The 2024 NFL season is reaching its climax, with the competition for the league’s MVP title heating up. As Week 17 begins on Christmas Day, fans can expect an exciting stretch of football over the next five days. With just two weeks remaining in the regular season, MVP contenders must make their final case for the coveted award while also leading their teams toward a potential Super Bowl appearance.
As of December 26, the latest MVP odds reveal a tight race. Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who is currently a leading candidate despite coming off one of his poorer performances in a narrow victory against the Patriots, still holds a strong position. In that game, Allen completed 16 of 29 passes for 154 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and added 30 rushing yards. He will face the Jets next, who boast the fifth-best passing defense in the league.
On the heels of Allen is the reigning MVP, who delivered an outstanding performance on Christmas night against the Houston Texans. He completed 10 of 15 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns, alongside an impressive 87 rushing yards and a touchdown, all while breaking Michael Vick’s record for career rushing yards by a quarterback. Over the past three games, he has combined for an impressive 11 touchdowns with just one interception and two fumbles.
Saquon Barkley continues to impress despite his team’s recent loss. He is on the verge of a remarkable 2,000-yard season, having rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns against the Commanders, marking his tenth game this season with over 100 rushing yards. He is expected to have another significant impact in Week 17 against the Cowboys, who struggle defensively against the run.
Jared Goff also stands out with his recent performances. He threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns against the Bears last week, marking his fifth game of the season with at least 300 passing yards. Goff will take the field on Monday Night Football against a 49ers team that, while facing challenges this season, still has a formidable passing defense.
Former MVP Patrick Mahomes is tied for fifth place among the candidates. After overcoming an injury, he threw for 260 yards and one touchdown against the Texans, adding a rushing touchdown as well. Notably, he has not turned the ball over in his last three games. Mahomes will next take on the tough Steelers defense on Christmas Day.
Another strong contender is Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, who played exceptionally well in the win over the Seahawks, passing for 246 yards and three touchdowns. He has consistently thrown for over 200 yards in each of his last ten games. Darnold faces a challenging matchup against the Packers, who recently secured a shutout over the Saints but will have to contend with Darnold’s earlier success against them this season.
This season’s MVP race promises to be an exhilarating conclusion, with each player presenting compelling arguments for the award as they gear up for the playoffs. As fans buckle in for what promises to be an exciting end to the regular season, the competition among these remarkable athletes serves as a reminder of the thrilling unpredictability of the NFL.