Lamar Jackson is once again making waves in the NFL, solidifying his status as a top contender for the league’s MVP award. As the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, Jackson’s health is pivotal to his candidacy. While his chances of becoming a three-time MVP in 2024 took a hit midseason due to a few quieter outings and the emergence of other standout players, it’s too early to count him out.
### A Stellar Performance Against the Giants
In a thrilling Week 15 matchup, Jackson showcased his exceptional talent in a dominant 35-14 victory over the struggling New York Giants. The Ravens improved to 9-5, securing their position as the No. 5 seed in the AFC wild-card race and keeping the pressure on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North.
Jackson’s stats from the game were nothing short of spectacular. He completed 21 of 25 passes for 295 yards, throwing five touchdown passes and achieving an impressive 154.6 passer rating. On top of that, he added six rushes for 65 yards, just shy of the game-high 67 yards by Derrick Henry. Given that the Ravens were favored by more than two touchdowns, it was no surprise that Jackson excelled against a defense that has struggled throughout the season. Yet, those numbers only enhance his already impressive resume.
### Jackson’s Impressive Season Stats
So, how does Jackson’s performance stack up this season? After adding his latest game against the Giants, here’s where he stands statistically through 14 games in 2024:
- 275 completions on 404 attempts (68.0 completion percentage)
- 3,580 passing yards, averaging 8.9 yards per attempt
- 34 passing touchdowns, with only 3 interceptions, leading to a league-best 120.7 passer rating
- 743 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, averaging 6.7 yards per attempt
These figures indicate that Jackson is on pace for an astonishing 4,347 passing yards and 41 passing touchdowns over a 17-game stretch, both of which would shatter his previous career highs. In his MVP-winning seasons of 2019 and 2023, he recorded 3,678 passing yards and a league-leading 36 passing touchdowns, respectively. Furthermore, he could surpass 902 rushing yards for the first time since his 2020 season when he broke the 1,000-yard mark. The 120.7 passer rating and 8.9 yards per attempt would also set new personal bests.
### The Competition for MVP
While Jackson’s numbers are impressive, the MVP race is not solely about individual statistics. His primary competitors include Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, and Jared Goff. Allen entered the Bills’ Week 15 game against the Detroit Lions with 3,033 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, and a passer rating of 101.9. Goff, meanwhile, had 3,265 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, along with a passer rating of 109.1. Allen also contributes on the ground with 416 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns.
What sets Jackson apart is his ability to elevate his team as both a passer and a runner, doing so at a higher level than Allen. While Goff has impressive passing stats, he has only managed 47 rushing yards this season—less than what Jackson achieved against the Giants alone.
### The Case for Jackson’s MVP Bid
Despite the competition, Jackson’s case for MVP remains strong. However, it’s important to note that the MVP award is not just about the numbers. Since 2018, only three players have claimed the honor: Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Aaron Rodgers. This season, Jackson has not had the same “MVP moments” as his rivals, and the Ravens are not currently leading their division, which could impact his candidacy.
On the other hand, Saquon Barkley is making headlines with his remarkable first season with the Eagles. He’s on a quest to break the 2,000-yard rushing mark and potentially surpass Eric Dickerson’s long-standing single-season record. If he achieves this feat, the Associated Press would face a difficult decision in awarding the MVP. However, history shows that even record-breaking performances may not guarantee the award, as seen in 1984 when Dickerson’s stellar season was overshadowed by Dan Marino’s incredible passing performance.
### The Final Stretch
If the MVP award is indeed meant for the best quarterback, then Jackson’s performance this season should put him in the running. Yet, there are nuances to consider. Ironically, one of the biggest criticisms against him may stem from the fact that he was already spectacular last season, which could hinder his chances of winning MVP this year.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the MVP race unfolds. Will Jackson reclaim his title, or will another player rise to the occasion? One thing is for sure: the excitement of the NFL season is far from over, and every game counts in this thrilling race for the MVP award.
