Six weeks into the 2024 NFL season, the race for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is starting to heat up.
To get a sense of who the front-runners are as we approach Week 7, ESPN asked 15 of their experts to vote on the top candidates.
The panel—made up of ESPN personalities like Mike Tannenbaum, Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, Lindsey Thiry, and others—came together to rank the top MVP contenders. As usual, quarterbacks dominate the list, but this year’s candidates are skewing younger, adding a fresh layer of excitement. Could we see a rookie take home the award for the first time in over 60 years? Will last year’s winner repeat? And whose stock is on the rise (or fall) as we move through the season? Let’s break it down!
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1. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Current odds: +550
2024 stats: 1,529 passing yards, 10 TDs, 2 INTs, 69.4 QBR (403 rushing yards, 2 TDs)
Lamar Jackson is making his MVP case loud and clear. Although the Ravens stumbled with an 0-2 start, Jackson has been on fire ever since. In the team’s last four straight wins, he’s been nothing short of spectacular, ranking fourth in completion percentage (70.3%) and third in QBR (76.1), with eight touchdowns and just one interception. He’s also racked up 236 rushing yards—more than any other quarterback!
Jackson’s Week 1 near-comeback against the defending champion Chiefs shouldn’t be overlooked, either. He’s been delivering big performances, like his 323-yard passing game against Washington, and showing just how valuable he is to the Ravens.
2. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Current odds: +325
2024 stats: 1,235 passing yards, 6 TDs, 6 INTs, 57.8 QBR (83 rushing yards)
Despite being on pace for career lows in touchdowns and QBR, and a career high in interceptions, Patrick Mahomes is still very much in the MVP conversation. Why? Because Mahomes has somehow led the Chiefs to an undefeated 5-0 start, even with the team’s offensive struggles and key injuries.
His stats might not scream MVP, but where would the Chiefs be without him? Mahomes has carried the team, and that’s what makes him a strong contender.
3. Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders
Current odds: +1200
2024 stats: 1,404 passing yards, 6 TDs, 2 INTs, 73.7 QBR (322 rushing yards, 4 TDs)
It’s not every day you see a rookie in the MVP race, but Jayden Daniels is making a serious case in Washington. Leading the Commanders to a 4-2 record and sitting atop the NFC East, Daniels has been sensational. He’s completing a league-best 75.3% of his passes and is still taking risks, ranking fourth in yards per attempt (8.5).
Daniels is showing that even as a rookie, he can compete at the highest level—and that’s what makes him such an exciting MVP contender.
4. C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
Current odds: +650
2024 stats: 1,577 passing yards, 10 TDs, 4 INTs, 66.3 QBR (75 rushing yards)
C.J. Stroud made waves last season as a rookie when he earned MVP votes, and he’s not slowing down in 2024. While some of his numbers might be slightly down from last year, Stroud has improved his completion rate and is on track for 28 touchdown passes this season.
More importantly, the Texans are 5-1, and Stroud is leading them as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. He’s got some challenges ahead, with his interception count rising and protection issues persisting, but his impact on the team is undeniable.
5. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
Current odds: +650
2024 stats: 1,160 passing yards, 10 TDs, 0 INTs, 79.3 QBR (178 rushing yards, 3 TDs)
Josh Allen is quietly putting together one of his best seasons yet. With a league-leading QBR and a flawless touchdown-to-interception ratio, Allen is showing important growth after a career-high 18 interceptions last season.
Despite changes in the Bills’ roster, Allen continues to shine. His connection with Stefon Diggs may be gone (as Diggs is now with Houston), but with the recent addition of WR Amari Cooper, Allen’s leading one of the top offenses in the league, and the Bills are benefiting from his playmaking skills.
