As the race for NFL MVP intensifies, former Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan made it clear that he believes Josh Allen is the top contender, ahead of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Appearing on ESPN, Ryan expressed his firm stance, declaring Allen as the clear favorite for the prestigious award.
“It’s Josh Allen and I don’t think it’s close…without Josh Allen, [the Bills] win two or three games," Ryan said, as shared by Kevin Oestreicher on X.
"[Lamar] can still hand it to a Hall of Fame running back…Give me Josh Allen."
Ryan emphasized that while Jackson is having an incredible season, Allen’s overall value to the Bills makes him the standout player in the MVP conversation.
Rex Ryan also pointed to Josh Allen’s ability to lead his team, suggesting that without him, the Bills wouldn’t be in playoff contention. While Jackson has played a key role in the success of the Ravens, Ryan believes that Allen’s performances are what have truly propelled the Bills this season.
However, Jackson’s performance has certainly kept him in the MVP conversation. He had an impressive performance in their win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16, throwing three touchdowns in the contest.
Looking at the season’s statistics, the numbers reveal how close the race is between the two quarterbacks. Jackson leads with 3,787 yards, surpassing Allen’s 3,549.
Jackson also has a significant edge in passing touchdowns, with 37 compared to Allen’s 26. When it comes to interceptions, Jackson has thrown just four, while Allen has six, according to ESPN.
Additionally, Allen’s passer rating of 101.2 is solid, but Jackson’s 120.6 leads the NFL. While the Ravens QB leads the Bills star in passing yards and completion percentage, Allen has been more of a dual-threat.
He has rushed for 514 yards and scored 11 rushing touchdowns, while Jackson has accumulated 765 rushing yards but only three rushing touchdowns.
If Jackson can lead the Ravens to the division title, he’ll continue to be a serious contender for the MVP, despite Ryan’s belief that Allen is the clear favorite.
As the season winds down, the MVP race is still up for grabs, and fans are eagerly awaiting the final stretch to see if Allen can hold off Jackson’s late-season surge for the top spot.
