When reigning NFL MVP Tom Brady went down with a season-ending knee injury in the first week of the regular season, it ensured that there would be some movement in the online sportsbook community in regards to the prestigious award. Here is a peek at who you should be looking at, and remember: only three times since 1938 has a player other than a quarterback or a running back has won the MVP, so keep that in mind when preparing to bet on NFL futures for the MVP award.

Brett Favre, New York Jets

There is no one the NFL wants to see succeed more than Favre, especially with Brady out. Favre threw a career-high six touchdown passes in Week 4 against Arizona, showing that he is more comfortable with the Jets’ system on each and every possession. However, Favre does try to take too much on sometimes, as noticed with his two picks in a Week 3 loss in San Diego. If the Jets can win the AFC East, Favre will be a top contender for the NFL MVP in online sportsbooks everywhere.

Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys are the class of the NFC on paper, and if they are going to head to Tampa Bay in February for the Super Bowl, Romo will be the one leading them. Romo has thrown for 300 yards or more in three of his first four games, steering the Cowboys to a 3-1 start in the league’s toughest division. Romo needs to avoid his late-season struggles of 2007 to have a legitimate shot in the NFL futures for the MVP award.

Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles

After struggling last year with injuries, McNabb looks to be back to his best in 2008, even though the Eagles are only 2-2 after their first four games. This week would be a great opportunity for McNabb to show he is operating on all cylinders, as Eagles vs Redskins lines have Philadelphia as a six-point favorite at home against a divisional rival, and Washington’s pass defense has been hurt by a calf injury to Jason Taylor.

Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

In just his second season, Peterson has replaced 2006 MVP LaDainian Tomlinson as the league’s best running back. The Vikings’ aerial attack is not so hot, leading to a lot of carries for the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, this is a Catch-22 because defenses are going to stack the line in hopes of making the Minnesota quarterback beat them. This week’s Monday night game should be a huge outing for Peterson, even though Vikings vs Saints odds have Minnesota as three-point underdogs on the road. New Orleans’ defense is ranked 20th against the run, so expect to see a lot of Peterson.

Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

Manning and his Colts have gotten off to a poor start by their lofty standards, but they still have solid Super Bowl odds despite a 1-2 record. Many of Manning’s problems can be attributed to the absence of Jeff Saturday, who has been Manning’s center since 2000 and handled the blocking assignments in the complex Indianapolis system. Saturday returned last week in a loss to Jacksonville and is playing with a torn ligament in his knee, and if that knee does not hold up, Manning may not be able to boost his NFL MVP odds.