As the 2024 NFL season passes its midpoint, the competition for the league’s Most Valuable Player award is fiercer than ever. While some familiar faces lead the pack, a few surprise contenders have emerged to shake up the race. Here’s a look at the current top candidates, their odds, and what sets them apart in their pursuit of the NFL’s highest individual honor.
Lamar Jackson Maintains Narrow Lead
Despite a subpar showing in Week 11, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson remains our MVP frontrunner. With 25 touchdown passes through 11 games, Jackson has already surpassed his total from last year’s MVP campaign. His dynamic dual-threat ability continues to befuddle defenses, as he ranks second in both passing yards and QBR.
However, Jackson’s path to a third MVP trophy won’t be easy. He faces tough tests ahead against the stingy Chargers defense and rematches with division rivals Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Any slip-up could open the door for the hard-charging Josh Allen to overtake him.
Josh Allen Closes the Gap
Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen made perhaps the strongest MVP statement of Week 11, outdueling Patrick Mahomes in a thrilling win over the Chiefs. Allen’s late rushing touchdown sealed the victory, showcasing the unique skills that have him poised to capture his first MVP award.
The most impressive part of Allen’s campaign is that he’s doing it without a clear-cut number one receiver. He’s elevated the play of the entire Buffalo offense.
An unnamed AFC scout
With a league-high 11 different players catching TD passes from Allen, his ability to spread the wealth is keeping the Bills in Super Bowl contention. A few more signature wins could vault Allen past Jackson by season’s end.
Resurgent Goff Climbs MVP Ladder
One month ago, Jared Goff was an afterthought in the MVP discussion. But a scintillating stretch, capped by a 400-yard, 4-TD dismantling of the Jaguars, has the Lions quarterback squarely in the mix.
Goff’s efficiency and ability to rebound from a disastrous 5-interception outing have silenced doubters. He’ll need to be near-perfect down the stretch to seriously challenge Jackson and Allen, but count out the former Ram at your own peril.
Mahomes Still Lurking
Patrick Mahomes may not be stuffing the stat sheet like previous seasons, but his MVP case remains viable. The Chiefs are 10-1, with Mahomes deftly orchestrating the offense despite missing key weapons for much of the year.
The arrival of DeAndre Hopkins could spark a late-season surge for Mahomes. With upcoming games versus the Panthers’ and Raiders’ porous pass defenses, a few vintage performances might be enough to secure a second MVP for the Kansas City superstar.
Saquon Barkley’s Stunning Resurgence
In the season’s biggest plot twist, Saquon Barkley has crashed the MVP party. Traded from the Giants to the undefeated Eagles, Barkley is authoring a career renaissance that has him in the thick of the MVP chase.
- Leads NFL with 113.7 rushing yards per game
- 26 rushes of 10+ yards (1st in NFL)
- On pace for career-highs in rush yards & TDs
No running back has won MVP since Adrian Peterson in 2012. It would take a truly historic finish for Barkley to buck that trend. But if he keeps gashing defenses while powering Philly to perfection, voters will have a hard time ignoring his impact.
Dual-Threat Dangers
Two rising stars also bear watching over the final third of the season. Arizona’s Kyler Murray ranks 3rd in QBR while flashing his electric running ability. Washington’s Jayden Daniels has been a revelation as a rookie, already notching 14 total TDs with just 3 INTs.
With Jackson and Allen lighting the blueprint for dual-threat dominance, Murray and Daniels could soon join them as perennial MVP contenders. For now, their job is to keep winning and let their otherworldly talent do the talking.
The Final Verdict
Lamar Jackson remains the odds-on favorite to capture his record-tying third MVP award. But the gap is narrowing. Josh Allen is poised to overtake him with a few more statement victories. Patrick Mahomes cannot be counted out. And Saquon Barkley’s late charge adds an element of intrigue we haven’t seen in years.
The 2024 NFL MVP race is shaping up to be an all-timer. With six weeks left, the only certainty is that anything can happen. Buckle up and enjoy the ride – this chase is going down to the wire.
