BREAKING: Bills’ Josh Allen surpasses Lamar Jackson for major NFL MVP award after 7-2 start
Nine weeks into the 2024 NFL season, a new frontrunner has emerged in the MVP race. Baltimore Ravens quarterback and 2023 MVP Lamar Jackson started as the strong favorite, but Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen has now overtaken him after Week 9.
Allen has become the betting favorite at most sportsbooks, with FanDuel listing him at +290. Jackson follows closely at +300, while Patrick Mahomes, who led early in the season, is now third with +700 odds.
Statistically, Jackson outperforms Allen in all key passing categories. Jackson has accumulated 2,379 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and two interceptions through nine games, along with 505 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. In comparison, Allen has posted 2,001 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and two interceptions, along with 211 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
Oddsmakers, however, seem to value Allen’s tougher schedule and the Bills’ Super Bowl prospects. The odds shifted after Buffalo’s thrilling 30-27 Week 9 victory over the Miami Dolphins, secured with a game-winning field goal. Meanwhile, Jackson continued his stellar play, leading Baltimore to a dominant 41-10 win over the Denver Broncos, but against a weaker opponent.
As the Bills hold a 7-2 record and the Ravens 6-3, the MVP race is likely to stay tight. Mahomes and the undefeated Chiefs will also look to stay in contention as they prepare for their Week 9 Monday Night Football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Strong performances from any of these quarterbacks could shift the odds at any time.
Bills ride four-game win streak into Week 10
Josh Allen has a strong opportunity to bolster his MVP candidacy in Week 10 when the Bills face the Indianapolis Colts on the road. So far, the Colts rank near the bottom of the league in passing defense, allowing the seventh-most passing yards per game.
Allen has been key to the Bills’ offensive success during their current win streak, with Buffalo scoring over 30 points in three consecutive games and in seven of nine games this season. The Bills, who sit atop the AFC East, haven’t lost since their narrow 23-20 defeat to the Houston Texans in Week 5.
Meanwhile, the Colts have struggled, losing their last two games. In Week 9, Indianapolis fell to the Minnesota Vikings in prime time, marking their first game since benching 2023 No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson. With the loss, the Colts dropped to 4-5 and have now failed to score more than 20 points in four straight games.