Lamar Jackson is poised to become the NFL’s MVP for 2024.

Should he actually be awarded this title?

As always, the MVP discussion has been intense this season. Jackson, a two-time MVP, seems on track to win again after what many consider his best statistical season in a seven-year career, aided by a talented lineup that now includes running back Derrick Henry. But does Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, whose statistics aren’t quite as impressive as Jackson’s, deserve the award? Allen has significantly reduced his turnover issues while leading a team that faced squad limitations in 2024 due to salary cap pressures.

(Additionally, based on recent performances, we might need to reconsider the MVP cases for the Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley and rookie Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders. By the way, if you could pick any player to build a team around, how could you pass on Patrick Mahomes?)

Ultimately, this discussion is more of a philosophical exercise than a passionate argument for any potential MVP contenders. The decision-making for the Associated Press MVP, determined by a panel of 50 voters, will conclude on January 8, just before the playoffs kick off. (Yes, I have a vote, but I can’t disclose my pick at this point.) Jackson has already been named a first-team All-Pro quarterback by the same panel, suggesting a strong likelihood he will also be the MVP.

Returning to the main question — I’m not doubting Jackson’s qualifications for the MVP award; he was truly outstanding this season. My concern lies more in the notion that perhaps this award — and MVP accolades across various leagues — should not be confined to the regular season alone. Shouldn’t a “most valuable player” ideally be someone whose team has a chance at a championship? The last NFL MVP whose team missed the playoffs was O.J. Simpson back in 1973. This doesn’t invalidate Joe Burrow’s eligibility this season, but one must wonder if he truly belongs in the discussion despite the backing of fans and commentators like Troy Aikman.

MVP awards should ideally be linked to championship successes — or at least to teams contending for one, right? Tom Brady and Michael Jordan ought to have at least a dozen MVP awards each. (Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, has only three MVPs; Jordan, a six-time NBA champion, has five MVPs. This feels outrageous.) By the logic I’m suggesting, recognizing players like Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Matt Ryan, Cam Newton, Adrian Peterson, or even Aaron Rodgers for their excellence – despite their teams not winning championships – is entirely justifiable. It’s worth noting that all four of Rodgers’ MVPs came after he won a Super Bowl at the end of the 2010 season, which may diminish the significance of those accolades in hindsight.

Focusing back on Jackson and the NFL, we have to recognize that its playoff format is unique in North America as it’s single-elimination. I remember being in Baltimore during the 2019 playoffs when the Ravens, having had an incredible regular season led by Jackson, were upset by the sixth-seeded Titans, with Henry visibly outshining him. Last year, Jackson also faltered in the AFC championship against the Chiefs, failing to meet the expectations set by his MVP status.

This past Sunday, Jackson had a rough outing, registering two turnovers in a playoff game for the first time this season. While he may have been the best player on the field in Western New York, he certainly wasn’t the standout player of the NFL weekend. He took full responsibility after the game, highlighting his turnovers as costly.

“I had two costly turnovers,” Jackson reflected, noting his playoff record now stands at 3-5. “I threw a (expletive) interception. Protecting the ball is the top priority. We didn’t do that – especially me, being the leader. I’ve got to do better, you know? I’m upset.”

Jackson is deserving of numerous accolades and is likely the greatest dual-threat quarterback in NFL history. However, is it appropriate for a player who has never reached the Super Bowl and frequently underperforms in critical moments to be a three-time MVP? If he indeed wins, he would join the ranks of seven three-time NFL MVPs, yet he would be the only one without a championship.

I emphasize: this isn’t a critique of Jackson’s talents but rather a reflection that these awards may not accurately represent what they aim to signify. The Ravens’ latest playoff exit highlights this issue, even though Jackson came close to making a remarkable comeback, albeit not showcasing his best performance… or that of tight end Mark Andrews.

In contrast, consider Allen, who managed to deliver exactly what was required to lead the Bills to the AFC championship game. His numbers may appear modest (127 yards passing, 20 yards rushing, and two touchdowns), but the outcome was impressive.

“Josh Allen is the MVP. I’m done with all the talk. Josh Allen is the MVP,” declared Bills Pro Bowl left tackle Dion Dawkins on NFL Network after their victory.

“The Buffalo Bills are one step closer.”

Earlier that day, Barkley put on an impressive 200-yard, two-touchdown rushing display against the Los Angeles Rams, further illustrating that MVP considerations should not be limited to quarterbacks.

“He’s the best in the world,” said Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown about Barkley earlier this season.

As for Daniels? He has made history as Washington’s first quarterback to win multiple road games in the same postseason. Yet, his contributions in revitalizing a franchise that has struggled for years make a strong case for him in the MVP conversation, particularly if he leads his team to the Super Bowl as a rookie.

It may ultimately come down to how we choose to define “most valuable.”

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Follow YSL News Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter, @ByNateDavis.