As the 2024 NFL season winds down, with just three weeks left to play, the race for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) is heating up. With performances being hotly debated at every turn, a panel of 17 NFL experts has recently weighed in, casting their votes to identify the most deserving contender for the league's top honors.
Josh Allen Leads the Pack
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is currently leading the MVP race, amassing an impressive 61 points from the panelists. Allen's season has been nothing short of stellar, tying for the most total touchdowns among quarterbacks with a remarkable tally of 37. His commanding presence on the field has earned him 13 first-place votes, making him a formidable favorite in this year's competition. Betting odds from FanDuel further reflect his frontrunner status, listing him at -900, a clear indication of his favorable prospects in clinching the MVP title.
The Chase Behind Allen
Nipping at Allen's heels is Saquon Barkley, who holds the second position with 46 points. The New York Giants running back has appeared on 15 of the 17 ballots, showcasing his wide recognition among the experts. Despite his strong showing, the odds from FanDuel present Barkley at +1800, suggesting a steeper climb in overtaking Allen in the MVP race.
Following closely in third place is Lamar Jackson. The Baltimore Ravens quarterback has gathered 37 points in the rankings, aided by four crucial first-place votes. "If Jackson, the reigning MVP, can somehow steal an AFC North crown from the rival Pittsburgh Steelers, his stock might skyrocket," remarked an observer, reflecting on the potential impact of his performances in the remaining games.
Competing Quarterbacks: Goff and Burrow
Jared Goff and Joe Burrow are locked in a tie for the fourth spot, each with 25 points. However, Goff edges out Burrow in the standings due to appearing on more ballots, an aspect highlighted by one expert, "Another interesting takeaway: While Burrow and Goff had an equal number of points, the latter appeared on more ballots." This nuance underscores the intricacies of the voting process and the importance of widespread support among the panelists.
Further down the ranking, Kansas City Chiefs' star Patrick Mahomes finds himself in fifth place with 7 points. Although lesser in comparison to his previous campaigns, Mahomes’ presence remains significant as he continues to demonstrate exceptional skill and leadership on the field.
Remaining Contenders
While neither Joe Burrow nor Jordan Love found themselves in the upper echelons of the MVP voting, they remain players of interest in the betting markets. FanDuel notably lists Jalen Hurts above both Burrow and Love, indicating Hurts’ potential to influence proceedings as the season reaches its climax.
As the final weeks approach, the players at the top of the MVP ballot will undoubtedly strive to fortify their standings. For now, Josh Allen stands as the man of the moment, but the dynamic nature of the NFL ensures that surprises and twists could very well alter this narrative before the season's close.