2024 NFL MVP Award: Preview, Prediction and Favorites

Heading into the ongoing NFL campaign, the Kansas City Chiefs took to the gridiron as the team to beat. They have reached the Super Bowl four times in the last five seasons, winning three of them including the last two on the spin. This term, they were aiming to become history makers by completing the elusive three-peat for the first time ever, and their start to their quest couldn't have gone any better.

They have won all nine of their opening games so far this term and are aiming to not only win a record-breaking third straight championship but also become the first team in history to complete a 17-game regular season undefeated. They have an air of fate about them at the minute, blocking a walk-off game-winning field goal attempt from their AFC West rival Denver Broncos to remain perfect. At this rate, it would take a brave punter to back against them making history next February.

But KC appears the clear frontrunner to add yet another Lombardi to their already overflowing trophy cabinet, the battle to be crowned MVP is a lot tighter. Here are the frontrunners to claim the award.  

Lamar Jackson

The star of the show in the league this season has definitively been Lamar Jackson. The Baltimore Ravens quarterback has been in scintillating form so far this term, leading the lead both in terms of total yards and total touchdowns. He has 2,669 throwing yards so far this season, just three behind league leader Joe Burrow, while his 24 throwing touchdowns are tied for joint most.

The former Louisville Cardinal is a two-time MVP award winner, becoming just the second man to win the trophy unanimously back in 2020 before claiming the award once again last season. This year, he is arguably performing better than in both of those years, with his electrifying speed and playmaking abilities leading him to even more yardage on the ground.

The bookies have certainly taken note, with the popular Bovada sports gambling site installing him as the short-priced +125 favorite to become a three-time MVP this season. If the Ravens can muster up a deep postseason, he will certainly be hard to deny.

Josh Allen

Ever since being selected with the seventh overall pick of the 2018 draft, Josh Allen has rapidly ascended to the top tier of NFL quarterbacks. His combination of size, arm strength and athleticism have completely transformed the fortunes of the Buffalo Bills. Before his arrival, the New York State outfit had reached the playoffs just once since the turn of the millennium. Fast forward to 2024, and they have won their AFC East division in each of the last five seasons.

Much of that is down to their superstar under center. The former University of Wyoming standout's ability to make big plays - both in the air and on the ground - has been crucial to his side's success. With a strong supporting cast featuring the likes of Dawson Knox and Amari Cooper, the Highmark side aims to lift the Lombardi for the first time in history this season. If they do that, Allen will certainly be a frontrunner to be named MVP.

Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes can never be ruled out of any conversation, especially when it comes to major honors. He has won the Super Bowl MVP award in both of the last two Big Games, while he only has one regular season prize to his name so far throughout his illustrious career.

The 29-year-old is almost solely responsible for the Kansas City Chiefs' evolution into the dominant force today. His blistering performances under center have led the Arrowhead outfit to at least the AFC Championship game in all seven of his seasons as a starter, and that incredible record looks set to continue in 2024.

The former Texas Tech star has flattered to deceive so far this term, despite his side starting with a perfect 9-0 record. He is 17th in the league so far when it comes to passer ratings, while his throwing yardage of 2,208 is only good enough for 11th in the league, behind the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Brock Purdy and Geno Smith. All of that will count for naught though if Mahomes can lead his side to a perfect 17-0. 

If he does that, expect a second career MVP award to follow. And not far behind it, a fourth Super Bowl ring. 

Prediction

While each of these quarterbacks presents a compelling case, Lamar Jackson stands out as the frontrunner. His unique dual-threat capabilities have seen him revolutionize the quarterback position.

Now, his throwing ability is equal to his rushing game, and that spells danger for both opposition defenders and anyone who plans to rip the MVP award away from him this term. Whether his blistering displays lead the Ravens to the Lombardi however is a different matter entirely.