With only one week remaining in the NFL regular season, Week 18 provides the final opportunity for players looking to improve their chances of winning the 2024 MVP award.

This Saturday and Sunday will mark the last round of regular-season NFL games, and a few playoff spots are still available. While a lot of attention will be on the playoffs, the MVP race will also be a significant focus.

Throughout the season, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson have stood out as the frontrunners. However, numerous star players have delivered impressive performances this year. Betting experts are favoring these two quarterbacks, but there are also other offensive talents in the top five running for the MVP award.

Here’s the latest update on the NFL MVP odds, as of Friday, Jan. 3, thanks to BetMGM.

Current NFL MVP odds entering Week 18

1. QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (-300) (Last week: -250)

Oddsmakers are increasingly favoring Allen, even after two games where his performance wasn’t at its peak. In Week 17, Allen contributed to three touchdowns, but his overall performance (16 completions out of 27 attempts for 182 yards, with 17 rushing yards) was not particularly remarkable.

Nonetheless, the Bills dominated the New York Jets 40-14. Allen has a prime opportunity to reinforce his MVP candidacy in Week 18, as the Bills face a struggling New England Patriots team on the road.

2. QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (+220) (Last week: +160)

Jackson is seen as the only other serious MVP contender, but he lost momentum in Week 17 compared to Allen. This occurred despite a spectacular 48-yard touchdown run being one of the week’s highlights and the Ravens defeating the Houston Texans 31-2.

The Ravens quarterback has one last chance to impress, as Baltimore will be playing against the underperforming Cleveland Browns in Week 18.

3. QB Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (+2000)

Burrow’s impressive performance is evident as he holds the third-best MVP odds, even though the Bengals require a miracle in Week 18 to reach the playoffs. He currently leads the league in both passing touchdowns and yards, making his team’s situation even more impressive.

Regardless of how the Bengals fare, expect Burrow to put up big numbers once again on Saturday during a crucial must-win match against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

4. RB Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles (+4000)

Barkley is within reach of the NFL single-season rushing record but is currently ranked fourth in MVP odds. This is partly due to the outstanding performances from other candidates, but also because Eagles coach Nick Sirianni announced that Barkley will not play in Week 18.

Unless something unprecedented occurs, Barkley will finish 101 yards shy of Eric Dickerson’s record, hence eliminating any chance he had for the MVP title.

5. QB Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (+10000)

Darnold is considered a long shot for the MVP, yet his performance and the Vikings’ impressive 14-2 season earn him the fifth-best odds. He ranks among the top five for both touchdowns (35) and passing yards (4,153), despite ranking just 12th in the number of passing attempts.

Darnold will have a major chance to boost his odds in Week 18 during a critical game against the Detroit Lions that will decide the NFC North title and the top seed in the NFC playoffs.