Josh Allen was the runaway favorite to win the MVP award heading into Week 16, but that is no longer the case. The Buffalo Bills quarterback did not have a productive game in his team’s 24-21 win against the New England Patriots, while Lamar Jackson has had three straight good performances.
Allen is -200 to win the MVP, while Jackson is +155, according to DraftKings. The race to win the award will go down to the wire, but Chris Broussard does not believe the Bills star should still be this big of a favorite over Jackson.
Chris Broussard Raises Concern With Josh Allen Being MVP Favorite
In a recent segment on “First Things First,” Broussard highlighted how Allen struggled against the Ravens in Week 4, where his team lost 35-10. He also mentioned that the Bills quarterback is no longer winning the eye test over the two-time NFL MVP, which matters a lot.
“Lamar destroyed and outplayed Josh Allen,” Broussard said. “It wasn’t 1-on-1, but Josh played poorly against the Ravens, and Lamar played well, and they won in a blowout.”
He added, “It’s arguable, and it’s close, but I don’t think he even wins the eye test over Lamar. Now, Lamar is playing football at a level that is ridiculous. I mean, obviously, the running, but the scrambling, the yesterday, extending those plays and making those throws.”
"I don't think Josh Allen is winning the eye test over Lamar Jackson right now."@Chris_Broussard on why Lamar deserves a 3rd MVP pic.twitter.com/cVY583BaaM
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) December 26, 2024
The Fox Sports analyst believes voter fatigue has played a huge role in dictating this year’s MVP race. He thinks he would have been a clear-cut favorite this season had Jackson not won the award last year.
Broussard added, “If it wasn’t for Lamar already winning two [MVPs] and winning last year, it wouldn’t even be close. The numbers aren’t even close. I mean, he’s just demolishing Josh in essentially everything. So, I do think Josh does have the lead and the odds, but he needs to have a good, great game or two to seal this thing up.”
Jackson’s team is currently on a three-game winning streak, which has put them in a position to win the AFC North. The Bills will likely finish with a better record than the Ravens, but winning a tough division while having great stats has pushed the Ravens quarterback back into the MVP race.
MVP Award Is Not Always Decided on the Basis of Stats
There is no denying that Jackson is having a historic season and has a fair argument for winning the award. However, the MVP award is not always decided on the basis of stats.
Apart from wins and rushing touchdowns, Jackson has better numbers than Allen across every other major stat. But if it was for only stats, the Ravens quarterback would not have won last year as Dak Prescott had a better personal season than him statistically in many regards.
Allen’s team has a better record than the Ravens with arguably less talent around the quarterback. The Bills do not have a Derrick Henry-level player who can make the job easier for their quarterback, and despite that, they have wins against both the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions this year.
This year isn’t the best statistical season of Allen’s career, but the way he has played by making big plays whenever required without turning the ball over is quite remarkable. As of now, he deserves to win the award, but as Broussard said, the Bills quarterback needs to finish the season on a high, as Jackson’s recent performance can play a big part in the voting process.
Unfortunately, if the Bills win in Week 17, they will not have anything to play for in Week 18. Allen and the starters will likely be rested for the last game, and it makes the upcoming game against the New York Jets quite crucial.
If Allen goes on to have one of his signature elite performances on Sunday, then he could secure the first MVP award of his career.