NFL 2017 MVP Favorite, Odds: Alex Smith Ahead Of Brady,Rodgers And Brees?

GettyImages-853259104 — Alex Smith has hit his targets in 2017. Getty

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith appears to have the inside track on the league's MVP award entering Week 4 of the 2017 season. While it is still a small sample size, the 33-year-old has looked particularly sharp in leading the Chiefs to a 3-0 record and atop most power rankings.

The Chiefs' season got off to an auspicious start, with Smith passing for 368 yards and four touchdowns in a surprising 42-27 road win over the defending champion New England Patriots in the season opener. It was the most points ever scored on the Patriots in the Bill Belichick era.

Smith has cooled off since then, passing for 406 total yards against the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Chargers. But Smith's 132.7 quarterback rating leads the NFL and he has yet to throw an interception while completing a league-high 77.4 percent of his passes.

Former San Francisco 49ers great Steve Young recently stated how he's seen marked improvements in Smith's passing and praised the veteran for his decision-making and stronger arm.

"He’s throwing rockets. I think he’s kind of extended his throwing motion a little bit so he can put more power in it. He’s always been really accurate and relatively careful. But now the deep ball is different," Young said.

But Smith is not alone in the early MVP race, as many of the familiar names are also off to good starts. Smith is actually tied for fifth place in the latest betting odds.

Patriots' Tom Brady, a two-time MVP, has yet to throw an interception and leads the NFL in touchdown passes (8), and yards (1,092) while following close behind Smith in quarterback rating (121.5).

Drew Brees has been another strong performer. The New Orleans Saints star has thrown six touchdowns without an interception, and has passed for 867 yards. What may hold Brees back is a poor defense that allowed 29 points to the Minnesota Vikings and 36 points to the Patriots.

Two-time MVP Aaron Rodgers has gotten off to a relatively slow start, with three interceptions and just a 93.1 quarterback rating.

2017 NFL MVP BETTING ODDS (Bovada)

Aaron Rodgers (GB) +400

Tom Brady (NE) +400

Matt Ryan (ATL) +400

Matt Stafford (DET) +1,000

Derek Carr (OAK) +1,400

Alex Smith (KC) +1,400

Kareem Hunt (KC) +1,400

Marcus Mariota (TEN) +1,600

Jameis Winston (TB) +2,000

Dak Prescott (DAL) +2,000