NFL MVP 2024

NFL MVP 2024: Josh Allen Edges Lamar Jackson in Historic Race

The 2024 NFL MVP race delivered one of the closest finishes in league history, with Josh Allen narrowly defeating Lamar Jackson to claim his first career MVP award. The Buffalo Bills quarterback’s dual-threat dominance and clutch performances propelled him to the top of a stacked field, while Jackson’s record-breaking season fell just short. This article dives into the drama of the 2024 MVP race, analyzes key performances, and breaks down all major awards from the NFL Honors 2025 ceremony.

Introduction to the NFL MVP Award

The NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, voted on by a panel of 50 media members, recognizes the player who most significantly impacts their team’s success during the regular season. Since its inception in 1957, the award has been dominated by quarterbacks, with 54 of 68 winners playing the position. Iconic names like Peyton Manning (5x MVP), Tom Brady (3x), and Patrick Mahomes (2x) have cemented their legacies through this honor9.

The voting system, revamped in 2023, assigns points based on ranked ballots:

• 1st place: 10 points
• 2nd place: 5 points
• 3rd place: 3 points
• 4th place: 2 points
• 5th place: 1 point

This system ensures a broader recognition of excellence while maintaining a quarterback-centric bias28.

2024 NFL MVP Race: A Battle of Titans

Josh Allen vs. Lamar Jackson: By the Numbers

The 2024 race boiled down to two generational talents:

Stat Lamar Jackson (BAL) Josh Allen (BUF)

Record 12-5 13-4

Passing Yards 4,172 3,731

Passing TDs 41 28

Interceptions 4 6

Passer Rating 119.6 101.4

Rushing Yards 915 531

Total TDs 45 40

Jackson’s statistical dominance (NFL-best 41 passing TDs and 119.6 rating) made him a favorite, but Allen’s “MVP moments”—like his game-winning 4th-and-2 TD rush against Kansas City and a snow-game trifecta (passing, rushing, receiving TD) vs. San Francisco—swayed voters64.

Other Contenders

• Saquon Barkley (PHI): The Offensive Player of the Year rushed for 2,005 yards but faced voter bias against non-QBs1.
• Joe Burrow (CIN): A Comeback Player of the Year candidate after rebounding from a 2023 ACL tear1.
• Josh Allen’s MVP Campaign: A Legacy-Defining Season

Statistical Breakdown

Allen led Buffalo to a 13-4 record and the AFC’s No. 2 seed, becoming the first player with five straight 40+ TD seasons (28 passing, 12 rushing). His versatility shone in critical games:

Week 14 vs. Chiefs: 26-yard rushing TD on 4th down to seal victory.

Week 10 vs. 49ers: Threw, rushed, and caught a TD in a snowy thriller46.

The MVP Speech

• “This is a team award,” Allen emphasized, crediting Buffalo’s staff and locker room. “I’m lucky to be part of this organization”5.

Lamar Jackson’s Near Miss and Legacy

Jackson’s 4,172 passing yards and 45 total TDs marked career highs, but late-season losses to playoff-bound teams (including Buffalo in the divisional round) dented his case. Despite falling short, his two MVPs by age 28 place him alongside legends like Brett Favre and Kurt Warner26.

NFL Honors 2025: Full Award Results

Held at New Orleans’ Saenger Theatre ahead of Super Bowl LIX, the ceremony recognized:

• Major Winners
• Coach of the Year: Kevin O’Connell (MIN) for revitalizing the Vikings’ offense.
• Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Surtain II (DEN), who locked down elite WRs.
• Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jayden Daniels (WSH), who threw for 3,500+ yards and rushed for 890.

Walter Payton Man of the Year: Arik Armstead (JAX) for community outreach17.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Eric Allen (CB), Jared Allen (DE), Antonio Gates (TE), and Sterling Sharpe (WR)1.

How to Watch the NFL Honors

• Date: February 7, 2025
• Time: 9 PM ET
• Channel: NFL Network/CBS
• Streaming: NFL+, Paramount+, DAZN

The Future Impact of the 2024 MVP

Allen’s win solidifies his place among Buffalo’s all-time greats, joining Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas as franchise MVPs. For Jackson, the quest for a third MVP—and a Super Bowl ring—remains urgent.

2025 MVP Watch: Emerging stars like C.J. Stroud (HOU) and Brock Purdy (SF) could enter the conversation, but Allen and Jackson remain frontrunners.

Conclusion

The 2024 NFL MVP race highlighted the league’s shift toward dual-threat quarterbacks, with Allen and Jackson redefining excellence. As the NFL evolves, their rivalry promises to shape the next decade of football lore. For now, Allen’s trophy case—and Buffalo’s Super Bowl aspirations—have never looked brighter. Statistics and award details sourced from AP News, NFL Honors, and DAZN1245679.