The NFL MVP contest is as close as it can get this season. Throughout the season, guys like Saquon Barkley, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Josh Allen have come up in debate. As the season winds down, it appears to be a two-man contest between Jackson and Allen.
Jackson is hoping to earn his third MVP title, while Allen is trying for his first. There are numerous arguments for why both players deserve it. However, one thing distinguishes Jackson and Allen: Allen has been the better player all season.
Every week, we witness Allen set records and rewrite history. He recently became the first player in NFL history to achieve 40+ total touchdowns in five consecutive seasons, whilst Jackson had only two seasons of 40+ touchdowns. Allen was the first quarterback to throw, run, and grab a touchdown pass in a single game. Finally, he and Thurman Thomas are tied for the team record of 65 rushing touchdowns. Not to mention, Derrick Henry is the only player with more running touchdowns than Allen since 2018.
It’s been a difficult year to vote for MVP this season, but we’ve just heard that NFL Insider Dianna Russini, an official voter, is leaning toward Jackson over Allen based on Jackson’s performance this season. Russini talked about it on a podcast, and the MVP talk begins at 24:00.
Stats should not be the reason why Josh Allen loses out on MVP award
Aside from victories and rushing touchdowns, Jackson has better stats than Allen this year. Not to mention, Jackson led the Ravens to a victory over the Bills in Week 4.
However, statistics were not discussed in last year’s MVP discussion. In 2023, Allen surpassed Jackson in passing yards, passing yards per game, passing touchdowns, and rushing touchdowns. It’s funny how that wasn’t discussed enough last season.
If voters believe Jackson was the superior overall player and passed the eye test more than Allen, so be it. At the same time, citing statistics as the primary reason Jackson won the MVP award this season over Allen is ludicrous.
