The 2024 NFL MVP Race: Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes – But Is There a Dark Horse Ready to Steal the Spotlight?
As the NFL hits Week 11 of the 2024 season, the MVP conversation is heating up. The usual suspects—Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes—are once again dominating the discussions. Yet, while these quarterbacks certainly deserve the accolades they’ve received so far, is it possible that the true MVP of this season could come from a player or position entirely outside the conversation? Let’s break it down.
Lamar Jackson: The Rebirth of the Dual-Threat Dynamo
Lamar Jackson’s resurgence as a true MVP contender is impossible to ignore. After a few seasons of being labeled as “not a real passer,” Jackson has proven his critics wrong. His numbers this season are eye-popping—nearly 2,600 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and a passer rating in the high 100s. Add to that his 600 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, and Jackson’s dual-threat ability is in full force. But despite all this, Jackson is still too often overlooked for the MVP award, in favor of more traditional quarterbacks. The narrative that his passing game still needs work holds a strange bias, even as he is on track to break records with his mobility and arm strength.
The question is: Can Jackson overcome the pre-conceived narrative that he’s “just” a mobile quarterback? The media’s hesitation to crown him as the face of MVP shows the league’s reluctance to embrace his style of play as the future of quarterbacking. Lamar’s critics claim that his ability to be the focal point of the Ravens offense won’t sustain itself deep into the playoffs. And while that’s yet to be proven wrong, the fact remains that his incredible performance is undeniably MVP-worthy.
Josh Allen: The Wild Card
Josh Allen’s combination of arm strength and mobility has made him one of the most dangerous players in the NFL. With over 2,700 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, he’s been the lifeblood of the Buffalo Bills’ offense. However, the argument for Allen as MVP is more complex. For all his strengths, Allen’s inconsistency remains a glaring flaw. A few costly turnovers in crucial games have left fans wondering if he’s the type of quarterback who can fully control a game or just one who occasionally takes over.
Yet, Allen’s ability to make jaw-dropping throws and his fearless rushing ability (over 500 yards so far this season) are what have kept the Bills competitive. The issue is that MVP discussions often favor consistency above all else, and Allen’s rollercoaster performances have been a barrier to solidifying his place at the top of the MVP rankings.
Patrick Mahomes: The Unstoppable Standard?
It’s almost impossible to have an MVP conversation without mentioning Patrick Mahomes. The Kansas City Chiefs’ star quarterback has consistently been at the top of MVP conversations for the past half-decade, and this season is no different. With over 2,900 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, Mahomes has yet again put up numbers that any quarterback in history would be proud of. Add in his uncanny ability to make every throw in the book and lead his team through high-pressure moments, and it’s easy to see why he’s a perennial MVP candidate.
But the biggest knock on Mahomes this season isn’t his performance—it’s the expectation that he will always be great. His 2024 season, while spectacular, hasn’t been the kind of dominant, record-breaking performance that leaves no doubt in anyone’s mind. Unlike the early years of his career, where he wowed with every snap, Mahomes now plays with the aura of a player who is always expected to win. In some ways, his consistency has made him less awe-inspiring, and MVP voters often look for something new, something fresh.
The Dark Horse: Could a Running Back or Defensive Player Steal the Spotlight?
While quarterbacks have ruled the MVP race in recent years, the notion that the award should always go to the highest-performing signal-caller feels stale. Sure, quarterbacks are the face of most offenses, but what if a running back or defensive player could finally change the dynamic?
Look at players like Christian McCaffrey, who is dominating for the 49ers and breaking records for touchdowns and scrimmage yards, or Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive juggernaut. McCaffrey’s unique skill set as both a rusher and receiver places him in a rare class, and his impact on San Francisco’s success is undeniable. Meanwhile, Parsons is wrecking opposing quarterbacks and forcing game-changing turnovers, proving that a defensive player can be just as valuable as any quarterback in the league.
There’s no denying that quarterbacks like Jackson, Allen, and Mahomes have had standout seasons, but it would be a travesty if the 2024 MVP race didn’t recognize the players who are changing the game in ways that transcend traditional positions. At some point, voters will have to decide whether they’re going to keep anointing quarterbacks or open up the field for others who deserve the recognition.
Conclusion: A Three-Horse Race… Or More?
At the midway point of the season, it’s clear that Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes all deserve MVP consideration. But there’s an emerging tension in the MVP conversation—are voters stuck in a quarterback-centric narrative, or are they ready to embrace a broader understanding of value?
The MVP race is far from over, and while these three quarterbacks will remain in the spotlight, don’t be surprised if an unconventional contender—be it a running back, a defensive force, or even another under-the-radar quarterback—makes a push for the most coveted individual award in football. It’s about time the MVP race reflects the full scope of what it means to be the most valuable player in the league.
