NFL MVP rankings: Josh Allen is the new favorite, Aaron Rodgers' odds rise after Week 3
Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes have jockeyed on the field for AFC supremacy for years now, part of a generation of NFL quarterbacks in their prime who are producing some of the league's most compelling games and storylines. So it's no surprise they are now jockeying for position in the early weeks of the NFL MVP race during the 2024 season.
Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes have jockeyed on the field for AFC supremacy for years now, part of a generation of NFL quarterbacks in their prime who are producing some of the league's most compelling games and storylines. So it's no surprise they are now jockeying for position in the early weeks of the NFL MVP race during the 2024 season.
Mahomes had the top preseason odds after Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens won the award in 2023, and maintained that position through two games. But the oddsmakers have responded after Week 3: Allen is the new betting favorite in this week's 2024 NFL MVP rankings.
There was more movement than that, though, with some big names rising and others falling because of how they're performing at the moment. Here's what the 2024 NFL MVP picture looks like ahead of Week 4, with players ranked in order of current betting odds, courtesy of BetMGM:
Mahomes had the top preseason odds after Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens won the award in 2023, and maintained that position through two games. But the oddsmakers have responded after Week 3: Allen is the new betting favorite in this week's 2024 NFL MVP rankings.
There was more movement than that, though, with some big names rising and others falling because of how they're performing at the moment. Here's what the 2024 NFL MVP picture looks like ahead of Week 4, with players ranked in order of current betting odds, courtesy of BetMGM:
NFL MVP rankings: Odds ahead of Week 4
Odds as of Wednesday, Sept. 25.
6. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens (+2000)
- Last week: +2200
Jackson's odds aren't back to where they were in the preseason after the Ravens lost two in a row to start the season, but his chances ticked up again this week after Baltimore got its first win behind a strong showing from the reigning NFL MVP. Jackson completed 12 of his 15 passes for 182 yards and one touchdown and ran for 87 yards and another touchdown in the 28-25 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. The Ravens have another test on Sunday night in Week 4 when they host the Buffalo Bills.
T-4. Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets (+1600)
- Last week: +2000
Rodgers saw his MVP odds gradually improve for the second week in a row after his best performance since being traded to the New York Jets and suffering an Achilles injury in his first regular-season appearance last year. The 40-year-old looked sharp in a Thursday night win over the New England Patriots, completing 27 of his 35 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns. He and the Jets host the Denver Broncos in Week 4.
T-4. Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles (+1600)
- Last week: +1200
Hurts and the Eagles bounced back from a shocking Week 2 loss to Atlanta with a gutsy win against the better-than-expected New Orleans Saints in Week 3. But it was the defense and running back Saquon Barkley who shined brightest for Philadelphia. Hurts was good when he needed to be, finishing 29 of 38 for a season-best 311 yards. He also had an interception in the end zone and a fumble. After throwing a career-high 15 interceptions last year, he's on pace this season to surpass that number and set a new career high for fumbles. Hurts and the Eagles have a road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4.
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3. C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans (+1300)
- Last week: (+550)
Stroud remains No. 3 in terms of the MVP rankings, but his odds of winning took a dip after the Texans got humbled by the Minnesota Vikings in a 34-7 loss last Sunday. Stroud was 20 of 31 for 215 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in the setback. He finished with the second-worst passer rating (68.6) of his young NFL career and it's the first time he threw two interceptions in the same game as a professional. Stroud and the Texans will look to bounce back in Week 4 when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars.
2. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs (+325)
- Last week: (+300)
Mahomes has been dethroned as the betting favorite to win his third NFL MVP award, at least temporarily. Though the Chiefs are undefeated heading into a Week 4 game AFC West road game at the Los Angeles Chargers, Mahomes is off to his slowest start since becoming the starter in Kansas City. He's currently on pace to a set a career low for passing yards and a new career high for interceptions. But given the track record Mahomes and the Chiefs have built, his odds didn't drop much.
1. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills (+200)
- Last week: +450
There's a new favorite for NFL MVP because, while Mahomes is easing his way into the 2024 season, Allen appears to be kicking down the door. The 28-year-old was the best quarterback in the league this week, according to ESPN's QBR, by throwing for 263 yards and four touchdowns in Buffalo's dominating 47-10 win over Jacksonville on Monday night.
Allen has seven touchdowns and no interceptions through three games and leads the league in passer rating. He's also on pace to set a new career-high for completion percentage and average yards per completion for the undefeated Bills, who can make another big impression in Week 4 when they play at the Baltimore Ravens in a huge "Sunday Night Football" matchup. Allen might be in the midst of his finest season and perhaps it will end with his first NFL MVP award.