- This year’s NFL MVP race was down to two players: Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson.
- Allen edged out Jackson, a two-time and reigning MVP, for his first MVP award.
- It was the first time since 1987 that the MVP wasn’t named to the All-Pro first team, as Jackson took the spot on that squad.
The NFL had a fantastic race for its MVP award this season. While Philadelphia running back Saquon Barkley made an admirable push, it was down to two quarterbacks: Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson.
It was a close race that came down to the wire. Allen squeaked out the win over two-time MVP Jackson, giving the Buffalo quarterback his first MVP trophy.
Jackson Named to All-Pro Team, But Allen Takes the MVP Award
The news was announced on Thursday night by various outlets.
NFL MVP odds had Allen favored in early January, but the lines flipped after Jackson was named the quarterback for the All-Pro first team on January 10. That usually means that the quarterback has the inside track on the MVP race.
The last time that the All-Pro first-team quarterback didn’t win the MVP award was in 1987, when San Francisco’s Joe Montana went to the All-Pro team, but Denver’s John Elway won the MVP. In 2003, Indianapolis’ Peyton Manning was the first-team All-Pro quarterback, but he was co-MVP that season, sharing the award with Tennessee’s Steve McNair.
Allen received 27 first-place votes to 23 for Jackson, who had 26 second-place votes to 22 for his Buffalo counterpart. Overall, Allen finished with 383 points to 362 for Jackson, who was looking to add his third MVP award to his trophy case. Jackson also won the award last season.
Barkley, who will be a popular option in Sunday’s Super Bowl 59 props picks, finished third with 120 points. Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow (82 points) and Detroit’s Jared Goff (47 points) round out the top five. However, everyone on this list, except for Barkley, would love to be involved in Sunday’s Super Bowl 59 odds.
Should the MVP Have Gone to Jackson?
Jackson definitely had a good shout to win his third MVP, which is why the voting was so close. Allen completed 63.6% of his passes for 3,731 yards, 28 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Jackson completed 66.7% of his attempts for 4,172 yards, 41 touchdowns, and four picks. Jackson also had 915 rushing yards and four scores, while Allen had 531 yards and 12 touchdowns.
But you could also argue that Jackson had running back Derrick Henry, who rushed for 1,921 yards, and receiver Zay Flowers racked up 1,059 yards. Allen had running back James Cook, who had 1,009 yards on the ground. His best receiver was Khalil Shakir, who had 821 yards. Jackson’s supporting cast was undoubtedly better, but both quarterbacks elevated the surrounding players.
The two also went head-to-head twice this past season. Baltimore won the first meeting 35-10 at home in Week 4. But Buffalo got their revenge in the AFC divisional round, winning 27-25 at home before losing to Kansas City in the AFC championship game.
In the end, it was a very close race and both players were very deserving. Josh Allen had a terrific season and is a worthy NFL MVP, an award he could have probably won last season, too.
