As the 2024 NFL regular season comes to a close, Lamar Jackson, quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills are leading the charge as the top contenders for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award this season.

The Quarterback Showdown

While Joe Burrow, quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, should be included in the MVP conversation after an outstanding season in which he led the league in completions (460), passing yards (4,918), and touchdowns (43), his team’s playoff exit leaves the MVP race between Jackson and Allen. Both 28-year-old quarterbacks have led their teams to strong Super Bowl contenders.

Despite Burrow’s impressive numbers, Lamar Jackson ended the season on a historic note, playing a crucial role in helping the Ravens reach the playoffs as the third seed in the AFC with a 12-5 record.

Lamar Jackson’s Record-Breaking Season

The Baltimore quarterback, who has already won the MVP award in 2019 and 2023, became the first player in NFL history to throw more than 40 touchdown passes in a season, finishing with 41 and only four interceptions. Additionally, Jackson ended the season with over 40 passing touchdowns and more than 600 rushing yards, totaling 915.

No player has ever combined over 4,000 passing yards (4,172) and more than 800 rushing yards (915) in a single season. He also became the first in history to average 8.5 yards per pass and 6 yards per carry in the same campaign.

Josh Allen’s Remarkable Response

On the other hand, Josh Allen has been equally impressive. Buffalo finished the season as the second seed in the AFC with a 13-4 record. Allen led an offense that averaged three points per drive, placing them among the NFL's top five all-time teams, and he did so without a 1,000-yard rusher.

Allen also made history as the first quarterback in NFL history to register 40 touchdowns in a season, with 28 passing and 12 rushing, while only fumbling the ball eight times and taking 14 sacks. Moreover, the Bills defeated the two teams that finished as the top seeds in the AFC and NFC, the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions, respectively.

A Giants’ Duel for MVP

With these impressive stats, Lamar Jackson is aiming for his third MVP award, while Josh Allen is chasing his first career MVP trophy. Both quarterbacks have proven they are the top favorites for the 2024 season’s Most Valuable Player honor.