Josh Allen has been the runaway favorite to win the NFL MVP race for the last month.
But nothing is guaranteed in the NFL.
Allen had one of his worst games of the season as the Buffalo Bills needed to overcome a 14-0 deficit at home to beat the lowly New England Patriots 24-21 last week.
Allen completed just 16 of 29 passes for 154 yards with a touchdown and an interception during the AFC East matchup. He relied on running back James Cook scoring two touchdowns, while Taron Johnson recovered a fumble in the end zone to put the Patriots away.
Was Allen’s performance enough to maintain the top spot, or has another MVP candidate seized the reins?
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Here are the USA TODAY Sports’ NFL MVP rankings after Week 16:
5. Eagles RB Saquon Barkley, stock even
Saquon Barkley had another standout game for the Eagles, rushing for 150 yards with two touchdowns in Philadelphia’s 36-33 loss without Jalen Hurts (concussion) against the Washington Commanders last week.
Still, it’s hard to deny Barkley’s production in 2024.
He leads the NFL with 2,114 scrimmage yards, while only Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase and Buffalo’s Cook have scored more touchdowns (16 each) to Barkley’s 15 touchdowns. He’s also responsible for the 14 rushing touchdowns Hurts has scored mostly from tush push plays at the goal line.
4. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, stock even
Even with a high-ankle sprain, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs maintain the best record in the NFL following their 27-19 win over the Houston Texans.
Mahomes scored a 15-yard touchdown run to set the tone and threw a touchdown, finishing with 260 yards on 28 of 41 passing.
Mahomes has 23 touchdown passes, 3,608 passing yards, and a 66.7 QBR for the Chiefs. But his MVP case is boosted by Kansas City’s No. 1 spot in the AFC standings, and 10 of their 14 wins coming in one-score games this season.
3. Lions QB Jared Goff, stock even
Jared Goff had another standout game, throwing for three touchdowns and 336 yards in Detroit’s 34-17 win over the Chicago Bears last week.
The Lions rebounded from just their second loss of the season to maintain their lead in the NFC North over the surging Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers, and to stay in front of the Eagles for the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff race.
Goff has the second-best passer rating (112.2) and completion percentage (71.4) in the NFL, while his 33 touchdown passes rank fourth among quarterbacks. But two other players have been better this season.
2. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, stock even
Lamar Jackson threw three touchdown passes, and the Ravens relied on a late pick-six to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 34-17 last week.
The Ravens again have a path to winning the AFC North, needing wins in their final two games and hoping the Steelers drop one of their two remaining games.
Jackson leads the NFL with a 120.6 passer rating, is second behind Joe Burrow (39) with 37 touchdown passes, and second with a 75.5 QBR behind the No. 1 player on our list.
Although Jackson has been spectacular, the Ravens’ five losses this season have hindered his MVP case.
1. Bills QB Josh Allen, stock even
Allen may have been subpar against New England, but it’s hard to forget what Allen has accomplished this season:
He led the Bills to wins over the teams with the best records in the NFL – the Chiefs and Lions. He became the first player in NFL history to throw three touchdowns and score three rushing touchdowns in a game. And the Bills clinched the AFC East on Dec. 1.
Allen has the best QBR in the league at 76.7, is sixth with 26 touchdown passes, along with 12 rushing touchdowns.
Buffalo hosts the Jets in Week 17, and end the season at New England where Allen could secure his first NFL MVP award.