Last week, a challenge to the dominance of Josh Allen and the Bills came not from another player, but from the injury of Lamar Jackson and a disappointing loss experienced by the Baltimore Ravens. Jackson left the game during the third quarter as the Ravens fell to the Kansas City Chiefs with a score of 37-20, heightening concerns over his availability for Week 5. His current status has been reported as questionable, which could substantially influence his pursuit of the MVP award this season.
In the latest MVP odds from BetMGM, Josh Allen has emerged as the frontrunner with odds sitting at +110, suggesting a nearly 50% chance for him to clinch the honor. This marks a significant jump from +250 just a week prior. Meanwhile, Jackson, who was previously at +300, has fallen to +650 as the second favorite, still ahead of Justin Herbert from the Chargers, whose odds stand at +700.
Jordan Love’s performance led him out of the top four after a tie with the Dallas Cowboys, allowing Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts to climb to +1000 and +1400, respectively, following notable wins in Week 4.
As the Ravens struggle with a 1-3 record for the first time in ten years, Jackson’s path to MVP glory could be in jeopardy. Last season, the quarterback was a close second in MVP voting behind Allen, while the Ravens rebounded from an 0-2 start to finish 12-5. Jackson’s impressive individual stats—leading the league in passer rating, touchdowns, and yards per pass attempt—make his potential absence all the more impactful for both his personal accolades and the team’s success.
Additionally, this season has been marred by injuries affecting the MVP race. Notably, Joe Burrow is sidelined for at least three months due to turf toe while Jayden Daniels’ chances have dwindled after missing two games with a knee sprain, placing him in 10th at +3500. Other significant injuries include those of Tyreek Hill, Malik Nabers, and Austin Ekeler.
Despite not leading in major passing categories, Allen maintains remarkable stats with a 70% completion rate, 964 passing yards, and seven touchdowns. He leads an undefeated Bills team, making them a strong favorite heading towards the Super Bowl. In contrast, Herbert, with his own impressive performance, remains a solid contender, even after a recent setback against the New York Giants.
The competition is tight among quarterbacks battling for the MVP title this year. Both Matthew Stafford and Daniel Jones have seen increases in their odds as they continue to evolve within the game, reflecting the league’s ever-changing landscape.
With injuries on the rise and the competition becoming more intense, it will be fascinating to see how the MVP race unfolds as teams aim for redemption and glory in the latter half of the season. The resilience of players like Jackson may ultimately define their outlook not just for personal accolades, but for their respective teams as well.