Willie Parker
Willie Parker When it comes to breaking down the numbers for odds makers to set lines for who will win the MVP Award in the Super Bowl, it always starts with the quarterback position. This year will be no different.

Since the first Super Bowl played, 22 quarterbacks have won the MVP award. Running backs have claimed the trophy seven times and wide receivers have won five times. Only two defensive ends, two linebackers and two safeties have won the award, while cornerback, defensive tackle and return men have all claimed the award just once.

This year Ben Roethlisberger is coming in as the favorite, he is sitting at about +200, while his counterpart Kurt Warner is right right behind at +250. If Sunday's game gives us a lot of offense, either of the quarterbacks is a pretty safe bet.

As we move down the list, we can stay on the offensive side of the ball. Steelers running back Willie
Parker and Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald are who odds makers are saying are the next likely to be MVP. Most sportsbooks have Parker at +500 with Fitzgerald right behind him at +550.

Now we turn to the other side of the ball for the defensive favorite to be MVP of the Super Bowl. The Steelers Troy Polamalu's odds are sitting at about +950. Not bad, but not completely out of the relm of possiblity concidering the Pittsburgh Steelers have the league's no. 1 defense. We have seen Polamalu time and time again take over games all by himself.

Two of the best values in the field would have to be Cardinals' Anquan Boldin and Edgerrin James coming in at about +1500.

My pick is Willie Parker. The Steelers running back is finally healthy and more than capable of carrying the Pittsburgh offense. The Steelers are going to have to run and control the clock to win this game. Parker could have a lot of touches before this one is through.