The Most Valuable Player race in the NFL this season has sparked a lot of debate—and honestly, the conversation has often been more about the drama than the actual talent we’re seeing on the field. With all media attention focused on the frontrunners, it’s easy to get caught up in the hyperbole. But when you look closely, the race between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen for the 2025 MVP award is much tighter than most people realize. Both quarterbacks have been incredible this year, and both are deserving of recognition. Let’s break it down.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is no stranger to the MVP conversation. After winning the award in 2019, he’s continued to evolve as a player, and this season, he’s proven just how much of a force he can be. Lamar has led the Ravens to the 3rd seed in the AFC, and his unique style of play is still something that sets him apart from other quarterbacks in the league.
Lamar has always been a talented running quarterback, and the media crucified him for that. Before he was drafted, NFL Scouts at the combine questioned his ability to throw the football and asked if he would try out playing wide receiver. However, this season he has silenced the critics and shown his true arm strength, throwing for over 3,000 yards and only 4 interceptions, while still accumulating over 700 yards on the ground.
Lamar’s ability to make plays on the run and evade defenders makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. This shows how versatile his game is, and how much he continues to improve his skillset to make him the ultimate offensive weapon.
On the other side, Josh Allen has continued his rise as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. The Buffalo Bills have been one of the most consistent teams in the league this year, and much of that success can be credited to Allen’s strong arm and ability to make plays in clutch moments.
Josh Allen has thrown for over 4,000 yards this season and has a touchdown-to-interception ratio that puts him among the elite. On top of the statistics, he has led the Bills to wins against some of the top teams in the league, like the reigning champion Chiefs and the Lions, the current no.1 seed in the NFC.
What makes Josh Allen stand out this season is his poise in big games. He’s consistently come through in high-pressure situations, whether it’s delivering a game-winning drive or throwing a key touchdown in the final minutes. The Bills are playoff-bound thanks in large part to his leadership and playmaking ability.
When you compare Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, it’s clear that both quarterbacks have had outstanding seasons. The narrative that one is far ahead of the other in the MVP race doesn’t do justice to the impact both players have had on their teams.
The MVP race, at its core, is about recognizing the player who has had the most outstanding individual performance in the context of their team’s success. While many will focus on stats and flashy plays, it’s important to appreciate the different ways each player has contributed to their team’s success. Additionally, the MVP award can be shared. For example, in 2003, Peyton Manning and Steve McNair both took home the trophy. This is even more reason for people to stop insisting like there is one player that is more deserving than the other.
In the end, this MVP race is shaping up to be one of the closest in recent memory, and it’s not just a two-man race—there are other candidates who are deserving of consideration too, like running back’s Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry. But as we look at Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, it’s clear that both quarterbacks have been absolutely essential to their team’s success. Their talents are undeniable, and no matter who comes out on top, the 2025 MVP race will be remembered as one of the most exciting in NFL history.
So, let’s appreciate what we’ve seen this season. Instead of writing off one player as the clear winner, let’s recognize the brilliance of both Jackson and Allen, and enjoy the fact that we get to watch them compete at such a high level.
