The NFL’s 2024 MVP race is among the tightest in recent memory. You’ve got Lamar Jackson putting up some of the best numbers of his career, numbers that compare favorably to his 2019 and 2023 MVP digits. You’ve got Joe Burrow, who, as of this writing, leads the league in both passing yardage (by nearly 600 yards), and touchdown passes (42).
And then there’s Josh Allen.
Three weeks ago, Buffalo’s signal caller was the presumptive MVP, miles ahead of Jackson, Burrow, and Saquon Barkley. But now that the Bills are locked in at the AFC’s two-seed, should Allen play the final two weeks of the season—and potentially amp up his MVP chances—or should he rest his various aches and pains and prepare for a theoretical lengthy playoff run?
If Josh had his way, he’d take the field even if his arm was attached to his body with Scotch tape.
Hand Off? Josh Allen’s Surprise Injury Revelation
Before you hop on the Lamar-for-MVP train, consider the seriousness of Allen’s ouchies:
How impressive has #Bills QB Josh Allen’s MVP-caliber season been? Sources say he’s also been playing through a broken hand.
My story: https://t.co/MIoM8doExuhttps://t.co/MIoM8doExu
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 22, 2024
A broken hand. Dang.
But Allen’s gonna Allen, and he won’t complain, saying after last week’s win over New England, “[My hand is] good. Just a little sore from this last game. Probably took too many opportunities for them to lay their hands and pads on me. I just gotta be smarter.”
Does being smart involve shutting it down for the final two weeks of the regular season?
Nah. During Thursday’s media avail, Allen denied that the injury even makes a difference in his life, explaining, “It’s the left [hand], so it doesn’t really matter all that much.” And then he changed the subject.
Because Allen’s gonna Allen.
Allen Continues MVP Campaign Despite Injury
Allen’s stats, while stellar, don’t necessarily support his case for MVP.
He currently ranks 11th in passing yards, behind not just Jackson and Burrow, but also Geno Smith (2nd), Baker Mayfield (6th), and Kyler Murray (10th). In terms of passing touchdowns, his 26 tie him with Patrick Mahomes for 6th. His 11 rushing scores put him three behind Jalen Hurts, and he ranks 9th in passer rating, 20 points behind Jackson.
The eye test, however, might tip the scales in his favor.
Looks count, but Allen’s otherworldly efficiency also has to be put into the equation. He’s only thrown six picks, as compared to Burrow’s eight, and has taken just 14 sacks, as compared to Jackson’s 23.
Oh, yeah: The Bills are 12-3, while Jackson’s Ravens are 11-5, and Burrow’s 8-8 Bengals need some fairy dust to sneak into the postseason. As we all know, the MVP in any sports often goes to the best player on the best team, and some would argue that Buffalo—despite sitting behind the 15-1 Chiefs—are indeed the best team.
Allen will be suiting up for Week 17’s tilt against the Jets, while Week 18’s skirmish with the Patriots is TBD.
But regardless of his decision, his finacee Hailee Steinfeld has his back.
Josh Allen spotted at a friend’s wedding in Cabo wearing a custom stone beige suit by yours truly alongside girlfriend Hailee Steinfeld pic.twitter.com/poPOSFiVgi
— Gentleman's Playbook (@GentsPlaybook) June 23, 2024