Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Shannon Sharpe believes Josh Allen is the current NFL MVP and that it would take something extreme for someone else to win it. While appearing on the popular show “First Take,” Sharpe explained how Allen’s elite performance yesterday against the Los Angeles Rams, in addition to his much improved turnover statistics, make him the favorite for the prestigious honor.
Yesterday’s performance against the Rams saw Allen throw for 342 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. For many quarterbacks in the NFL, that would be a noteworthy stat line. However, the dual-threat Allen also added 82 rushing yards and another three rushing touchdowns on the ground to add to his tallies. Despite the remarkable six-touchdown performance, the Bills lost to Rams 44-42 in a shootout.
What Did Sharpe Say About Allen’s Performance and His MVP Odds?
Sharpe explained how, in addition to the loss of star players Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, Allen’s ability “to take care of the football has greatly benefitted this football team. If he was turning the ball over, like he has basically his entire career, because he has only had basically one season in which he had single-digit interceptions, they would not be where they are right now and he would not be in the MVP discussion.”
He concluded his statements by explaining how he believed that it would take something unprecedented, such as 2,100+ rushing yards by Saquon Barkley, to overtake Allen in the MVP rankings.
Is Josh Allen the MVP Award Favorite After Week 14?
After Week 14, Allen is the favorite to win MVP — it would be the first of his NFL career. Allen has been consistently dynamic as a passer and a runner, something on display in this past weekend’s performance. Furthermore, as Sharpe alludes to, Allen has looked much more confident in the pocket and has minimized his tendency to turn the ball over.
On the campaign, Allen has thrown for 3,033 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five interceptions while adding 416 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.
While it remains to be seen whether Allen wins the MVP this season, it is evident that Sharpe believes Allen is currently the most deserving on the heels of another stunning performance yesterday.