The NFL’s Most Controversial MVP Debate

The 2024-2025 NFL season has concluded and the hottest topic of debate during the regular season has been one of the most controversial MVP discussions in the history of the league. The two main runner up's are the respective Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. It hasn't been clear cut with a historical season from Philadelphia Eagles running back, Saquon Barkley, in the mix as well. 50 sportswriters will vote and the winner will be revealed on February 6, but who deserves to win? 

Image cred: David Dennis Jr.

When picking an MVP, the criteria of which one picks their respective MVP is controversial. The important factors to consider in some opinions are team success based on that specific player’s impact, individual statistics, and eye test (watching their film). There are also other miscellaneous factors that are mentioned later in this article. Starting with Josh Allen, his statistics this season were throwing for 63.6% completion percentage, 6 interceptions thrown, accumulating 4,269 total yards, and 41 total touchdowns. The Bills went 13-4 and this was widely due to Josh Allen as he was backed by mediocre offensive weapons. On the other hand, the Ravens QB threw for 66.7% completion percentage, 4 interceptions thrown, accumulated 5,087 total yards, and 45 total touchdowns.

The Ravens went 12-5 and the downside to Lamar Jackson’s MVP case is that the Ravens have an elite defense and a generationally talented running back to make play’s easier for Lamar. The final candidate to consider is the Eagles running back who ran for 2,005 rush yards, 278 receiving yards, and 15 total touchdowns. Saquon led the Eagles to the second best rushing ranks for any team this season and was only 100 yards shy of the all time rush yards record. Saquon had a historical year. 

Upon evaluating the stats laid out, it is clear that every candidate had a phenomenal year. Yet, only one winner can be picked. Many have had their minds made up for some time but, upon interviewing my friend Isiah, a knowledgeable NFL enjoyer, he had this to say. “Lamar Jackson had numbers we have never seen from a quarterback in the history of the league.” I would have to agree with him completely. Lamar Jackson did not only have a phenomenal year but a year for all time. Josh Allen had a phenomenal year and slightly edges out Lamar in terms of “value” to his team but Lamar is nearly equally as valuable, it’s not far off. With Saquon, the truth is, running backs are slept on when it comes to this award. To me, Lamar Jackson, is confidently my MVP for the 2024-2025 season as he passes all of the MVP criteria with flying colors and put out an irreplicable year with the way he slinged the football through the air and dashed through the field on his legs."