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Saquon Barkley takes the lead in the NFL MVP race this season.

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As the NFL regular season wraps up, the MVP race is hotter than ever. We’ve witnessed incredible performances from multiple players this year, making it one of the tightest MVP races in recent memory. Lamar Jackson broke records as the engine of the NFL’s top offense. Saquon Barkley joined the exclusive 2,000-yard rushing club while single-handedly carrying the Eagles. Joe Burrow lit up the stat sheet despite his team’s struggles. And then there’s Josh Allen, the betting favorite, who elevated his dual-threat game to a whole new level.

Let’s break down the cases for each contender.

4. Josh Allen

Buffalo’s Josh Allen has had a historic season, carrying the Bills to a 13-3 record and the AFC’s No. 2 seed despite significant offseason losses. Allen accounted for 41 total touchdowns with just eight turnovers, making him one of only five quarterbacks since 2000 with a +16 differential in those categories- a feat that has always led to an NFL MVP win.

Allen also became the second player ever to post five seasons with 40 total touchdowns. His December performances were legendary: 18 total touchdowns with only one turnover, a feat no one in NFL history has ever achieved. Despite losing key weapons like Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, Allen elevated his game, posting 3,731 passing yards and 600 rushing yards.

Buffalo lost crucial players on both sides of the ball, yet Allen kept the team in Super Bowl contention. He didn’t have the luxury of a Derrick Henry or a dominant defense. It’s clear: the Bills are where they are because of Allen’s brilliance.

3. Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow has been the most prolific passer in the NFL this season. He leads the league in both passing yards (4,641) and touchdowns (42), achieving the highest touchdown mark in three years. Burrow’s precision and poise under pressure have been unmatched, especially considering the Bengals’ porous defense and constant deficits.

The Bengals rank near the bottom in points and yards allowed, forcing Burrow to deliver near-perfect performances to keep them competitive consistently. Despite this, Burrow has kept Cincinnati in playoff contention, even after a dismal 1-4 start. Take Burrow off the Bengals, and they wouldn’t sniff a playoff berth. His ability to lead an offense everyone knows has to pass- and still thrive- is remarkable.

2. Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson has redefined the quarterback position yet again, setting numerous records in 2024. He’s on track to become the first player in NFL history with 4,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards in a single season. He also boasts a jaw-dropping 39-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio and an 8.95 yards-per-attempt average, leading the league in both categories.

Jackson’s 121.6 passer rating is the second-highest in NFL history, trailing only Aaron Rodgers’ 2011 season. He’s achieved these numbers while guiding Baltimore to an 11-5 record, with the chance to secure the AFC North and the No. 3 seed in Week 18. Jackson also outplayed Allen in their head-to-head matchup earlier this season, leading the Ravens to a 35-10 win while accounting for three touchdowns.

Unlike Allen, Jackson benefited from Derrick Henry’s presence in the backfield. However, Jackson’s brilliance and efficiency make him a standout candidate for MVP. No one has combined his level of passing and rushing production in NFL history.

1. Saquon Barkley

Saquon Barkley deserves recognition in an award that too often overlooks non-quarterbacks. Barkley’s 2,005 rushing yards this season make him the ninth player to cross the 2,000-yard mark. He’s only 101 yards away from breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record and could do so with fewer carries and a higher yards-per-carry average.

Barkley has been the lifeblood of the Eagles’ offense, adding 13 touchdowns while averaging 6.7 yards per carry- the highest mark in NFL history for a 2,000-yard rusher. He’s also closing games with big plays, including four 50-plus-yard touchdowns. Without Barkley, the Eagles’ offense would be nonexistent. He’s proven that running backs can still be the most valuable players on the field.

Who Should Win NFL MVP? Final Verdict

The NFL MVP race often favors quarterbacks, and this year is no exception. However, all four candidates have compelling cases. Allen has lifted the Bills to heights no one thought possible. Burrow’s passing numbers are unparalleled. Jackson has shattered records while redefining the quarterback position. And Barkley has delivered a historic season that deserves recognition in an award that’s about more than just throwing the ball.

Ultimately, the choice depends on how voters define “value.” If it’s about individual brilliance, Jackson’s dual-threat dominance might edge out the others. If it’s about carrying a team despite the odds, Allen and Barkley both shine. If it’s about pure quarterbacking excellence, Burrow takes the crown. One thing is certain: this MVP race is one for the ages.

 

 

 

 

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