The NFL’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is presented annually to the top player during the regular season. As we approach the conclusion of the 2024 season, the MVP race is as tight as ever. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly speculating on who will take home the coveted honor this year. So, when will the 2024 MVP winner be announced?
2024-2025 NFL MVP Award Announcement
The MVP for the 2024-2025 season will be announced during the NFL Honors Award ceremony, which is set to take place at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans on February 6 at 9 p.m. ET. The event will be broadcast on both the NFL Network and Fox. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by Snoop Dogg, a 16-time Grammy nominee and sponsor of the 2024 Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl. This marks his first time hosting the event.
The ceremony will not only honor the MVP but will also announce the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025, following the reveal of 15 finalists in December. Some notable candidates for induction include Antonio Gates, Eli Manning, Luke Kuechly, and Terrell Suggs. In addition to the MVP, other prestigious awards like Coach of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year honors will also be given out.
Current MVP Favorite: Josh Allen
As of now, Josh Allen, the dual-threat quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, is the odds-on favorite to win the 2024-2025 NFL MVP award. Allen has been stellar this season, despite facing challenges, such as a lack of a true No. 1 wide receiver. While the Bills drafted Keon Coleman, he has struggled, particularly when compared to other rookie receivers. Additionally, the Bills traded for Amari Cooper at the deadline, but he has yet to establish strong chemistry with Allen.
Despite these challenges, Allen has managed impressive stats: 3,731 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. On the ground, he added 531 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, helping the Bills secure the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs.
Lamar Jackson: A Strong MVP Contender
Though not currently the favorite, Lamar Jackson, the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, is another strong MVP contender. Jackson arguably had the best season of his career as a passer, with 4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. Additionally, he contributed 915 rushing yards and four touchdowns, solidifying his dual-threat capabilities.
Statistically, Jackson has outperformed Allen in many key areas, including QB+ (100.0 to 92.2), EPA per dropback (0.31 to 0.24), yards per attempt (8.8 to 7.7), and the touchdown-to-interception ratio (10.3 to 4.7). Jackson also led the Ravens to a dominant victory over the Bills in Week 4, defeating them 35-10, further strengthening his MVP case.
Saquon Barkley: An MVP Candidate at Running Back
Another player deserving of MVP recognition is Saquon Barkley, the standout running back for the Philadelphia Eagles. Barkley had an explosive season, rushing for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns. Although he is expected to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, his incredible performance places him in the MVP conversation as well.
Joe Burrow: A Strong Season Despite Missing the Playoffs
Lastly, Joe Burrow, the quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, had a phenomenal individual season. Although the Bengals missed the playoffs, Burrow finished the regular season with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns, leading the league in both categories. Despite his individual success, the lack of a playoff appearance likely rules him out of the MVP race, though he certainly deserves recognition for his remarkable season.
MVP Finalists and Predictions
As the 2024 season winds down, Josh Allen has made a compelling case for his first MVP award. However, Lamar Jackson, with his outstanding all-around performance, also stands as a formidable challenger. The MVP race is far from decided, and it will be interesting to see who ultimately takes home the award.
In conclusion, while the odds may favor Josh Allen, both Lamar Jackson and Saquon Barkley have made their mark, and other players like Joe Burrow also deserve acknowledgment for their stellar seasons. Time will tell who will emerge as the 2024 NFL MVP.