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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has the opportunity to lead his franchise to the Super Bowl for the first time in over three decades, and he might also win the league’s top personal honor in the process.
The NFL revealed on Thursday that Allen is one of five finalists for the league MVP award, which will be awarded in February.
The other contenders were Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Josh Allen Lost Frontrunner Status
Allen was considered by many as the favorite to earn MVP through much of the season, with the Bills quarterback leading his team to a fifth consecutive AFC East victory and cutting back on turnovers that plagued him in past years.
Late in the season, however, the odds shifted, with Jackson nominated to The Associated Press All-Pro first team and Allen named to the second team. The voters who select the All-Pro squad are also the ones who choose the league MVP, putting Allen at a disadvantage against Jackson.
Allen concluded the season completing 63.6% of his throws for 3,731 yards and 28 touchdowns, with only six interceptions, a career low. He rushed for 531 yards and 12 touchdowns, as well as a receiving touchdown on a lateral from wide receiver Amari Cooper.
Allen also became the first player in league history to score 40 or more touchdowns in five consecutive seasons.
Allen has the support of a few former quarterbacks, notably beloved Buffalo Bills star Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick told the team’s official website earlier this month that he believes Allen deserved the award for leading the Bills to another AFC East victory amid forecasts of a decline. The Bills parted ways with several key players this summer, including top receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis.
“Just all the certain uncertainty that surrounded the team in general, Allen has been one of the constants over this run,” according to Fitzpatrick. “Josh has allowed his team to exceed expectations this year.”
Former NFL quarterback and 2016 MVP winner Matt Ryan also campaigned for Allen, claiming that the Bills quarterback is the team’s most important player.
“Now that we’ve gotten the entire sample size, I’m going to go with Josh Allen,” Ryan said.
Before the league MVP is selected, the Bills have the chance to advance to the Super Bowl. They meet the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in the AFC championship game.
Another Bills Player Honors
Allen isn’t the only Bills player named a finalist for a major NFL award. Safety Damar Hamlin has been named a finalist for the Comeback Player of the Year award in recognition of his strong season following a cardiac arrest suffered during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023.
Hamlin started a career-high 14 games this season, totaling 89 tackles, five pass defenses, and two interceptions.
Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady was also named a finalist for Assistant Coach of the Year. Brady has been named a major candidate for a head coaching position this offseason.
A former Buffalo Bills second-round draft pick in 2021 has signed a reserve/futures contract with the Carolina Panthers. Basham became the second veteran on the New York Giants’ 2024 practice squad to find a new home. Wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins signed a comparable contract with the San Francisco 49ers this offseason, shortly after the regular season ended.
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