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

The NFL MVP award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in professional sports, and the race for the 2024 title is already heating up. Two of the leading contenders are Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, both dynamic quarterbacks who have transformed their respective teams into perennial Super Bowl contenders. In this article, we'll delve into a detailed statistical comparison of these two stars, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately try to predict who has the edge in the MVP race.

Lamar Jackson: The Master of the Ground Game

Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens' electrifying quarterback, has already claimed an MVP award in 2019, and he's hungry for another. His game is defined by his unparalleled rushing ability for a quarterback, coupled with his ever-improving passing skills. To understand Jackson's MVP prospects for 2024, let's dissect his key stats and attributes.

Rushing Prowess

Lamar Jackson's rushing ability is not just a unique aspect of his game; it's a game-changer. He doesn't just scramble when a play breaks down; his designed runs are integral to the Ravens' offensive scheme. In past seasons, he's shattered records for quarterback rushing yards, consistently averaging over 6 yards per carry. This threat on the ground forces defenses to account for him on every play, opening up opportunities for his teammates in both the running and passing game. His agility and speed make him incredibly difficult to bring down in the open field, often turning potential sacks into significant gains. For Jackson to be an MVP contender, maintaining a high level of rushing production is critical, as it's a dimension that few other quarterbacks can replicate. This rushing threat not only adds yards but also wears down defenses, making them more vulnerable in later stages of the game. Defenses must dedicate extra resources to contain him, which, in turn, creates mismatches and opportunities for his receivers. Jackson's rushing isn't just about individual brilliance; it's a strategic weapon that unlocks the full potential of the Ravens' offense.

Passing Improvements

While Lamar Jackson initially made his name with his legs, he has worked diligently to refine his passing skills. Over the years, he's shown significant improvements in his accuracy, decision-making, and ability to read defenses. His completion percentage has steadily increased, and he's become more adept at throwing into tight windows. He's also developed a better understanding of when to take a sack and when to throw the ball away, minimizing turnovers. For Jackson to truly elevate his game and cement his status as an MVP frontrunner, he needs to continue to demonstrate growth as a passer. This means improving his deep ball accuracy, making quicker reads, and developing a stronger rapport with his receivers. The Ravens have also invested in upgrading their receiving corps, providing Jackson with more reliable targets. Ultimately, Jackson's passing improvements will be crucial in determining his MVP chances, as he needs to prove that he can win games with his arm as well as his legs.

Leadership and Impact

Beyond the stats, Lamar Jackson's leadership and impact on the Ravens cannot be overstated. He is the heart and soul of the team, inspiring his teammates with his work ethic, passion, and unwavering belief in their ability to win. He consistently elevates the play of those around him, making the Ravens a more cohesive and dangerous unit. His presence on the field is a constant source of motivation, and his ability to rally the team in the face of adversity is truly remarkable. For Jackson to bolster his MVP candidacy, he needs to continue to lead the Ravens to victory in crucial games, especially against tough opponents. He must also maintain a positive attitude and keep the team focused, even when things aren't going their way. His leadership qualities, combined with his exceptional talent, make him a true MVP contender.

Josh Allen: The Cannon-Armed Gunslinger

On the other side of the spectrum, we have Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills' powerful quarterback. Allen is known for his incredible arm strength, his fearless style of play, and his ability to make throws that few other quarterbacks can even dream of. To evaluate Allen's MVP chances for 2024, let's break down his key stats and attributes.

Arm Strength and Deep Ball Accuracy

Josh Allen's arm strength is legendary, and it allows him to make throws that other quarterbacks simply cannot. He can effortlessly launch the ball downfield, connecting with receivers on deep routes with pinpoint accuracy. This ability to stretch the field is a nightmare for opposing defenses, as they have to respect his deep ball threat on every play. His arm strength isn't just about throwing the ball far; it also allows him to make quick, accurate throws into tight windows, even when under pressure. Allen has worked hard to refine his deep ball accuracy, and it has become a hallmark of his game. For Allen to maintain his status as an MVP contender, he needs to continue to showcase his arm strength and deep ball accuracy. This means connecting on a high percentage of his deep throws and using his arm to create big plays for the Bills' offense. His arm strength not only makes him a threat to score on any play but also opens up opportunities for his receivers underneath.

Dual-Threat Ability

While Josh Allen is primarily known for his arm, he is also a capable runner. He uses his size and strength to power through defenders, and he has a knack for picking up crucial first downs with his legs. His rushing ability adds another dimension to the Bills' offense, making them even more difficult to defend. Allen is not just a scrambler; he is a designed runner who can be a real weapon in the red zone. His ability to run the ball also keeps defenses honest, preventing them from focusing solely on his passing game. For Allen to enhance his MVP credentials, he needs to continue to utilize his dual-threat ability. This means picking his spots to run the ball and using his legs to extend plays when necessary. He also needs to be smart about protecting himself and avoiding unnecessary hits. His dual-threat ability makes him a unique and dangerous quarterback, and it's a key part of his MVP case.

Poise and Decision-Making

Josh Allen has shown significant improvement in his poise and decision-making over the years. He is no longer the raw, erratic quarterback he once was. He now reads defenses more effectively, makes better decisions under pressure, and avoids costly turnovers. He has also developed a better understanding of when to take a sack and when to throw the ball away. Allen's improved poise and decision-making have made him a much more consistent and reliable quarterback. For Allen to solidify his MVP candidacy, he needs to continue to demonstrate growth in this area. This means making smart decisions in critical situations and avoiding the mistakes that can cost his team games. His ability to stay calm and focused under pressure is a crucial asset, and it's something that voters will take into account when considering his MVP chances.

Statistical Comparison

To get a clearer picture of the Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen MVP debate, let's compare some key statistics from the past few seasons:

(Note: These are sample statistics and may not reflect actual 2024 data.)

Based on these sample statistics, we can see that Allen typically throws for more yards and touchdowns, while Jackson is the more prolific runner. However, Jackson often has a higher completion percentage and passer rating.

Prediction: Who Has the Edge?

Predicting the MVP winner is always a difficult task, as it depends on a variety of factors, including individual performance, team success, and narrative. However, based on the analysis above, here's a tentative prediction:

Lamar Jackson might have a slight edge due to his unique rushing ability and his potential to lead the Ravens to a dominant season. If he can continue to improve as a passer and maintain his rushing prowess, he will be a very strong MVP candidate.

Josh Allen is also a top contender, and his arm strength and dual-threat ability make him a constant threat. If he can improve his consistency and decision-making, he could easily win the MVP award.

Ultimately, the MVP race will likely come down to who can stay healthy, lead their team to the most wins, and create the most compelling narrative. Both Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have the talent and potential to win the award, and it will be exciting to see how the 2024 season unfolds.

Conclusion

The Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen debate is one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2024 NFL season. Both quarterbacks are exceptional talents with the ability to lead their teams to the Super Bowl. While their playing styles differ, their ultimate goal is the same: to win games and bring home the Lombardi Trophy. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to watch these two stars battle it out for the MVP award and see who ultimately emerges victorious. No matter who wins, NFL fans are in for a treat as they witness two of the game's brightest stars at the peak of their powers.