It is down to essentially two quarterbacks (as always) for the MVP conversation. Baltimore Ravens QB, Lamar Jackson, and Buffalo Bills QB, Josh Allen. Both coming off of very impressive seasons, today we will be breaking down Josh Allen’s 2024 stats. Games that stood out for him, and just a little more about Josh Allen.

Who is Josh Allen?

Josh Allen, the name speaks for itself. 3x Pro Bowler, over 25k passing yards, over .500 win %, and over 2000 fantasy points scored across his career. But there are two accolades that he hasn’t accomplished yet in his career. A Super Bowl win and an MVP.

Allen is a great guy on and off the field, a fierce competitor who has led the team to a total of six playoff appearances, five consecutive division titles, and two conference game appearances. He does extensive work off the field with fans, and it’s always an incredible watch seeing what he does. His teammates love him, as you can see in the Buffalo Bills TikTok page and how they laugh and act with him.

Allen is from Firebaugh, California; he grew up on a 3,000-acre cotton farm. His great-grandfather moved to the Firebaugh area during the Great Depression. Then in 1975, the cotton farm was established by Josh’s paternal grandfather, who was also a longtime board member of Firebaugh High School. As well as the namesake of the gymnasium, the same gymnasium that Josh Allen would walk into for his PE class during his high school years.

In high school, Josh Allen played football, baseball, and basketball. He was the leading scorer on the basketball team, his fastball reached 90mph per hour, but he hadn’t really attended major elite QB camps. Not only was Allen juggling 3 sports, but he was also working on the family farm and at the restaurant his mother operated in Firebaugh. Due to that he wasn’t a widely known prospect.

Being close to the Fresno area, Allen grew up as a Fresno State fan. He regularly attended their games as well as their football camps. At these camps, Josh would try to draw the interest of the coaching staff but never succeeded. His father even tried to convince Tim DeRuyter, Fresno State’s head coach at the time, on Allen. But Tim decided to not hand Allen a scholarship. Allen received no offers from any Division I schools. The San Diego State Aztecs offered Allen to be a walk-on, but he ultimately turned it down since Aztecs coach Rocky Long couldn’t guarantee Josh any playing time.

Then his high school coach, Bill Magnusson, pulled him out of class one day and drove him to watch spring practice at Fresno State. The same college that he grew up watching and loving just told him he wouldn’t be receiving a scholarship. He was going to prove that he was the best quarterback on that field, even if he wasn’t wearing a Fresno State practice jersey.

Then Fresno State’s QBs went through their drills, and Allen watched on. While they worked on post routes, he walked over to a bag of footballs and grabbed one. From there, he starts throwing dots to a friend he brought along who was matching the routes run by the receivers.

Allen then approached his coach and tapped him on the shoulder once practice finished.

Allen: “Coach, I’m better than these guys.”

Magnusson: “You’re what?”

Allen: “I’m better.”

Then Allen attended Reedley College, a junior college in the California area. In his only season with the team, he led an offense that averaged 452.2 yards per game. They averaged 285.3 passing yards per game and scored an average of 39.4 points per game. Allen threw for 26 passing touchdowns and rushed for an average of 66 yards per game.

After throwing for 26 passing touchdowns and 4 interceptions, his coaches thought the offers would be rolling in. Allen had even grown to 6’5 and 210 pounds. He then sent a mass email to every head coach, defensive coordinator, offensive coordinator, and quarterback coach in the FBS.

Two schools sent him an offer. Wyoming and Eastern Michigan. After a visit to Wyoming late in the 2014-2015 signing period, Eastern Michigan withdrew its offer.

Former Fresno State assistant Dave Brown had just become part of the inaugural staff of new Wyoming Cowboys HC Craig Bohl. He already had missed out on Allen once, and he wasn’t going to let it happen again.

“By no means was Josh perfect, but you could see that he had good size, athleticism, and arm strength.” – Offensive Coordinator Brent Vigen

“He was certainly worth digging into further.”

