The NFL never fails to deliver drama, excitement, and jaw-dropping moments every single season. Fans across the globe tune in weekly to watch their favorite players battle it out on the gridiron. Among the many accolades handed out each year, one stands above the rest—the Most Valuable Player award. In 2024, the race for this prestigious title captivated audiences, sparked heated debates, and showcased some of the league’s brightest stars. So, who claimed the 2024 NFL MVP crown? Let’s dive into the thrilling story of this award, explore the standout performances, and break down what made this season unforgettable.
The MVP Award: What It Means in the NFL
The NFL MVP award holds a special place in football history. Every year, the Associated Press selects one player who rises above the competition and proves their worth to their team. This honor celebrates individual brilliance while recognizing the impact a single athlete can have on an entire franchise. Unlike other awards, the MVP focuses solely on regular-season performance, making it a true test of consistency and dominance over 18 grueling weeks.
Quarterbacks often dominate the conversation, and 2024 followed that trend. However, the award doesn’t exclude other positions—running backs, wide receivers, and even defensive stars occasionally steal the spotlight. Voters, consisting of 50 media members, rank their top five picks, and the player with the most points takes home the trophy. Announced during the NFL Honors ceremony, the MVP reveal always marks a highlight of the offseason. In 2024, the stakes felt higher than ever, with several players delivering career-defining seasons.
The 2024 Season: A Wild Ride from Start to Finish
The 2024 NFL season kicked off with sky-high expectations and plenty of storylines to follow. Teams retooled their rosters, rookies stepped into the spotlight, and veterans aimed to cement their legacies. From Week 1, standout performances set the tone for an unpredictable MVP race. Injuries, breakout stars, and unexpected team success kept fans guessing about who would emerge as the league’s most valuable player.
As the weeks rolled by, a few names began to separate from the pack. Quarterbacks showcased their arm strength and leadership, while a certain running back rewrote the record books. By midseason, analysts and fans alike debated fiercely over the frontrunners. Social media buzzed with hot takes, and every game brought fresh twists to the narrative. Heading into the final stretch, the competition tightened, and the pressure mounted for those vying for the top spot.
Josh Allen: The Buffalo Bills’ Dual-Threat Dynamo
Josh Allen entered 2024 with something to prove. The Buffalo Bills quarterback had flirted with MVP glory in previous years but never quite sealed the deal. This time, he unleashed a campaign that left no doubt about his elite status. Allen combined pinpoint passing with electrifying runs, turning the Bills’ offense into a juggernaut. Losing star wide receiver Stefon Diggs in the offseason only fueled his fire—he adapted, spread the ball around, and elevated his teammates.
Statistically, Allen dazzled throughout the season. He threw for over 4,000 yards, racked up 30-plus passing touchdowns, and added another 10 scores on the ground. His interception total dropped to a career-low six, showing newfound discipline. In clutch moments, Allen delivered, leading Buffalo to a 13-4 record and the AFC’s No. 2 seed. A six-touchdown masterpiece against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14 solidified his case, earning praise from every corner of the league.
Beyond the numbers, Allen’s leadership stood out. He guided a remodeled receiving corps—featuring Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Amari Cooper—to new heights. The Bills clinched their fifth straight AFC East title, defying predictions of a down year. Allen’s ability to carry the team through adversity made him a fan favorite and a serious MVP contender. By season’s end, oddsmakers pegged him as the heavy favorite, but the race remained far from over.
Lamar Jackson: The Ravens’ Reigning King Fights Back
Lamar Jackson knows the MVP stage well—he won it in 2019 and 2023. In 2024, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback aimed for a historic third trophy, and he came out swinging. Jackson dazzled with his dual-threat brilliance, torching defenses through the air and on the ground. He posted career highs in passing yards (4,172) and touchdowns (41), while tossing just four interceptions. Add in 915 rushing yards and four more scores, and his stat line screamed dominance.
The Ravens leaned heavily on Jackson’s playmaking ability. Early struggles gave way to a late-season surge, with Baltimore finishing 12-5 and securing a playoff spot. His signature moment came in a primetime showdown against the Bills, where he outdueled Allen in a thrilling shootout. Jackson’s improvisational skills and jaw-dropping athleticism reminded everyone why he’s a two-time winner. Critics pointed to Baltimore’s slightly lower win total, but his individual brilliance kept him in the hunt.
Jackson’s case rested on his undeniable impact. He accounted for nearly 80% of the Ravens’ offensive yards, a staggering figure. Teammates and coaches raved about his work ethic and leadership, calling him the heartbeat of the franchise. As voting neared, Jackson trailed Allen in the odds but held a strong edge in raw statistics. Fans wondered if voters would reward his excellence once again or shift focus to a new face.
