Thursday is MVP! Untenable on the ground and passing, Josh Allen continued to impress everyone this week. However, Lamar Jackson spares no effort and deserves just as much to retain his title.
Defeated by the star of this ranking, Jared Goff was exceptional too. Behind, Saquon Barkley makes a bit of a mark this week but his quarterbackJalen Hurts took over in a magnificent way.
Star of the week: Josh Allen (QB), Bills
Josh Allen strikes hard again. And once again, he showed why he is one of the most fearsome quarterbacks in the NFL. Against the Lions, he took control from the start of the match, offering a high-level performance with four touchdowns, including two rushing, and 362 passing yards. And despite Detroit's comeback attempt, Buffalo never shook.
Allen not only dominated with his arm, but also with his legs. When the situation called for it, he transformed into a relentless runner, adding 68 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, once again proving his ability to change the outcome of a game in any way possible. And, icing on the cake, no interceptions to report: a clean and efficient performance, worthy of a potential MVP.
If the Bills' defense showed some weaknesses, notably with the absence of three starters on the back line, it was Allen who allowed his team to take the advantage and never let it go. With this victory, Buffalo strengthens its position and shows that they will have to be counted on in the playoffs. As long as Allen continues to shine like this, he will be favored in the MVP race and the Bills in the Super Bowl race.
The revelation of the week: Jalen Hurts (QB), Eagles
Jalen Hurts delivered a resounding response to the criticism surrounding him. Against the Steelers, he demonstrated that he is much more than just a leader, but a legitimate contender for the MVP title. With 290 passing yards, three touchdowns, including two for his receivers AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, and a rushing touchdown, Hurts extinguished doubts and brought life back to an attack that really needed it.
After Brown and Smith expressed their displeasure with the lack of passes going their way, Hurts took charge of the situation. He found Brown for a 5-yard touchdown in the first half, then Smith for another from 2 yards out, showing he knew how to readjust to the expectations of his receivers. He also added a personal touch with a rushing touchdown, a reminder of his versatility and his ability to swing games in all situations.
This victory, marked by precise passes and total control of the game, is a great response from Hurts, who knew how to silence internal and external critics on the pitch. Despite suffering a finger injury (on his non-throwing hand), he showed that he can carry the team on his shoulders in crucial moments, confirming that he deserves his place among the favorites for the MVP .
Disappointment of the week: Justin Herbert (QB), Chargers
Justin Herbert suffered a bitter setback Sunday against Tampa Bay, and this 40-17 defeat largely bears the mark of his mistakes. After 357 consecutive passes without an interception, the accident occurred: a poorly measured pass intercepted by Jamel Dean, sealing the fate of the match in favor of the Buccaneers. This error, in the middle of the third quarter, not only put an end to their impressive series, it also offered a precious ball to a team which, until then, was struggling to get back into the match.
Herbert's responsibility does not end there. With a Chargers defense which initially showed good qualities, he was unable to relieve his teammates with his attack. Herbert was not up to the task, also lacking the support to lead his team to victory. And the statistics haven't been there for several weeks. An element which questions the presence of the Chargers in the playoffs.
Facing a Tampa Bay team that exploited the weaknesses of its attack well, Herbert lacked the mental agility to change the course of the match. Lack of support is one thing, but a quarterback of his caliber must know how to make a difference in such crucial moments. If he wants the Chargers to stay in the playoff race, he will not only have to be more precise, but also much smarter in his decision-making.
The ranking: Josh Allen untouchable
1- Josh Allen (-) Quarterback – Buffalo Bills (11-3)
14 games – 3,395 yards at 64.4% completions – 25 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 103.5 rating
2- Lamar Jackson (-1) Quarterback – Baltimore Ravens (9-5)
14 games – 3,580 yards at 68.1% completions – 34 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 120.7 rating
3- Jared Goff (+1) Quarterback – Detroit Lions (12-2)
14 games – 3759 yards at 71.4% completions – 30 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 110.4 rating
4- Saquon Barkley (-1) Running Back – Philadelphia Eagles (12-2)
14 games – 1688 yards at 5.9 yards per carry, 11 touchdowns – 276 yards at 8.9 yards per reception, 2 touchdowns
5- Jalen Hurts (-) Quarterback – Philadelphia Eagles (12-2)
14 games – 2892 yards at 69.2% completions – 18 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 104.5 rating
