5 NFL MVP candidates, ranked by who should win in 2024

Let’s rank NFL MVP candidates so far.

We’re not quite at midseason yet, but there’s still been more than enough time to rank NFL MVP candidates so far. This season has been an interesting one, with the usual MVP candidates like QBs Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow having either a down season individually or the team not having much success as a total unit. Yet, in their place we have so many more candidates coming to the forefront, from some usual suspects to players who have surged to the top of the list. So let’s rank them at this point of the season, starting with the reigning MVP.

1 . Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

Aaron Rodgers was the last player to win back to back MVPs in 2020 and 2021, but Jackson has the chance to change that this season. You can make the argument that Jackson is even better than his MVP-winning season last year, leading the NFL in Success Rate as a passer and has thrown 17 touchdowns compared to only two interceptions this season.

On the ground, he’s added 500 yards and two touchdowns. If he keeps up his pace of 56 rushing yards per game and over 200 passing yards per game, he could hit 4,000 yards passing AND 1,000 yards rushing in a single season, which would make him the only player to hit that mark. Add in the Ravens being one of the most feared offenses in the league, and you get a great case for a back-to-back MVP.

2. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills

Despite a minor lull in production, Allen is still near the top of the MVP rankings. He’s thrown for 14 touchdowns and is only one of two QBs with at least 150 passing attempts and has only thrown one interception. As the Bills run away with the AFC East in their retool year, Allen has consistently been a force of nature, while still evolving his game in the short area and handling much more at the line of scrimmage and his play still hasn’t fallen off a cliff this season. The addition of WR Amari Cooper has really helped open up the offense much more, allowing for receivers like Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir to thrive in adjusted roles. If the Bills keep up this success, Allen will definitely get MVP votes.

3. Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens

Henry will definitely end up stealing votes from his QB if he continues this high level of play. Most would say running backs hit a wall at the age of 30, but Henry is both defying Father Time and powering a rushing offense that is once again historic. He leads the NFL in rushing yards, big plays (runs over 20 yards), rushing touchdowns and among all high volume carriers, first in the NFL in yards per carry.

Again, he’s doing this all at 30 years old.

His resurgence has helped drive one of the most feared run games in the entire league, and his ability to hit both the big play and keep the offense on schedule has been exactly what the Ravens needed. If not MVP, he’s definitely at the top of the list for Offensive Player of the Year.

4. Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions

Mr. Perfect has finally shown up.

People are going to knock his performances because of the surrounding talent the Detroit Lions have, but Goff’s growth within this offense has been super fun to watch. His confidence in himself and the structure of the offense has led to an offensive explosion, especially in recent weeks. We all remember his 18/18 performance against the Seahawks, but he’s played at that same level in recent weeks as well. Detroit is by far and away the best team in the NFC, with the QB playing at the highest level. If Detroit is able to make a run to the Super Bowl like we expect them to, Goff should receive some MVP votes.

5. Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders

The last rookie to win MVP was Jim Brown in 1957, but in a year where most of the superstar veterans are having down years, Daniels could seriously get some votes. He’s led the resurgent Washington Commanders to a hot start, while proving electric play with his arm and legs, like the leader on this list. Daniels has only thrown for seven touchdowns this year, but his underlying advanced stats are much more impressive. He’s sixth in Success Rate, and while EPA is a team stat, he’s second in adjusted EPA per play. His electrified the NFL with the Commanders being where they are to start this season, and if he keeps this up we’ll see his name on a few MVP ballots.

Honorable mention: Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles, Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs, Penei Sewell, OT, Detroit Lions, Tristan Wirfs, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers