The numbers behind the debate.
All season there has been debate over who the MVP will be. There have been a strong contenders.
There was Saquon Barkley becoming the ninth man to 2,000 rushing yards to Joe Burrow’s seemingly single-handed attempt to get the Bengals to the playoffs.
And then there are the front runners: Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Both had stellar seasons leading to division championships.
And both would be worthy winners of the MVP award.
But based on performance and numbers, there can only be one winner.
Jackson’s season is beyond compare.
| Josh Allen | Lamar Jackson | |
| Pass Yards | 3731 | 4172 |
| Pass TDs | 28 | 41 |
| Pass Y/A | 7.7 | 8.8 |
| Pass Y/G | 219.5 | 245.4 |
| Completion % | 63.6% | 66.7% |
| Interceptions | 6 | 4 |
| Rating | 101.4 | 119.6 |
| Rush Attempts | 102 | 139 |
| Rush Yards | 531 | 915 |
| Rush Y/A | 5.2 | 6.6 |
| Rush TDs | 12 | 4 |
| % of team total yards | 69.81% | 70.42% |
| % of team total points | 45.7% | 52.1% |
He had more yards, both on the ground and through the air.
Jackson has more TDs, a higher Completion percentage and fewer interceptions.
The only stat that Josh Allen tops Jackson on is rush TDs.
In terms of impact on team, Jackson had a higher percentage of team yards and points than Allen.
Comparing 2024 to Jackson’s MVP standard
There’s a kicker to the debate too.
Jackson is a two time MVP – something that may count against him when votes are counted.
However, Jackson’s numbers were better in 2024 than his previous two MVP seasons, particularly for passing.
| 2019 | 2023 | 2024 | |
| Yards – Passing / Rushing | 3127 /1206 | 3678 / 821 | 4172 / 915 |
| Average – Passing / Rushing | 7.8 / 6.9 | 8.0 / 5.5 | 8.8 / 6.6 |
| TDs – Passing / Rushing | 36 / 7 | 24 / 5 | 41 / 4 |
| Completion % | 66.1% | 67.2% | 66.7% |
| Rating | 113.3 | 102.7 | 119.6 |
| Interceptions | 6 | 7 | 4 |
| Sack % | 5.42% | 7.49% | 4.63% |
| First Downs – Passing / Rushing | 161 / 71 | 167 / 48 | 198 / 47 |
Note Jackson’s completion percentage for 2024 was a career high 67.8% prior to Week 18 vs Cleveland
We will find out the official results the night before the Super Bowl.
The likelihood is that one of these quarterbacks will feature at the Superdome.
The next step in Jackson’s development is performance in the playoffs.
Now he has been the best player in the league for a third regular season, he should be targeting a different MVP award.
Lamar must perform in three massive games against two AFC juggernauts, twice on the road, before he even gets the chance though.