The more Vigen learned about Allen, the more his backstory reminded him of Carson Wentz, who he had recruited himself just four years prior. At the time, Wentz was the starter for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Craig Bohl then went to have dinner with the Allen family at their kitchen table. Not only was he offering Josh Allen a scholarship, he told Allen he wanted him to be the face of Wyoming football for his next three seasons.

After years of hard work, Josh Allen finally heard the words he always wanted to hear from a Division I coach.

Joel Allen, Josh’s father, said, “You try so hard to get your son to be noticed, and he gets rejected over and over. So to finally hear a coach say something like that, it was very exciting. You realize, ‘My son is going to be a Division I football player.

Josh Allen didn’t get much playing time in 2015, but in his junior year, Allen played in all 14 games and went for an 8-6 record. He completed 209 of 373 passes for a 56.0 completion %. Throwing for 3,203 yards, 28 TDs, and 15 INTs. He also attempted 142 rushes for 523 yards for 7 TDs.

Allen’s home phone wasn’t so quiet anymore. Dozens of reporters, agents, and financial planners all were calling, some even approaching their doorstep. Allen’s parents didn’t want Josh to go play in the NFL so early. A 20-year-old with so little experience. But they also understood the risk of staying for another season, as an injury is always potentially a play away.

As the deadline approached to declare, Josh decided that one year as Wyoming’s QB was more than enough for the NFL. But his parents were hesitant to talk him out of it. Then coach Vigen made a phone call to Allen’s father and explained why another season was Allen’s best option.

Joel Allen then got up and walked over to Allen’s room.

“I think you need to stay one more year, son.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

Allen then spent his 2017 season with a positive 8-3 record, throwing for over 1,800 yards and 16 TDs. He later led the Wyoming Cowboys to a 37-14 win over Central Michigan in the 2017 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. After the win, he announced he’d be declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft. Some mock drafts even had Josh Allen going number one overall to the Cleveland Browns.

Then draft night came, and Allen didn’t get drafted number one overall, but as the sixth pick was getting called. The Bills were calling the Bucs. They wanted the seventh pick. After completing a trade with Tampa Bay, the Buffalo Bills were now on the clock.

With that pick, they chose quarterback Josh Allen. He later signed a 4-year, $21 million, fully guaranteed deal with the Bills. He competed for the starting job but didn’t earn the bid. He would serve as backup to Nathan Peterman.

After a horrible outing by Peterman, it was Allen’s time to shine. He finished with 74 passing yards and 26 rushing yards in a 47-3 loss to the Chargers but showed signs of promise. The Bills then announced he’d be the starter the following week, and the rest is history. Up till today, where Josh Allen is potentially looking for his first MVP and Super Bowl win.

2024 Stats

Josh Allen’s Passing Stats

483 ATT, 307 CMP, 63.5 CMP%

3,731 PYDS, 28 TD, 6 INT, 101.4 QBR, 14 SCKS

Josh Allen’s Rushing Stats

102 attempts, 531 ryds, 5.3 yds/att, 12 TD

Top 3 Best Games

09/23/24: 23/30, 263 pyds, 4 TD, 0 INT, 6 rush att, 44 ryds VS JAX

12/01/24: 13/17, 148 pyds, 2 PTD, 3 rush att, 18 ryds, 1 TD, 1 REC, 1 TD VS SF

12/08/24: 22/37, 342 pyds, 3 PTD, 10 rush att, 82 ryds, 3 TD VS LAR

Josh Allen, the quarterback of the Buffalo Bills, should be the frontrunner for the 2024 NFL MVP award based on his unique combination of elite physical abilities, statistical dominance, and his critical importance to his team’s success. His exceptional performance this season has redefined what it means to be a dual-threat quarterback and solidified his place among the NFL’s elite. Let’s break down why Allen deserves to take home the MVP trophy.

