NFL's 100 Most Valuable Players: Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen Battle for Top Spot

The NFL MVP is typically a quarterback award, but this list goes beyond that to rank the 100 most valuable players in the league based on their performance in the 2024 regular season.

The NFL's Most Valuable Player is a quarterback award. It is virtually impossible for a non-QB to be more valuable than the most valuable quarterback. The standard MVP conversation fails to encapsulate incredible performances by non-quarterbacks or tangle with questions regarding each position's value. That's why I like to make a ballot that goes beyond five players. Far beyond. For the third consecutive season, I've created my (hypothetical) 100-player MVP ballot. You can view last year's here. Before we dive in, here's how I define value and create this list. This list is purely descriptive based on the 2024 regular season. All that matters is who generated the most value this season. Value represents the difference between a player and an average starter at that player's position. That means a QB1 will be a virtual lock to be ranked ahead of a TE1, because the difference between the best and average quarterback is much larger than the difference between the best and average tight end. It also caps the QB starters to half the league, which is different than if we measured value over replacement. And frankly, I find it more fun. To create my initial rankings, I ranked players by position and slotted them into an overall list. I leaned on a wide variety of quantitative metrics -- win rates, receiver tracking metrics, coverage data, various EPA measures --- along with my own analysis. Qualitative considerations such as All-Pro teams and PFF grades were considered, too. I shared my initial list with several colleagues and trusted talent evaluators in NFL front offices to get their expert input. I moved players based on their feedback, particularly if multiple people told me I misjudged a certain player. Let's dive into the ballot, starting with the No. 1 question: Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen or another QB?

What to Read Next

Minnesota Vikings' Strategic Roster Overhaul Ahead of NFL Week 12
NFL

Minnesota Vikings' Strategic Roster Overhaul Ahead of NFL Week 12

Explore how the Minnesota Vikings strategically reshaped their roster with key acquisitions and trades just before NFL Week 12.

2025 NFL Rookie Class Breakdown: Top Contenders for Rookie of the Year and Fantasy Sleepers
NFL

2025 NFL Rookie Class Breakdown: Top Contenders for Rookie of the Year and Fantasy Sleepers

Explore the 2025 NFL rookie class with insights on top Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year contenders, fantasy sleepers, and key quarterback updates.

Denver Broncos Defense Faces Rookie QB Cam Ward in Season Opener: A Crucial Test for Both Sides
NFL

Denver Broncos Defense Faces Rookie QB Cam Ward in Season Opener: A Crucial Test for Both Sides

The Denver Broncos' defense prepares to face rookie QB Cam Ward in their 2025 season opener, aiming to start strong and prove their dominance.

Micah Parsons Trade Fallout: Analyzing the Cowboys' Shocking Move and Packers' Bold Strategy
NFL

Micah Parsons Trade Fallout: Analyzing the Cowboys' Shocking Move and Packers' Bold Strategy

The Cowboys' surprising trade of Micah Parsons to the Packers raises questions about Dallas' strategy and Green Bay's push for NFC supremacy. Dive into the analysis.

Detroit Lions Optimistic About 2025 Season with Strongest Roster Yet
NFL

Detroit Lions Optimistic About 2025 Season with Strongest Roster Yet

The Detroit Lions are gearing up for the 2025 NFL season with a robust roster, aiming for their first-ever Super Bowl victory under the leadership of GM Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell.

Hurricane Katrina's Impact on NFL: How Two Saints Coaches Returned Home After the Storm
NFL

Hurricane Katrina's Impact on NFL: How Two Saints Coaches Returned Home After the Storm

Explore how Hurricane Katrina reshaped the lives of two New Orleans Saints coaches, Chase Haslett and Terry Joseph, and their journey back to the NFL.

Bengals' Offensive Trio: Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins Set to Dominate the NFL Season
NFL

Bengals' Offensive Trio: Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins Set to Dominate the NFL Season

Explore how the Cincinnati Bengals' star trio aims to lead the team to Super Bowl glory in the 2025 NFL season.

Brian Schottenheimer's New Era: Navigating the Micah Parsons Trade and Building the Dallas Cowboys Future
NFL

Brian Schottenheimer's New Era: Navigating the Micah Parsons Trade and Building the Dallas Cowboys Future

Explore how Brian Schottenheimer is reshaping the Dallas Cowboys post-Micah Parsons trade, focusing on team dynamics and future strategies for the 2025 NFL season.

Atlanta Falcons' Critical Decision: Protecting Michael Penix Jr.'s Blind Side in the 2025 NFL Season
NFL

Atlanta Falcons' Critical Decision: Protecting Michael Penix Jr.'s Blind Side in the 2025 NFL Season

The Atlanta Falcons face a crucial decision in protecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s blind side as three players compete for the starting right tackle role in the 2025 NFL season.

Arizona Cardinals' Offensive Continuity: A Game-Changer for the 2025 NFL Season
NFL

Arizona Cardinals' Offensive Continuity: A Game-Changer for the 2025 NFL Season

The Arizona Cardinals are banking on their returning offensive starters to create a seamless and powerful offense for the 2025 NFL season.

Micah Parsons Trade Analysis: Cowboys and Packers Shake Up NFL Landscape
NFL

Micah Parsons Trade Analysis: Cowboys and Packers Shake Up NFL Landscape

An in-depth analysis of the blockbuster Micah Parsons trade between the Cowboys and Packers, examining its impact on both teams and the NFL.

Top X Factors for All 32 NFL Teams in the 2025 Season: Who Will Make the Difference?
NFL

Top X Factors for All 32 NFL Teams in the 2025 Season: Who Will Make the Difference?

Discover the key X factors for all 32 NFL teams in the 2025 season. These players could be the difference-makers that determine their team's success or failure.

Aaron Rodgers: Building Bonds and Leadership in Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL

Aaron Rodgers: Building Bonds and Leadership in Pittsburgh Steelers

Aaron Rodgers integrates into the Pittsburgh Steelers, fostering team chemistry and leadership ahead of the 2025 NFL season.

Jake Moody's Kicking Evolution: How the 49ers' Kicker is Redefining His Game for NFL Success
NFL

Jake Moody's Kicking Evolution: How the 49ers' Kicker is Redefining His Game for NFL Success

Discover how Jake Moody's shift to a two-step kicking approach is transforming his game and aiming to secure his place with the San Francisco 49ers.

Caleb Williams' Bold Revival: Embracing Authenticity and Leadership in Year 2 with the Bears
NFL

Caleb Williams' Bold Revival: Embracing Authenticity and Leadership in Year 2 with the Bears

Caleb Williams returns with renewed confidence and flair as he prepares for his second season with the Chicago Bears under new head coach Ben Johnson.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.