CHARLOTTE, NC – NOVEMBER 06: An aerial view of Bank of America Stadium and the downtown Charlotte skyline ahead of the NFL game between the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers on November 6, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
With the season winding down, certain players are making their best case for NFL MVP and other awards around the league. Here are five players who are having MVP-caliber seasons!
1. Josh Allen, Bills
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills passes the ball for a Touchdown to Wide Receiver Stefon Diggs #14in the game between the Buffalo Bills vs the New York Jets on Monday Night Football at MetLife Stadium on September 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images)
Talk about getting hot at the right time. Allen has pulled away from the pack, throwing for 5 TDs and rushing for 5 TDs over the past two games. If the Bills win out, they will get the BYE, and Allen will get the MVP trophy.
2. Saquon Barkley, Eagles
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during a football game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Although Barkley struggled somewhat against the Steelers, he still has 1688 rushing yards and 11 TDs. While he likely won’t break Eric Dickerson’s rushing record, 2000 yards is a definite possibility.
3. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 08: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens attempts a pass during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Jackson seems to play better as the weather gets colder. His five TD passes against the Giants was his best passing game of the season. His 743 rushing yards puts him on a possible pace to get 1000 yards by season’s end.
4. Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 29: Ja’Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs the ball after a catch during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Wasn’t it just a few months ago when Chase was holding out and looking for a new contract? He’s been playing like he’s deserving of being one of the top two paid at the position. He has 1413 receiving yards and 15 TDs after Week 15. There’s an outside chance he gets to 20 TDs if all goes right.
5. Joe Burrow, Bengals
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 26: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts after a first down during the third quarter in the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on September 26, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
If the Bengals had the record of either Buffalo or Kansas City, Burrow might be a shoo-in. He’s thrown for almost 4000 yards and has 36 TDs with three weeks to go, putting 5000 passing yards and 45 TDs within reach.
