Charissa Thompson was left in disbelief after hearing Michael Vick’s surprising choice for the NFL MVP award. Vick, a former quarterback known for his electrifying play, has made a bold pick that has sparked conversations among fans and analysts alike. Instead of opting for the usual suspects like Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson, Vick is backing Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
Vick’s reasoning for his choice is rooted in Burrow’s performance throughout the season. Despite the Bengals not making the playoffs, Vick believes Burrow’s impact on his team was undeniable. "Joe Burrow, I think he locked up the MVP yesterday," Vick stated confidently. This assertion caught Thompson off guard, prompting her to exclaim, "Timeout!" as she processed the unexpected nomination.
Vick elaborated on his choice, emphasizing the true essence of the MVP award. "The MVP is the most valuable player to your team," he explained. His argument is that no other quarterback was more crucial to their team than Burrow, who delivered spectacular performances week after week. During the 2024 season, Burrow led the NFL with an impressive 4,918 passing yards, throwing 43 touchdowns against just nine interceptions. Those numbers are hard to ignore, even if the Bengals’ playoff absence raises eyebrows.
While Burrow’s stats are impressive, Thompson pointed out that other candidates also had remarkable seasons and led their teams to the postseason. One of those candidates is Lamar Jackson, who threw for 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns while also contributing significantly on the ground with 915 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. Jackson’s dual-threat ability has made him a perennial MVP contender, and many fans believe he deserves the award this year.
Another strong contender is Josh Allen, who had a stellar season of his own. Allen passed for 3,731 yards and 28 touchdowns, while also showcasing his mobility with 531 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. Notably, he even caught a touchdown pass this season, proving his versatility on the field. With such impressive stats, it’s no wonder that Allen’s name is frequently mentioned in MVP discussions.
But let’s not forget about Saquon Barkley, the dynamic running back who is also in the MVP conversation. Barkley, who recently became the most recent running back to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season, was just 100 yards shy of breaking the all-time record. His ability to change the game with every touch makes him a wildcard candidate for the MVP award.
As the debate rages on, Thompson acknowledges the merits of Vick’s pick but also highlights the competitive nature of this year’s MVP race. "There’s a lot of reasons to like what Joe Burrow has done," she said, but she also recognizes the incredible performances from other players. The MVP award is often subjective, influenced by team success, individual stats, and the narrative surrounding each player.
Vick’s endorsement of Burrow has certainly stirred the pot, and it raises an interesting question: What truly defines the "most valuable player"? Is it the raw statistics, the ability to lead a team to victory, or the impact a player has on their teammates? As the NFL season progresses and the playoffs approach, these discussions will only intensify.
Looking Ahead: The NFL Playoff Picture
As we shift our focus to the playoffs, it’s essential to keep an eye on how these MVP candidates perform in high-stakes games. The NFL Wild Card Weekend is just around the corner, with matchups that could further influence MVP discussions.
Saturday, January 11:
- No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers at No. 4 Houston Texans, 4:30 pm ET (CBS, Paramount+)
- No. 6 Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 3 Baltimore Ravens, 8:00 pm ET (Prime Video)
Sunday, January 12:
- No. 7 Denver Broncos at No. 2 Buffalo Bills, 1:00 pm ET (CBS, Paramount+)
- No. 7 Green Bay Packers at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles, 4:30 pm ET (Fox, Fox Deportes)
- No. 6 Washington Commanders at No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:00 pm ET (NBC, Peacock, Universo)
Monday, January 13:
- No. 5 Minnesota Vikings at No. 4 Los Angeles Rams, 8:00 pm ET (ESPN, ABC)
As the playoffs unfold, players like Burrow, Jackson, Allen, and Barkley will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on the biggest stage. The performances in these critical games could very well tip the scales in the MVP race.
With so much talent on display and the stakes higher than ever, fans are in for an exhilarating ride as we head into the postseason. Who will emerge as the MVP? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the debate is far from over, and the excitement is just beginning.
