Rams wide receiver Cooper KuppJae C. Hong/Associated Press
O’Donnell: Aaron Donald, DT, Rams
There are a lot of really, really intriguing options for MVP in this game. Both QBs are obvious choices, and we can’t deny the likelihood of the winning QB—seven of the past 10 winners have been QBs—taking the honor. Those other three MVPs in the past 10 years belong to two defensive players and one wide receiver. Receivers Cooper Kupp, Ja’Marr Chase, Odell Beckham Jr., and even Tee Higgins all have the potential to put up monster games worthy of MVP honors. I’ll roll with the game’s best defensive player, though, as he puts on a performance for the ages (and a nice haul for bettors).
Kenyon: Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams
Matthew Stafford. The starting QB of the predicted winning team. Need I say more? If the Rams win this game, Stafford will be one of the reasons why. He’s the safe choice.
Rogers: Aaron Donald, DT, Rams
He’s the best player in the Super Bowl, and he has a laughable matchup. While this award typically leans toward quarterbacks, Donald should take over this game. If the Rams go up early and control the pace of the contest, Stafford’s numbers might not be very gaudy.
Sobleski: Joe Burrow, QB, Bengals
The game is setting itself up to be the coronation of Burrow as the next great NFL quarterback. His pocket presence, Houdini-like escapability and calmness under pressure portend great things now and for years to come. If the Bengals win, it’s because their franchise quarterback overcame the roster’s shortcomings, specifically a porous offensive line.
Davenport: Cooper Kupp, WR, Rams
Kupp has been unstoppable this season, topping 100 receiving yards a staggering 13 times, including two of three playoff games. He also has four scores in those three playoff contests. Kupp goes over the century mark, catches a long touchdown and caps his historic season with a Super Bowl MVP award.
Moton: Cooper Kupp, WR, Rams
Quarterbacks have claimed Super Bowl MVP in three of the past four years, with former New England Patriots wideout Julian Edelman as the only outlier. He caught 10 passes for 141 yards to earn the honor. Kupp can post similar numbers. The 2021 regular-season leader in catches (145), receiving yards (1,947) and touchdown receptions (16), has eclipsed 141 receiving yards in back-to-back games. If Kupp scores a touchdown and goes over 100 yards, he might take home the award.
Consensus MVP pick: None