DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 20: Wilson brand footballs with the NFL logo are pictured during the game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns at Ford Field on November 20, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
With the 2024 NFL regular season wrapping up in just a couple of weeks, the MVP race is nearly at a close. Here are my top 5 candidates for this prestigious honor.
5.Jalen Hurts, QB, PHI
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws the ball during the second half in the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field on September 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Eagles’ defense and running game are so good that Hurts has not had to do as much as the other QBs on this list. But he has quietly racked up 32 total touchdowns this season against just 5 interceptions, and the Eagles have the No. 2 seed in the NFC.
4.Jared Goff, QB, DET
PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 21: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions warms up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on August 21, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
The Lions are better than the Eagles, but Goff is higher than Hurts on this list due to his production through the air. His 4,398 passing yards and 36 TDs are second and fourth in the league, respectively.
3. Saquon Barkley, RB, PHI
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)
Unquestionably the best running back in the league this season. Barkley became just the 9th running back ever to reach 2,000 rushing yards in a season last week, and he’s supercharged the Eagles offense.
2. Lamar Jackson, QB, BAL
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, JANUARY 20: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball in the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Texans 34-10. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
Jackson could arguably be No. 1 on this list if not for voter fatigue. That said, the two-time MVP has played at an elite level this season, with a sensational 43 total touchdowns against a measly 4 interceptions.
1. Josh Allen, QB, BUF
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 16: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills calls a play at the line during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
The Bills may lack a top dog at receiver, but it’s been no problem for Allen. His 76.7 QBR is third in the NFL, and he’s also accumulated 41 total touchdowns. It’s hard to say where Buffalo would be without him.
