In a nail-biting MVP race reminiscent of a photo finish, Josh Allen triumphed over Lamar Jackson, winning the coveted NFL MVP award for the 2024 season despite his Bills falling short in the playoffs.

In what can only be described as the closest award competition since your mom determined who truly won Monopoly, Allen edged out Jackson with 383 votes to 362, marking a remarkable season in which he led the league in QBR and totaled 41 touchdowns—while also making history as the first MVP winner not to snag a first-team All-Pro nod since 1987. So, while the Bills might be left licking their wounds after the AFC Championship loss to the Chiefs, at least Allen can claim a shiny trophy and the esteemed title of 'most valuable player,' which is just one step away from a statue in his hometown—or at least a sweet parking spot at the team facility.

Allen's impressive 2024 season began with tantalizing prospects for both him and the Buffalo Bills. Under his helm, the team soared to a robust 13-4 record, securing the No. 2 seed in the AFC. With his keen ability to pass - he recorded a completion percentage of 63.6% - Allen's electrifying gameplay not only thrilled fans but also kept Buffalo's playoff dreams alive longer than your New Year’s resolutions. The joy ride had its bumps, however; the Bills' spectacular season ended in heart-wrenching fashion against the Kansas City Chiefs, with a narrow 32-29 defeat in the AFC Championship Game. It was a finish as close as an overcooked medium-rare steak at a fancy restaurant.

What truly set this season apart for Allen was his touchdown record: 41 total touchdowns (28 through the air, 12 on foot). In a league where throwing the ball seemed to garner more praise than a fresh loaf of homemade bread, Allen managed to balance passing and rushing efficiency flawlessly. His six interceptions were a career-low, a fact that likely left his defensive coaches basking in the sweet nectar of fewer gray hairs this season. As a bonus, fans everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they didn't have to worry about the weekly surprise of whether Allen would choose to gift-wrap an interception just for kicks.

With a QBR of 77.3, Allen stood out among the elite quarterbacks of the NFL, leaving competitors like Saquon Barkley, Joe Burrow, and Jared Goff vying for attention in his wake. Speaking of Barkley, the running back offered some stiff competition for the MVP title himself, rushing for over 2,000 yards, a feat that would make even an Olympian reconsider their career choices. But this award was clearly Allen's to lose, and lose he did not. Cocoa behind-the-scenes statistics showed that the MVP race was tight, with Allen garnering 27 first-place votes compared to Jackson’s 23. This suggests the NFL community had quite the debate at its social gatherings, probably revolving around who made the better tacos at the last potluck.

In a twist befitting a good sports story, Allen’s MVP win makes him the first player since John Elway to take home the award without a first-team All-Pro selection. This anomaly might prompt future players to double-check their accolades as they swipe their MVP trophies, wondering if they really need the All-Pro title to back it up. It’s unclear how this bodes for their future but one thing remains, it certainly adds a wrinkle to the narrative of what constitutes 'most valuable.'

After winning, Allen graciously thanked his team for their support, shrugging off the accolades that likely felt more comfortable in the category of 'team effort'. His humble acknowledgment of teamwork in a category that often rings echoingly with individual glory is either a sign of self-awareness or a clever strategy to ensure everyone else on the team is still on speaking terms come training camp. In any case, it’s refreshing to see an athlete expressing gratitude and humility despite the glitz and glamour that typically accompanies an MVP trophy—perhaps more sports are like group projects than we think.

Reflecting on performance, the both close and competitive nature of this award race highlights one important facet of the NFL landscape: it’s still a quarterback’s playground. And, if this season proves anything, it’s that Josh Allen is a wolf in Buffalo's clothing—one who can dodge ray of doubt and manage both a fierce rushing attack and a lethal passing arsenal. As the NFL looks forward to the upcoming season, fans are left to wonder what other gems of talent and determination the league may unveil, and whether the Bills will finally claim the ultimate prize—or at least avoid a heart-stopping thriller of a playoff exit next year.