Thursday is MVP! In the heart of the blizzard that hit Buffalo, Californian Josh Allen showed that he was indeed a huge candidate for the MVP title. But behind him, Lamar Jackson may have temporarily lost his throne but he is not slowing down.
In the duel at the top of the running backs, Saquon Barkley got the better of Derrick Henry while Jared Goff discreetly continues his good season by playing as fair as ever.
Star of the week: Josh Allen (QB), Bills
Josh Allen definitely launched his campaign for the MVP title with a brilliant performance in the Buffalo Bills' victory against the 49ers (35-10). Becoming the first quarterback in history to score a passing, running and receiving touchdown in the same game, he showed that, despite a team decimated by injuries, he remains the indisputable engine of his team.
Under a snowstorm, with an attack deprived of its best elements, Allen still managed 148 passing yards, two touchdowns and another on the ground. But beyond the numbers, it is his leadership that makes the difference: with this victory, the Bills have a convincing 10 wins for 2 losses, a division title confirmed and continue to establish themselves as real contenders for the Super Bowl. His impact is undeniable: 20 touchdowns, 5 interceptions and an evaluation of 100.2 in 12 games.
The competition for the MVP is tough, but Allen stands out as one of the most complete quarterbacks in the league, capable of carrying a weakened team on his shoulders. His performances, particularly his ability to surpass himself despite absences, place him in pole position today. If some still doubted it, there remains no doubt: Allen is currently the 2024 MVP.
The revelation of the week: Russell Wilson (QB), Steelers
Russell Wilson proves he's not finished yet. At 36, after two difficult seasons in Denver, he achieved an unexpected rebirth with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a crazy game against the Bengals, Wilson showed that he can still “cook”: 414 yards, 29 successful passes, and a spectacular passing, running and receiving touchdown. A feat which allowed the Steelers to score a decisive victory (44-38) and put an end to the hopes of the Bengals.
Following strong performances, Wilson seems to be rediscovering his best level. In six games, he outperformed quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, shone in the snow in Cleveland, and controlled a defense among the worst in the league with rare ease. The former Pro Bowler gave the Steelers a weapon at the quarterback position, which they had been looking for since the end of the Ben Roethlisberger era.
At the end of the season, Russell Wilson seems to be improving week by week, gaining in comfort and impact. His 29 passes distributed among 10 players clearly demonstrate his leadership and game intelligence. And each time the Bengals took the lead, Wilson and the Steelers responded instantly, proving that doubts about his career were very premature.
Disappointment of the week: Kirk Cousins (QB), Falcons
Kirk Cousins is having a tough time in Atlanta, and his recent performance is raising questions about the starting quarterback's future. In the loss to the Chargers, where he threw four interceptions, Cousins showed signs of mental and physical fatigue. It's the Falcons' third straight loss, and despite everything, they're still tied for the lead in the NFC South. But the situation is becoming more and more delicate.
Despite these repeated failures, coach Raheem Morris was keen to express his confidence in Cousins, declaring that he remains the man for the job. However, Cousins' recent failures, including a three-game touchdown streak, are fueling speculation about a possible change at the helm of the offense. The arrival of Michael Penix Jr., the quarterback chosen in the first round of the last draft by Atlanta, added fuel to the fire, even if the coach calmed the game, insisting on the importance of Cousins for the team.
But the numbers are there: no touchdowns and a total of six interceptions in the last three games. This is not the form that Cousins has accustomed us to, and despite his signing for 180 million dollars, questions about his future are multiplying. The Falcons can't afford to procrastinate for too long, especially if Cousins' performance continues to slide. The team must bounce back, and the quarterback will have to get back to his level if he wants to prevent a change of direction.
The ranking: Finally change in the lead
1- Josh Allen (+1) Quarterback – Buffalo Bills (10-2)
12 games – 2,691 yards at 64.6% completions – 20 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 100.3 rating
2- Lamar Jackson (-1) Quarterback – Baltimore Ravens (9-4)
13 games – 3290 yards at 67% completions – 29 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 116.3 rating
3- Saquon Barkley (-) Running Back – Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)
12 games – 1499 yards at 6.1 yards per carry, 11 touchdowns – 267 yards at 9.2 yards per reception, 2 touchdowns
4- Jared Goff (-) Quarterback – Detroit Lions (11-1)
12 games – 2982 yards at 71.8% completions – 22 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 109 rating
5- Derrick Henry (-) Running Back – Baltimore Ravens (9-4)
13 games – 1407 yards at 5.9 yards per carry, 13 touchdowns – 125 yards at 9.6 yards per reception, 2 touchdowns
