Getty Images
Since Chiefs full-back Patrick Mahomes is not playing in Week 17, Packers full-back Aaron Rodgers is set to close out the 2020 NFL MVP Award. During Wednesday PFT PM, Charean Williams nominated another candidate for the award.
Josh Allen.
Why not Josh Allen? The Bills quarterback had a phenomenal year, with 4,320 passing yards and 43 total touchdowns (34 passing, eight rushing, one receiving). The team scored the division the Patriots previously owed 12-3, an unexpected improvement over last year’s wild-card-and-done routine.
Rodgers was also phenomenal. He had 44 touchdowns and three quick hits, with 4,059 passing steps and a ridiculous pass rate of 119.4.
Rodgers became the overwhelming favorite for the award; PointsBet currently has its odds at -500. Allen is an offer of +1200.
But here’s the key: people are voting on this and the vote is coming after Sunday’s matches. What if the Packers lose to the Bears? What if Allen starts for Buffalo and continues with his recent tear?
Rodgers remains the smart choice, and it will be an upset if he does not win it. However, Allen is worthy of considering the award before the ballots are cast.
He is at least worthy of being named the NFL’s most improved player. This is a category that currently does not count among the post-season awards. Maybe it should be.
For now, it’s MVP or nothing for Allen. While Rodgers is likely to win it, it’s hard to argue against Allen’s case for the prize.