that iced the game, but that was an impromptu, spur-of-the-moment call. Yet, should the Patriots finally program runs by Maye to add deception to the offense, there's no doubt it will work. That, coupled with whatever passes he'll complete, can win the game for the New England Patriots and the MVP for Maye.