As the NFL season reaches its final stretch, the MVP race is heating up, and with Josh Allen facing challenges in his recent performances, there could be an opening for Lamar Jackson to take the crown. Allen, despite being one of the top quarterbacks in the league, has had his fair share of struggles in key moments, leaving the door wide open for other contenders, especially Jackson, to make a late push for the MVP award.
Josh Allen has undoubtedly been a standout quarterback this season, but his recent performances have been less than stellar. The Buffalo Bills have struggled at times, particularly on offense, and Allen’s own play has been inconsistent. From turnovers to missed opportunities, he hasn’t always looked like the MVP frontrunner many expected him to be. Moreover, his reliance on his physicality and ability to make plays with his legs has been a double-edged sword. When he’s healthy and firing on all cylinders, Allen is virtually unstoppable. But when he’s banged up, as we’ve seen in recent games, the Bills offense becomes far less dynamic, and his MVP candidacy becomes questionable.
Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson has been quietly having an incredible season for the Baltimore Ravens. While the spotlight has often been on Allen, Mahomes, or Hurts, Jackson’s performance has flown somewhat under the radar. Yet, his unique combination of passing and running ability has helped keep the Ravens at the top of the AFC. Jackson’s ability to carry the Ravens’ offense, particularly with his legs, gives him a dynamic edge that no other quarterback can match.
One of the key reasons Jackson could steal the MVP award is his efficiency. Despite not having the same level of receiving talent as some of the other MVP contenders, Jackson continues to elevate the Ravens’ offense. He has become an even better passer this season, improving his accuracy and making plays that are tough to replicate. More importantly, his ability to break off explosive runs and turn broken plays into touchdowns gives the Ravens an extra dimension that Allen, despite his own running ability, doesn’t always provide.
Jackson’s performance in big moments also plays in his favor. He’s shown the ability to rise to the occasion and deliver in tight situations, something that can sway MVP voters, especially when other top contenders, like Allen, have faltered at times. If Lamar Jackson continues to shine in these final weeks, while Allen struggles or gets injured further, Jackson could very well become the favorite.
Moreover, MVP voters often look at a player’s team success as well, and Jackson has led the Ravens to a strong record this season. If Baltimore clinches the top seed in the AFC, Jackson’s case becomes even stronger. With the Bills facing more obstacles and Allen’s health being a concern, Jackson has a real opportunity to surpass him and take the MVP award.
In conclusion, while Josh Allen’s struggles may have temporarily closed the door on his MVP aspirations, Lamar Jackson is in prime position to capitalize on this shift. If Jackson continues to put up impressive numbers and lead the Ravens to victories, there’s a very real possibility that he could claim the MVP title and finally get the recognition he deserves for his exceptional play.