Statistical Excellence

The MVP award is largely driven by individual performance, and Allen’s numbers in 2024 speak for themselves. He leads the league in total touchdowns, combining his prowess as a passer and runner to produce unmatched offensive output. His passing stats—boasting over 3,700 yards and 40 total touchdowns—are complemented by his rushing contributions, including over 500 rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns. Allen’s ability to generate yardage and points in multiple ways sets him apart from other MVP candidates, including quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Jared Goff.

Beyond the raw totals, Allen’s efficiency metrics are equally impressive. He ranks near the top in completion percentage, passer rating, and yards per attempt, showing his ability to balance volume with precision. His advanced metrics, such as EPA (Expected Points Added) per play and QBR (Quarterback Rating), place him in the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks, further solidifying his case.

Dual-Threat Ability

While many quarterbacks excel as passers, few can match Allen’s ability to dominate both through the air and on the ground. His size, speed, and athleticism make him a nightmare for defenses, as he can bulldoze through linebackers or outrun defensive backs. This dual-threat capability forces opponents to game-plan specifically for Allen, opening up opportunities for his teammates.

His rushing prowess isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for the Bills’ offense. In critical moments, such as third-and-short or red-zone situations, Allen’s ability to keep the ball and convert plays is invaluable. His knack for breaking tackles and extending plays often turns broken situations into positive outcomes, further emphasizing his unique value.

Leadership and Impact

The MVP award is not just about stats; it’s about the player’s value to their team. Without Allen, the Buffalo Bills would likely struggle to remain competitive in a stacked AFC. His leadership on and off the field has been instrumental in keeping the team focused and resilient, even in the face of injuries and adversity.

Allen’s ability to perform in clutch situations has been a hallmark of his career and has only improved in 2024. Whether it’s engineering game-winning drives, converting on critical downs, or maintaining composure in high-pressure moments, Allen consistently rises to the occasion. His intangibles—leadership, toughness, and competitive spirit—are traits that every MVP candidate must possess, and Allen embodies them fully.

Team Success

The MVP is often awarded to a player whose team has achieved significant success, and the Bills’ 2024 campaign has been a testament to Allen’s influence. With Buffalo vying for the top seed in the AFC, Allen’s performance has been the driving force behind their success. The Bills’ offense ranks among the league’s best, thanks largely to Allen’s ability to elevate his teammates.

Allen’s contributions are especially notable given the level of competition in the AFC. Facing elite teams like the Chiefs, Bengals, and Dolphins, Allen has consistently outperformed his peers, delivering statement performances in key matchups. His ability to dominate against top-tier opponents highlights his value not just as a great player but as the most indispensable player in the league.

Comparison to Other Candidates

While other MVP contenders like Lamar Jackson, Jared Goff, or Saquon Barkley have had stellar seasons, none combine Allen’s statistical production, versatility, and importance to their team. Goff remains a phenomenal passer, but his rushing contributions pale in comparison to Allen’s. Jackson is a strong dual-threat quarterback, but his passing efficiency and volume don’t match Allen’s elite level. As for non-quarterbacks like Barkley, the positional value of a quarterback in today’s NFL makes Allen’s impact far greater.

Historical Context

Winning the MVP often requires a narrative, and Allen’s journey to stardom adds an extra layer to his case. From a raw, unpolished prospect to one of the league’s most dynamic players, Allen’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. His ability to continually improve and adapt his game has been on full display in 2024, as he has fine-tuned his decision-making and accuracy while maintaining his trademark aggressiveness.

If Allen wins the MVP, it would also be a historic achievement for the Buffalo Bills franchise, which has never had a player win the award. His success would cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats and further elevate the Bills as a perennial contender.

Conclusion

Josh Allen’s 2024 season is the perfect blend of individual brilliance, team success, and leadership. His unmatched combination of passing and rushing prowess, combined with his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations, makes him the most valuable player in the NFL. While other candidates have strong cases, none can match the overall impact that Allen has on his team and the league as a whole. For these reasons, Josh Allen should be the clear choice for the 2024 NFL MVP.