Former NFL quarterback Matt Ryan, known for his impressive career with the Atlanta Falcons, is no stranger to the prestigious title of MVP. With his Hall of Fame eligibility looming on the horizon in 2028, Ryan is also weighing in on the current MVP race for the 2022 NFL season. During a recent production meeting for NFL Today, Ryan pivoted his support, initially leaning toward Lamar Jackson before deciding to endorse Josh Allen as the deserving candidate for this season’s honor.
Ryan remarked, “I was gonna say Lamar Jackson. I said... after some spirited debate... I’m gonna go with Josh Allen.” This statement reflects the intense nature of the MVP conversation among analysts, fans, and former players alike. Although his initial inclination was to support Jackson, Ryan acknowledged the shifting dynamics of the season and the compelling arguments for Allen.
Both quarterbacks have put forth stunning performances this season, making the MVP conversation particularly lively. Josh Allen, the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, has showcased his remarkable skills, completing 307 of 483 passes, garnering 3,731 yards, scoring 28 touchdowns, and only throwing 6 interceptions. Alongside his prowess as a passer, he also contributed significantly to the ground game with 531 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns across 16 games. Yet the Bills' head coach Sean McDermott confirmed recently Allen would play only limited snaps against the New England Patriots since the team has already locked up the No. 2 seed in the AFC.
On the other side, Jackson’s numbers stand tall as well, completing 316 of 474 passes with 41 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions. His mobility has also been evident, as he ran for another impressive 915 yards and 4 touchdowns throughout the season. While some analysts have argued Jackson's numbers perhaps make him the standout MVP candidate, Ryan believes Allen is currently the front-runner.
Looking at the betting odds, ESPN BET now has Josh Allen leading with odds at -250, reflecting his status as the favorite to take home the MVP award. Conversely, Lamar Jackson’s odds have him trailing at +185, which still places him as a considerable contender but indicates the momentum Allen has gained recently. The decision is not just about numbers; it’s about how each player's performance has impacted their respective teams throughout the season.
This year has proven to be one for the ages, filled with thrilling performances and fierce competition among the league's top quarterbacks. Ryan’s perspective carries weight, considering his own accolades, including the MVP award he earned during the 2016 season when he led Atlanta to the Super Bowl. His first-hand experience of what it takes to achieve greatness at the quarterback position adds depth to his analysis of this year's standout players.
Both Allen and Jackson have shown outstanding performances, and their compelling cases make it clear the MVP race could swing either way. Ryan’s endorsement of Allen highlights not just the competition but also the enthusiasm surrounding this year's race as fans and analysts alike eagerly await the announcement of the MVP and how voting might play out.
With this backdrop, many are now left pondering: will Ryan's prediction come to fruition, and if so, what will it mean for the careers of both Allen and Jackson? The outcome might have significant repercussions beyond just this season's award, potentially influencing discussions on Hall of Fame relevance and legacy for years to come. Regardless of the final decision, one thing is certain: Matt Ryan will be watching closely, as the narratives of both Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson continue to evolve throughout the league.