3 reasons why Josh Allen will win the MVP award over Lamar Jackson

Josh Allen has had one of, if not the best year of his career this season. Allen has proved many doubters wrong, as he was voted the most “overrated” player in the league before this season. Fans and players believed that Allen would show his true colors once Stefon Diggs was traded away.

However, Allen ended up having arguably his best season as a pro, and by far his most efficient season. Allen has only turned over the ball seven times and has still been the touchdown machine he’s been since 2020. He is running the offense under his command, and it’s looked like one of the best offensive units this year.

However, reigning MVP Lamar Jackson has been having his best season as a passer. He’s on pace for 40 touchdown passes and minimal turnovers. Lamar has also been effective on the ground, recording over 850 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

Both quarterbacks have tremendous seasons, so whoever wins MVP this year will deserve the award. However, there are many valid arguments why Allen should be considered over Jackson this season.

Allen is more “valuable” than Lamar this season

Since 2020, Allen has been the focal point of not just the Bills’ offense, but rather the entire team. Allen has evolved his level of play every year, and with the departure of his top two receivers and some key defensive players, he’s stepped up as a player and a leader.

Allen puts his team into the best situations to win football games week in and week out. Of course, some of those times he’s had to put on the Superman cape and have some electric performances. Allen still scores all of these touchdowns, yet has cut his turnovers down by a great amount.

Without Allen, the Bills maybe win three or four games, rather than being the second seed in the AFC. The same argument can’t be made with Lamar Jackson.

Baltimore wouldn’t be in the position they are now with Jackson, and he’s been tremendous this season, but he’s had a lot more help on his offense than Allen had, especially in the run game. Derrick Henry is near 2,000 yards rushing in the year and has single-handedly dominated games.

Jackson doesn’t carry his offense like Allen does. He can’t take over a game without the threat of Henry’s rushing ability. The Ravens are 3-5 this year when Henry is held under 100 yards, and are 4-5 when Jackson has 25 pass attempts or more. It seems the Ravens’ offense runs more through Henry’s performance than Jackosn’s.

The “eye test” is more impressive with Allen than Jackson

Watching both quarterbacks this year, it’s clear who’s been more valuable to their team. Both quarterbacks have a great offensive line, allowing them to use their physically gifted abilities to extend and make plays.

However, when watching the games, Allen has to make a lot more impressive tight-window throws and overall throw the ball a lot more, and when nothing else on offense is working, Allen does everything himself. Rather, Jackson can rely on Derrick Henry to help open up receivers downfield, making a majority of Jackson’s throws easier than Allen’s, which is a big reason why Baltimore’s receivers are near the top in the league in yards of separation while Buffalo’s receivers are near the bottom.

Allen’s performances vs. the top teams in the NFL

Allen faced both top teams in each conference this year, the Chiefs and the Lions, and won both games. Allen didn’t just win those games, he played well in them too.

Against the Chiefs, Allen completed 68% of his passes, recorded 317 total yards and two touchdowns to one turnover. One of Allen’s better performances of the year came against the Lions, recording over 400 yards, four touchdowns, and no turnovers.

Fans will point out some of Allen’s bad games this season, starting with his game against the Ravens. That game was more about Buffalo’s defense not being able to stop Henry, to which he rushed for 199 yards and a touchdown.

Other bad games include the Colts, and most notably the Texans. However, Jackson has had plenty of bad games throughout the season too, especially against the 4-12 Raiders and the 3-13 Browns.

Both quarterbacks played at an MVP-caliber level. However, voters will overall look at the team’s record, the team’s weapons, the quality of opponents, and stats. Jackson does have better stats than Allen, but they’re both not too far off.  Allen has one less turnover, two fewer touchdowns, and 550 more total yards.

Jackson has better weapons around him while most of Allen’s top weapons have been injured for most of the season. The quality of each other’s opponents equals out, as the Ravens are in a more competitive division and have won a majority of those games, while Allen faced arguably two top-three NFL teams and won them both, not even counting a healthy Miami team.

Between these two candidates, the betting odds for MVP are in Allen’s favor, so there’s a likely chance that the 7th-year quarterback will finally get his first MVP of his legendary career, being the first Buffalo Bill to win the award since Thurman Thomas in 1991.