NFL MVP race: Josh Allen's case takes a hit. Is he still No. 1?
NFL MVP Race: Josh Allen Stumbles, but Remains in the Lead as Rivals Close In
By Safid Deen, USA Today | December 25, 2024
Josh Allen has been the front-runner in the NFL MVP race for weeks, but the star quarterback’s latest performance may have introduced a crack in his armor. Despite leading the Buffalo Bills to a hard-fought 24-21 victory over the New England Patriots, Allen struggled in one of his least impressive outings of the season, raising questions about whether he still holds the top spot in this heated race.
Allen’s performance was far from his usual elite level. Completing just 16 of 29 passes for 154 yards with one touchdown and one interception, Allen failed to dominate the game as he typically does. The Bills relied heavily on contributions from running back James Cook, who scored two crucial touchdowns, and cornerback Taron Johnson, whose fumble recovery in the end zone sealed the win. While the Bills ultimately triumphed, Allen’s uneven performance has left the door open for other MVP contenders to make their case.
Here’s how the top five contenders stack up heading into Week 17:
5. Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles (Stock: Even)
Saquon Barkley continued his exceptional 2024 season with a standout performance in the Eagles’ 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders. With starting quarterback Jalen Hurts sidelined due to a concussion, Barkley carried the offensive load, rushing for 150 yards and scoring two touchdowns.
Barkley now leads the NFL with 2,114 scrimmage yards and ranks third in total touchdowns with 15, trailing only Cincinnati’s Ja'Marr Chase and Buffalo’s Cook (16 each). Barkley’s importance to the Eagles cannot be overstated, especially as he’s been a key part of the team’s success, even setting up many of Hurts’ goal-line touchdowns. However, the challenge of winning MVP as a running back in a quarterback-dominated league may limit his chances.
4. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs (Stock: Even)
Despite playing through a high-ankle sprain, Patrick Mahomes showed why he’s still a top contender. The Chiefs defeated the Houston Texans 27-19, with Mahomes contributing a pivotal 15-yard rushing touchdown and throwing for another. He finished with 260 passing yards on 28-of-41 attempts.
Mahomes’ season totals—3,608 passing yards, 23 touchdown passes, and a 66.7 QBR—aren’t as eye-popping as in years past. Yet, his ability to lead the Chiefs to the best record in the NFL, with 10 of their 14 wins coming in one-score games, speaks volumes about his value. His MVP case hinges on Kansas City maintaining its top spot in the AFC standings.
3. Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions (Stock: Even)
Jared Goff continues to shine in Detroit’s remarkable season. The Lions rebounded from a rare loss with a commanding 34-17 win over the Chicago Bears, where Goff threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns.
The Lions are in prime position to secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed, thanks in large part to Goff’s stellar play. He boasts the second-best passer rating (112.2) and completion percentage (71.4) in the league, with 33 touchdown passes, ranking fourth among quarterbacks. However, Goff remains just behind two other players who have been slightly more impactful this season.
2. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens (Stock: Even)
Lamar Jackson added another impressive game to his MVP résumé, throwing three touchdown passes in a 34-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens remain in contention for the AFC North title, needing to win out while hoping for a Steelers loss.
Jackson leads the league with a 120.6 passer rating and has thrown 37 touchdown passes, second only to Joe Burrow (39). His dual-threat ability and game-changing performances have kept the Ravens in the playoff hunt despite five losses. While Jackson’s numbers are dazzling, those defeats may hinder his chances to unseat the current leader.
1. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills (Stock: Even)
Despite his struggles against New England, Josh Allen’s body of work keeps him atop the MVP race. He has been the driving force behind Buffalo’s success, delivering marquee wins against the Chiefs and Lions—two of the NFL’s best teams. He also made history this season as the first player to throw three touchdowns and score three rushing touchdowns in a single game.
Allen leads the league in QBR (76.7) and has accounted for 26 touchdown passes and 12 rushing touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and dominance. With the Bills clinching the AFC East, Allen remains the favorite, but he can’t afford another misstep. Buffalo’s upcoming games against the Jets and Patriots could either solidify his position or allow another contender to snatch the award.
