The 2024 NFL MVP Race: A Tight Affair Down the Stretch
The National Football League’s Most Valuable Player award is one of the most hotly debated topics each season. As the 2024 campaign drew to a close, the discussion intensified, with three exceptional talents emerging as the frontrunners: Josh Allen, the dynamic quarterback of the Buffalo Bills; Saquon Barkley, the electrifying running back for the Philadelphia Eagles; and Lamar Jackson, the record-breaking quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens. Each player presented a compelling case, leaving voters with a difficult decision to make.
Josh Allen’s season was nothing short of spectacular. Despite the offseason trade of Stefon Diggs, which led many to believe the Bills would regress, Allen propelled his team to a 13-4 record and the AFC’s No. 2 seed. His dual-threat ability was on full display as he threw for 3,731 yards and 28 touchdowns while also leading all quarterbacks with 12 rushing touchdowns. Allen’s leadership and ability to make game-changing plays were undeniable, carrying the Bills through crucial matchups and securing key victories against top contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions. His overall efficiency was also noteworthy, as he limited his turnovers to just eight for the entire season.
Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ sensational quarterback, had a season for the ages. He became the first player in NFL history to throw for over 4,000 yards (4,172) and rush for over 900 yards (915) in a single season. His 41 passing touchdowns led the league, and his passer rating of 119.6 was the fourth-highest in NFL history. Jackson’s ability to impact the game with both his arm and his legs made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He led the Ravens to a 12-5 record and a head-to-head victory over Allen’s Bills in the regular season. Jackson’s historical statistical achievements and his team’s success made him a strong contender for his third MVP award.
In a season dominated by quarterback excellence, Saquon Barkley made a compelling case for running backs. Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, Barkley had a phenomenal year, rushing for a league-leading 2,000 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also contributed significantly in the passing game, showcasing his versatility and importance to the Eagles’ offense. Barkley’s historic performance against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12, where he set an Eagles franchise record with 255 rushing yards, further solidified his MVP candidacy. While the MVP award has predominantly gone to quarterbacks in recent years, Barkley’s exceptional season and his pivotal role in the Eagles’ success reignited the debate about the value of a dominant running back.
The MVP voting revealed a tight contest between Allen and Jackson. Ultimately, Josh Allen edged out Lamar Jackson, receiving 27 first-place votes to Jackson’s 23. Saquon Barkley finished third in the voting. This outcome sparked considerable discussion, especially since Jackson earned First-Team All-Pro honors, which are voted on by the same panel. Jackson’s statistical superiority in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and rushing yards, coupled with the Ravens’ regular-season victory over the Bills, led many to believe he was the more deserving candidate. However, the narrative surrounding Allen’s ability to elevate his team despite the perceived loss of talent and the Bills’ slightly better regular-season record likely swayed some voters.
The 2024 NFL MVP race highlighted the exceptional talent and diverse ways players can impact their teams. While Josh Allen ultimately took home the award, the remarkable seasons of Lamar Jackson and Saquon Barkley ensured that the debate would continue long after the final votes were cast. This close contest underscores the subjective nature of the MVP award and the various factors voters consider when determining the league’s most valuable player.
