Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has firmly emerged as a favorite for the NFL MVP award this season.
His impressive performances, despite facing significant adversity, have caught the attention of fans, players, and executives alike. Former teammate Stefon Diggs expressed his support on Good Morning Football, saying, “He definitely should win. He’s been balling.”
In Tom Pelissero‘s annual survey of high-ranking NFL executives, Allen received 22 out of 27 MVP votes, underscoring his tremendous impact this year.
A fractured hand can’t stop Allen
What makes Allen’s MVP-worthy performance even more remarkable is that he’s been playing through a fractured left hand for much of the season.
Allen sustained the injury in Week 1, during a touchdown run against the Arizona Cardinals. While being hit by two defenders, Allen landed awkwardly on his non-throwing hand. Despite the injury, Allen continued to play, claiming after the game that he was “fine.”
Though he never missed a game, Allen’s hand injury was listed on the injury report through Buffalo’s Week 12 bye. Despite the pain and limited mobility, Allen has maintained his exceptional play.
Coming into the 2024 season, the Bills were expected to be in a rebuilding phase, losing several high-profile players. However, Allen has thrived in what could have been a down year for the team. He has thrown for 25 touchdowns and just five interceptions, leading the Bills‘ offense to a 103.5 passer rating. Despite key roster changes and challenges, Allen’s performance has helped the team stay competitive.
While the fractured hand has affected his ability to take snaps from under center, with only 15.4% of plays being from under center (the third-lowest rate of his career), it hasn’t slowed down his rushing game. Allen is averaging 34.6 rushing yards per game, maintaining a similar pace to previous seasons.
Allen’s ability to thrive while dealing with injury has only bolstered his MVP case. He continues to lead a potent offense, surpassing expectations in a season that was supposed to be a rebuilding one for Buffalo. With the injury now behind him, Allen and the Bills look poised for another playoff run, making him a strong contender for the NFL‘s most valuable player award.
