Bills QB Josh Allen Comes Up Short in MVP Race to Ravens' Lamar Jackson

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is a MVP finalist for the third time in his career.

For the third time in his career, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is a finalist for NFL MVP, but has once again come up short.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was officially named MVP for the 2023 season on Thursday during the NFL Honors, beating out a five-man race that included Allen, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and Niners running back Christian McCaffrey.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) meets Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) at mid-field after a game at New Era Field / © Mark Konezny, USA TODAY

Allen was also an MVP finalist during the 2020 and 2022 seasons. During the 2023 regular season, he led the NFL in total yards (4,830) and total touchdowns (44). He finished the regular season 385 of 579 passing for 4,306 yards, 29 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. 

However, his rushing numbers helped power the Bills, as Allen posted 111 carries for 524 yards and a career-high 15 touchdowns. Buffalo's late-season surge combined with Allen's impact on the ground is what helped vault him into the MVP conversation.

He also became the first player in league history with four consecutive 40 total touchdown season in a Week 15 win over Los Angeles Chargers.

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But it was Jackson who led the Ravens to a league-best 13-4 record during the regular season, clinching the AFC's No. 1 overall seed. He finished with a career-best 3,678 passing yards for 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions while adding 148 carries for 821 yards and five more scores.

The Bills were looking to punch their ticket to Baltimore for the AFC Championship, but instead fell in heart-breaking fashion to the Kansas City Chiefs once again. Allen and Co. will have to wait till next regular season when they travel to face the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.