Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has finally become the NFL MVP of his career as he narrowly overthrew Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in what could be called one of the closest MVP battles in recent memory. The elite honor was confirmed on Thursday during the NFL Honors show as Allen now becomes a part of the league’s all-time greats.
A Historic Achievement for Allen and the Bills
Allen received 27 first-place votes, while Jackson finished just behind with 23. The overall voting system, which assigns points based on rankings, saw Allen accumulate 383 total points, narrowly beating Jackson’s 362 points.
This victory makes Allen only the third player in Buffalo Bills history to win the NFL MVP award, joining the legendary Thurman Thomas (1991) and O.J. Simpson (1973). His triumph is particularly significant for the Bills, as they continue to chase their first-ever Super Bowl victory.
After receiving his award, an emotional Allen shared his gratitude:
“This feels amazing. Honest to God, I thought my guys wanted this even more for me than I did. This belongs to them, the coaches, and all those who kept telling me they believed in me. It is just special.”
One of the Tightest MVP Races in Recent Memory
The 2024 MVP race was one of the closest in the last two decades. The last time the contest was this competitive was back in 2012, when Adrian Peterson narrowly defeated Peyton Manning by a small margin of first-place votes.
Both Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson had standout seasons, making the decision extremely tough for voters. Other stars such as Saquon Barkley, Joe Burrow, Jared Goff, and Patrick Mahomes also received votes, but the main battle was always between Allen and Jackson.
Final MVP Voting Breakdown:
- Josh Allen: 27 first-place votes, 383 total points
- Lamar Jackson: 23 first-place votes, 362 total points
- Saquon Barkley: 120 points
- Joe Burrow: 82 points
- Jared Goff: 47 points
- Patrick Mahomes: 31 points
Despite the close race, Allen’s ability to lead his team through adversity helped him edge out Jackson for the prestigious honor.
Allen’s Season: A Masterclass in Leadership and Resilience
This season, Allen helped the Buffalo Bills achieve a great 13-4 record, helping them lead despite numerous setbacks including multiple injuries to key teammates. His ability to step up when it mattered most placed him in the ranks of true leaders.
One of Allen’s most defining performances came in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. In that game, he made history by becoming the first player in NFL regular-season history to record three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns in a single game.
Although the Bills ultimately lost 44-42, that electrifying performance showcased Allen’s dual-threat ability and boosted his MVP case. His fearless approach, combined with clutch performances in crucial matchups, made him the most valuable player in the league this season.
Why Allen Won Over Jackson
Statistically, Lamar Jackson had slightly better numbers than Allen in some key areas:
- 4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.
- 915 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns
Allen was at:
- 3,731 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and 6 interceptions
- 531 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns
While Jackson’s stats were impressive, voters seemed to prioritize Allen’s leadership and impact on his team’s success. Many analysts believe Allen’s ability to thrive despite a less talented supporting cast helped sway the voters in his favor.
Another possible factor? Voter fatigue. Since Jackson had already won two MVP awards in previous seasons, some voters may have leaned toward recognizing Allen’s exceptional season instead.
What’s Next for Josh Allen?
Winning the NFL MVP award is a career-defining moment for Allen, but he is not stopping here. His next mission is leading the Buffalo Bills to their first Super Bowl title.
Over the past few years, Allen has set himself as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL, incorporating elite arm strength, mobility, and leadership to catapult the Bills. But the trail ahead will hardly be easy; the Kansas City Chiefs with Patrick Mahomes remain the biggest wall standing between the Bills and victory in the Super Bowl.
Despite the many setbacks, the fact that Allen can win MVP justifies the spot he now takes among the best in the NFL. This win will now serve as an entry point into post-season wins for him in Buffalo and indeed throughout the NFL league.
Josh Allen is Most Valuable Player in the NFL and this football world knows it.
