The NFL MVP is among the highest honors in all of sports. While there might be a few miscues, for the most part, the MVP award is a one-stop certification for the player who had the best season that year in the National Football League. But, like with all awards, some races are closer than others. And this season’s battle for the crown might be as tight as it gets.
The Associated Press officially revealed its finalists of five players who are in line for MVP. Immediately, fans were against the idea, and the conversation was rife with debate about the selection process.
Fans Debate NFL MVP Finalists
The five names officially on the list were quarterbacks Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Jared Goff, and Joe Burrow. Saquon Barkley also made it in, following the recent trend of running backs dominating after Christian McCaffrey’s placement last season.
But, like all things NFL, fans had a problem with the selections.
For some, Goff was the outlier on a Detroit Lions offense that had weapons galore. Alongside Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery on the ground, they had playmakers like Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown as well, leading fans to question the QBs ranking.
“I’m sorry but why if Goff in this race? Am I missing something?”
I’m sorry but why if Goff in this race? Am I missing something?
— 𝖊𝖉𝖉𝖎𝖊 𝖆𝖌 (@EddieAG_) January 23, 2025
For others, Burrow’s placement on the list was unfathomable. Despite arguably the best season of his career, the Cincinnati Bengals did not make it to the playoffs, disqualifying his candidacy for some.
“One of these guys missed the whole entire playoffs. What value does he really have then?”
One of these guys missed the whole entire playoffs what value does he really have then ?
— KawHIM2 (@Crenshaw_White2) January 23, 2025
But equally passionate were the fans defending him, claiming, “Ill be in the minority…but Joe Burrow had a hell of a season. Truly the most valuable to his team. Without him they may have only won 3 games.”
Others had a problem with Jayden Daniels not making the list. Despite being a rookie, Daniels was the instrumental reason behind which the Washington Commanders went from a four-win team to the NFC Championship Game.
“If we are being honest & if this award is series for MVP. Jaden Daniels should be the MVP. Took a garbage team prior to the NFC championship with a 12-5 regular season.”
If we are being honest & if this award is series for MVP. Jaden Daniels should be the MVP. Took a garbage team prior to the NFC championship with a 12-5 regular season.
— J (@JayTC53) January 23, 2025
And he wasn’t the only one arguing for Daniels, who many believed should have been in the running. “commanders had 4 wins last year and 14 this year but no jayden daniels.”
“Jayden Daniels did not receive any mvp votes because he is a rookie. You can’t change my mind. The narrative needs changed. You can’t deny the numbers or what he meant to his team,” weren’t all that uncommon opinions.
But, the biggest defense came for Barkley, who, to his credit, is having an all-time season. Not only was he on the verge of breaking Eric Dickerson’s all-time single-season rushing record before sitting out in Week 18, but he’s still in play to beat the all-time single-season record with playoffs included.
“Saquon should get it. Not only is he just the 9th player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yds, but he also did it in a passing league.”
Going to a QB but we all know who the real MVP is pic.twitter.com/rmdDsGzNqH
— Marlo Stanfield (@BooRxdley) January 23, 2025
Others believed it was Barkley who set the ship right for the Philadelphia Eagles. Last season, after losing six of their last seven games, it felt like the Eagles’ current version was fading away. Yet, almost overnight, the superstar RB took them back into contention.
“Honestly it should be Saquon. Without him the Eagles wouldn’t be as good as they were.”
The case for Jackson was rather straightforward, with many claiming that his candidacy should be unanimous. However, the arguments against it were squarely based on the quality of his teammates.
“With all due respect to Lamar, how can you be the most valuable player on your team if your team had the most pro bowlers in the NFL?”
With all due respect to Lamar, how can you be the most valuable player on your team if your team had the most pro bowlers in the NFL?
— Nick (@Nickjoe98) January 23, 2025
And the argument against him fed right into the narrative for Allen.
“Allen.. Jackson with his 9 Pro Bowlers is not the most valuable player in the league or is it the most valuable statistics.”
If you can name other offensive players that play with those players pictured, I think that hurts their chance as mvp because they have help, which is why I think Josh Allen should win because stephon diggs and gabe davis are gone and bills are still playing
— Legendary Hustler (@mo_the_bro) January 23, 2025
Allen, in his least turnover-prone season, paved the way for an electric Buffalo Bills team to win the division and finish as the No. 2 seed in the AFC.
“Josh Allen took a team nobody had faith in with new talent, brought them together and LORD made it work. It’s about this year and by far it’s him. Now onto cheating mahomes who everyone says will beat the bills yet he’s not on this list or made the pro bowl.”
After last season’s MVP was essentially a given for Jackson, this year’s race has been as tight as ever. Even beyond the five names on the list, people are arguing credibly for names like Daniels and Patrick Mahomes.
It speaks to the strength of the league and the quality of competition available. While voting for the award has officially concluded, we should get the answer during Super Bowl weekend and crown our 2024 NFL MVP.
