NFL MVP odds: How are Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow being looked at by fans? Taking a closer look
The race for NFL MVP heats up as Week 18 started with the Ravens defeating the Browns while Bengals kept their playoff hope alive by beating the Steelers.
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Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen (Images via Imago)
In a topsy-turvy season. Several players came to the forefront of the MVP talks. In the initial stages, Baltimore Ravens had couple of losses and were projected to lose more in the upcoming games. However, they came back fiercely to contest for the AFC North title. The advent of Ravens to the top also enabled Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson to find their names amongst potential MVPs.
As the season comes to a close, the scenarios have changed multitude. The teams with initial promises have fizzled out- teams who were expected to go all the way found their campaign dying in the regular season. Just a week left to play in regular season, the MVP talks has been limited to very few players, some being Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson.
It’s not to say that there are no huge matches in week 18 which could change the whole MVP odds – bring new players and what not. However, a huge chunk of starters like Patrick Mahomes, Saquon Barkley are finding the benches on Sunday. Barkley had high odds at one point considering that he was inching towards breaking the single season rushing yards record.
In the last week of the regular season, a panel of 50 writers independent of the league will vote on the players. Although a decision will be taken immediately, it won’t be revealed to public until last few days remain to Super Bowl.
NFL MVP odds for Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow
~As per BetMGM, The NFL Most Valuable Player Odds entering Week 18 (as of Friday, January 3rd):
- QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (-300) (Last week: -250)
- QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (+220) (Last week: +160)
- QB Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (+2000)
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen, a promising farm boy from Firebaugh California, is one of the leading candidates for the MVP title. Allen, who has led the Buffalo Bills to straight five division titles, has never won the prestigious award. This year, as Buffalo Bills remain the only team to beat the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions, Allen’s chances have skyrocketed.
In the current season, he became the first quarterback to record a passing, rushing, and receiving TD in a single game. In seventeen games, he has 3731 yards for 28 touchdowns with just 7 interceptions. Allen’s QBR of 76.7 is the third best in the league. There’s also another angle to Allen’s rise in odds, the fact that he is devoid of a star core like Lamar Jackson or Joe Burrow.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
On statistical aspect, Lamar Jackson has a better standing than Allen. The Ravens aren’t the formidable squad from last year. There are some troubling flaws with their offense. However, Jackson has continued his form from last year and is eyeing to become the fifth quarterback in history to retain the MVP title.
The two-time MVP currently has notched up 5087 total yards and 45 total touchdowns. In his quest to defend his crown, he has also registered a passer rating of 119.2. Despite these numbers, the inability to perform in his postseason so far and the lack of Super Bowl rings is the main issue with Jackson.
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow wasn’t in the talks for a large part of the season. Few hours ago, the Cincinnati Bengals foiled Steelers’ attempt to rank higher in the wildcard and better their playoff hopes. The Bengals, led by Burrow, who had posted 250+ passing yards and at least three TDs for an eight game streak at one point, needs Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins to lose their final game.
Burrow finished his campaign leading the league in passing yards with 4,918 yards and 43 TDs while recording eight interceptions. He also has two rushing touchdowns to his name. Burrow’s case is stronger due to how much of his quarterback abilities has translated into their comeback. However, Joe Burrow missing out the playoffs will most probably plunge him out of the race and will definitely leave a huge dent his legacy.
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Mohammed Bazim
(405 Articles Published)