With just a few weeks to play in the regular season, it is time to think about who the 2024 NFL MVP should be. There are plenty of worthy candidates, although one has started to run away with the award (literally) in the last few weeks. As we know and as voters have proved time and time again, this is a quarterback award. I don’t agree with that, but it is what it is. Here are the five guys who are still very much in the conversation as we head to Week 17.
Josh Allen: Buffalo – QB
Josh Allen is easily putting together the best season of his career. What he has done not only with his arm, but maybe more importantly with his legs has been incredible. As we head to Week 17, Allen has the best QBR, the sixth most passing touchdowns and has thrown just six interceptions. While his passing yards only rank ninth, he has added 11 rushing touchdowns this season which has put Buffalo over the top in so many games. Given the Bills have already won the AFC East, they have a great shot at getting Allen his first ever MVP. Vegas Odds: -400 (1st)
Saquon Barkley: Philadelphia – RB
This would be my pick for MVP this season. The Eagles are playing fantastic football and Barkley is the biggest reason why. He leads the league in rushing yards entering Week 17 and has 200 more rushing yards than the next leading rusher Derrick Henry. He trails in rushing touchdowns to only James Cook and his teammate Jalen Hurts. I imagine half of Hurts’ touchdowns should really be attributed to Barkley. This offense is terrifying and at the heart of it is Barkley. Vegas Odds: +400
Lamar Jackson: Baltimore – QB
Lamar Jackson is no stranger to the MVP award. He has two already in his young career but he’s much more focused now on winning a Lombardi Trophy. Jackson is fifth in passing yards, second in passing touchdowns with 37, and second in QBR. As you would imagine, he is getting a lot done with his legs as well. Jackson has another 765 yards on the ground which is best among QBs and ranks 25th overall. He has added another three scores on the ground and has the Ravens in the mix of winning the AFC North. Vegas Odds: +900
Jared Goff: Detroit – QB
The best team in the NFC has the most accurate QB in the league which is getting Jared Goff some serious looks as an MVP candidate. Goff has a 71.4 percent completion rating. Of players that have played at least 12 games this season, that ranks second overall. He’s thrown 33 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. The biggest argument against Goff is that he plays on a team with multiple offensive weapons. While he is a deserving leader, he isn’t the best offensive player on his own team. Vegas Odds: +900
Prediction:
Through 14 weeks of football, Allen is my MVP. He lost Stefon Diggs this offseason and hasn’t skipped a beat with a largely inexperienced offense.