The NFL season is off to an exciting start, and there have been many strong performances from players and teams this season. As is usually the case with the league, there will be many twists and turns that we will not be able to predict, but it is never too early to start thinking about which of the best players will be nominated for the NFL’s highest regular season honors.
While those betting on awards like MVP and Defensive Player of The Year are generally best served by placing wagers before the season to get the best odds, watching the first several games of the campaign to get hints on which players are running laps around the field can also be helpful.
We will take a look at three of the frontrunners for the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award for the 2022 season.
Josh Allen
Thanks to his brilliant performance in the AFC Divisional Playoff game last year against the Kansas City Chiefs, there was little to no doubt that Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen had arrived as one of the game’s best signal callers. This status was basically confirmed as he was included as part of the star-studded quartet competing in the match-play golf tournament also featuring Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady during the offseason.
There aren’t many physical specimens at the quarterback position who are more impressive than Allen. He has arguably the most powerful arm in the game, which is important considering he needs to fire the football through freezing cold and howling winds in Buffalo late in the year. His frame and athleticism also allows him to scramble for first downs and touchdowns, making him a nightmare to defend. If the Bills are able to win the AFC East and challenge for the first overall seed in the conference, Allen will be in line to win his first MVP award.
Lamar Jackson
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has already won an MVP award in his career, but would really love to bring home the trophy again once more. This is because he and the Ravens have yet to put pen to paper on a lucrative contract extension that would keep Jackson in Baltimore for many years to come. It is somewhat of a risky move by the signal caller, considering that football is a violent game and he could get hurt at any moment.
The amount of Jackson leverage would have as a two-time MVP would be astronomical, and would build his case for being the highest paid in the game. So far in the young season, he has made sensational plays with his arm and his legs, and remains one of the most dangerous runners at any position in the NFL. Another big season awaits.
Jalen Hurts
There were some people who believed that the Philadelphia Eagles would be a team to watch in the NFC this year, but not many thought they would be good enough to vie for the conference’s number one overall seed. A big reason for their success has been the play of quarterback Jalen Hurts, who has answered a lot of questions surrounding his ability to throw the ball.
With new weapon A.J. Brown and second year player Devonta Smith, Hurts has kept defenses honest with strikes down the field. He has also remained a force on the ground, continuing to pile up rushing scores. The novelty of his brilliance might lead some voters to cast votes for him for MVP.