Saquon Barkley: The Running Back Who Shook Up the Race
While quarterbacks dominated headlines, Saquon Barkley crashed the MVP party in a big way. After signing with the Philadelphia Eagles, the former New York Giants star delivered a season for the ages. Barkley bulldozed his way to 2,005 rushing yards in just 16 games, falling shy of Eric Dickerson’s all-time record by 100 yards. He scored 15 touchdowns and averaged over 6 yards per carry, rewriting expectations for running backs in the modern NFL.
Barkley’s arrival transformed the Eagles’ offense. Paired with quarterback Jalen Hurts, he gave Philadelphia a dynamic one-two punch that defenses couldn’t stop. The team finished 14-3, clinching the NFC’s top seed, thanks in large part to Barkley’s punishing runs. His 200-yard outburst against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 10 sent shockwaves through the league, sparking MVP chatter. For a position that rarely wins the award—only three non-quarterbacks have claimed it since 2001—Barkley’s campaign felt revolutionary.
Supporters argued Barkley deserved the nod for his historic output and game-changing presence. Detractors countered that Hurts’ contributions split the credit, diluting Barkley’s case. Still, his third-place finish in voting (120 points) marked a rare feat for a running back. Barkley’s season reignited debates about positional value, proving that a dominant rusher can still steal the spotlight in a pass-heavy league.
Joe Burrow: The Bengals’ Gunslinger Makes a Late Push
Joe Burrow refused to let the Cincinnati Bengals’ rocky start define his 2024 season. Despite a 2-4 opening, the quarterback caught fire down the stretch, leading his team to five straight wins. Burrow topped the NFL with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns, showcasing his elite arm talent. He kept turnovers low, throwing just seven interceptions, and carried an injury-plagued roster to a 10-7 finish.
Burrow’s MVP bid hinged on his jaw-dropping stats and clutch performances. He torched defenses with pinpoint accuracy, elevating receivers like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. A 400-yard, four-touchdown gem against the Denver Broncos in Week 18 kept Cincinnati’s playoff hopes alive until the final whistle. However, the Bengals missed the postseason, a fatal blow to Burrow’s chances. Voters often favor players on winning teams, and this knocked him to fourth place with 82 points.
Even without the trophy, Burrow earned respect league-wide. His resilience and leadership shone through adversity, cementing his status as a top-tier quarterback. Fans and analysts speculated that a playoff berth might have tipped the scales in his favor. Instead, his sensational numbers became a footnote in a season dominated by AFC rivals.
The Final Showdown: NFL Honors 2025 Reveals the Winner
The 14th annual NFL Honors ceremony arrived on February 6, 2025, at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans. Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the event buzzed with anticipation as the MVP announcement loomed. Finalists Allen, Jackson, Barkley, Burrow, and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (who finished fifth with 47 points) awaited the verdict. The room hushed as the envelope opened, and the name rang out—Josh Allen.
Allen edged out Jackson in a razor-thin vote, earning 383 points and 27 first-place nods to Jackson’s 362 points and 23 votes. The Bills’ signal-caller lifted his first MVP trophy, a crowning achievement after years of near-misses. Tears welled in his eyes as he thanked his teammates, coaches, and family. “This means everything to me, but it’s really about the guys I play with every day,” Allen said in his acceptance speech. The victory marked Buffalo’s first MVP since Jim Kelly in 1991.
Jackson graciously congratulated Allen, vowing to return stronger in 2025. Barkley, Burrow, and Goff rounded out the top five, each earning applause for their remarkable seasons. The tight race underscored the depth of talent in the NFL, leaving fans eager for next year’s battle. Allen’s win capped a storybook year, but the journey to the podium revealed just how competitive 2024 truly was.
FAQs About the 2024 NFL MVP
1. Who won the 2024 NFL MVP award, and how close was the voting?
Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills won the 2024 NFL MVP award during the NFL Honors on February 6, 2025. He beat out Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens in a tight race, earning 383 points and 27 first-place votes to Jackson’s 362 points and 23 votes. The narrow margin showed just how competitive the season’s top performers were.
2. What made Josh Allen’s 2024 season stand out to voters?
Dream Big Josh Allen’s 2024 season impressed voters with his dual-threat dominance and leadership. He threw for over 4,000 yards and 30-plus touchdowns, ran for 10 more scores, and led the Bills to a 13-4 record. His low interception count and ability to elevate a new receiving group after losing Stefon Diggs sealed his case.
3. Why didn’t Lamar Jackson win his third MVP in 2024?
PSG Lamar Jackson posted incredible stats—4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and 915 rushing yards—but fell short of a third MVP. The Ravens’ 12-5 record trailed Buffalo’s, and some voters may have favored Allen’s fresh narrative over Jackson’s prior wins. His brilliance kept him close, but it wasn’t enough.
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