Lamar Jackson Vs. Josh Allen: Who Will Win MVP In 2024?

by Jhon Lennon 56 views

The NFL MVP race is always a hot topic, and heading into 2024, two names are already dominating the conversation: Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Both quarterbacks are incredibly talented, dynamic players who lead high-powered offenses. But who has the edge when it comes to snagging that coveted MVP trophy? Let's dive deep into their strengths, weaknesses, and the factors that could sway the voters.

Lamar Jackson: The Ravens' Electric Leader

Lamar Jackson is a human highlight reel. His unique blend of electrifying running ability and rapidly improving passing skills makes him a nightmare for defenses. He's already won an MVP award in 2019, and another one isn't out of the question. To understand Jackson's MVP chances in 2024, we need to consider a few key aspects:

Strengths:

  1. Dual-Threat Dominance: Lamar's rushing ability is simply unmatched by any other quarterback in the league. He can turn a broken play into a huge gain in the blink of an eye. This puts immense pressure on defenses, forcing them to account for him as a runner on every single snap. When defenses overcommit to stopping the run, Jackson can exploit them with his arm, making him a truly unpredictable threat.

  2. Improved Passing: While his running ability gets most of the attention, Lamar has steadily improved as a passer. He's worked hard on his accuracy, his ability to read defenses, and his decision-making. He has developed a better connection with his receivers. This makes the Ravens' offense even more dangerous. He’s not just a runner who can throw; he's becoming a complete quarterback.

  3. Offensive Scheme: The Ravens' offensive scheme is built around Lamar's strengths. They utilize a lot of read-option plays, play-action passes, and designed quarterback runs to maximize his impact. This scheme puts him in a position to succeed and allows him to showcase his unique talents. With the right play-calling and offensive line support, Lamar can consistently put up huge numbers.

  4. Leadership and Intangibles: Beyond the stats, Lamar is a natural leader who inspires his teammates. He has a contagious enthusiasm and a strong work ethic. These intangible qualities can be just as important as on-field performance when it comes to winning an MVP award. Voters often consider a player's overall impact on his team, and Lamar's leadership is a significant asset.

Weaknesses:

  1. Durability Concerns: Lamar's aggressive running style does make him susceptible to injuries. He's missed games in the past due to various ailments, and staying healthy for a full season is crucial for his MVP chances. The Ravens need to protect him better and he needs to be smart about when to take hits.

  2. Passing Consistency: While he has improved as a passer, Lamar still has occasional lapses in accuracy. He sometimes struggles with deep throws and can make questionable decisions under pressure. Improving his consistency in the passing game will be key to taking his game to the next level.

  3. Competition: The MVP race is always crowded with talented quarterbacks. Guys like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Justin Herbert will all be vying for the award. Lamar will need to stand out from the crowd and put up truly exceptional numbers to win.

Josh Allen: The Bills' Gunslinger

Josh Allen is a physical specimen with a rocket arm and the athleticism to make plays with his legs. He's transformed himself from a raw prospect into one of the league's elite quarterbacks. His strong arm and willingness to take risks make him a constant threat to score. Let's break down Allen's MVP prospects for 2024:

Strengths:

  1. Elite Arm Talent: Allen possesses arguably the strongest arm in the NFL. He can make every throw on the field with ease, and he's not afraid to air it out. This allows the Bills to stretch the field and create explosive plays. Defenses have to respect his deep ball, which opens up opportunities for underneath routes and running lanes.

  2. Physicality and Running Ability: Like Lamar, Allen is a physical quarterback who can make plays with his legs. He's not as elusive as Lamar, but he's a powerful runner who can break tackles and pick up tough yards. His running ability adds another dimension to the Bills' offense and makes him a difficult matchup for defenses.

  3. Aggressive Mentality: Allen plays with a fearless, aggressive mentality. He's always looking to make a big play, and he's not afraid to take risks. This can lead to turnovers, but it also results in a lot of touchdowns and exciting moments. His willingness to take chances makes him a dynamic and unpredictable quarterback.

  4. Chemistry with Stefon Diggs: Allen has developed a strong rapport with his top receiver, Stefon Diggs. They have a special connection on the field, and Diggs is Allen's go-to target in critical situations. This chemistry is a huge asset for the Bills' offense, and it allows Allen to consistently make big plays in the passing game.

Weaknesses:

  1. Turnover Prone: Allen's aggressive style can sometimes lead to turnovers. He can force throws into tight coverage or make questionable decisions under pressure. Reducing his turnovers will be crucial for his MVP chances. He needs to be more careful with the ball and make smarter decisions.

  2. Inconsistency: While he's capable of playing at an elite level, Allen can also have inconsistent performances. He sometimes struggles with accuracy or makes poor reads. Improving his consistency will be key to solidifying his status as one of the league's best quarterbacks.

  3. Reliance on Big Plays: The Bills' offense sometimes relies too heavily on big plays. They can become predictable at times, which makes them easier to defend. Developing a more balanced offensive attack will make Allen even more effective and improve his MVP chances.

Key Factors That Could Decide the MVP Race

Several factors could ultimately determine who wins the MVP award in 2024:

  • Team Success: The MVP award is almost always given to a player on a winning team. Both the Ravens and the Bills are expected to be contenders in the AFC, so team success will likely be a major factor.
  • Statistical Dominance: Putting up big numbers is essential for winning the MVP award. Both Lamar and Allen will need to have outstanding statistical seasons to impress the voters.
  • Narrative: The narrative surrounding a player can also influence the MVP vote. If either Lamar or Allen has a compelling storyline, it could give them an edge.
  • Head-to-Head Matchups: How Lamar and Allen perform in their head-to-head matchups could be a significant factor. A dominant performance in those games could sway the voters.
  • Health: Staying healthy for a full season is crucial for both players. Injuries could derail their MVP campaigns.

The Verdict: Who Has the Edge?

This is a tough call, guys! Both Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have the talent and potential to win the MVP award in 2024.

Lamar's rushing ability and the Ravens' run-heavy offense give him a slight edge in terms of potential statistical dominance. However, Josh Allen's elite arm talent and the Bills' explosive passing attack make him a serious contender as well. Ultimately, the winner will likely depend on which player can stay healthy, lead their team to success, and put up the most impressive numbers.

It's going to be a thrilling MVP race to watch! Who are you betting on?