Stats should not be the defining factor for the MVP award.
The NFL MVP race is as tight as it can be this season. Throughout the season, we have seen players like Saquon Barkley, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Josh Allen being mentioned in the conversation. As the season starts to wind down, it looks like a two-man race between Jackson and Allen.
Jackson is looking to win his third MVP award while Allen is in search of his first one. There are many arguments for both players as to why they deserve it. However, one thing simply separates Jackson and Allen, and that is that Allen has been the better player all year long.
Each and every week, we have seen Allen setting records and re-writing history. He just became the first player in NFL history to record 40+ total touchdowns in five consecutive seasons, while Jackson has only two seasons of 40+ touchdowns. Allen became the first quarterback to throw, run and catch a touchdown pass in a single game. Lastly, he is tied for the most rushing touchdowns in franchise history (65) with Thurman Thomas. Not to mention, the only player that has more rushing touchdowns than Allen since 2018 is Derrick Henry.
It’s a tough year to be a voter for the MVP award this season, but we have just learned that NFL Insider Dianna Russini, who is an official voter, is leaning towards Jackson over Allen due to the stats that Jackson has put up this season. Russini talked about it on a podcast and the MVP talk starts at 24:00.
Stats should not be the reason why Josh Allen loses out on MVP award
There’s no denying that Jackson has higher stats than Allen this year, aside from wins and rushing touchdowns. Not to mention, Jackson did lead the Ravens to a win over the Bills in Week 4.
However, stats weren’t being mentioned in last year’s MVP conversation. In 2023, Allen had more passing yards, passing yards per game, passing touchdowns, and rushing touchdowns than Jackson. It’s funny how that wasn’t talked about enough last season..
If voters believe that Jackson was the better overall player and passed the eye test more than Allen, then so be it. At the same time, using stats as the main reason why Jackson gets the MVP award this season over Allen is ridiculous.
