NFL MVP Race 2024-25: Latest Predictions After Updated Odds Entering Week 18

While there is one week left on the 2024 NFL schedule, a number of races are already finished.

Is the MVP award one of them? Oddsmakers aren't quite ready to call it, but Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who will only make a quick cameo in their season finale, continues to hold a commanding lead.

There are still a few others who might make things interesting or could at least sway some voters their direction with strong showings in Week 18. Let's take a look at the latest MVP odds from DraftKings Sportsbook before making a couple of predictions about how this will play out.

Updated MVP Odds

Tim Warner/Getty Images

HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 25: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws a pass in the second half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Josh Allen (-300; bet $300 to win $100)

Lamar Jackson (+225; bet $100 to win $225)

Joe Burrow (+1600)

Saquon Barkley (+1600)

Jared Goff (+8000)

Sam Darnold (+10000)

Jayden Daniels (+20000)

Baker Mayfield (+30000)

Patrick Mahomes (+40000)

Jordan Love (+50000)

Derrick Henry (+50000)

Ja'Marr Chase (+50000)

Jalen Hurts (+50000)

C.J. Stroud (+50000)

Justin Herbert (+50000)

Josh Allen Should Have This in the Bag

Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 22: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills throws a pass in the first quarter of the game against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills beat the Patriots 24-21. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)

Josh Allen isn't the only reason Buffalo is winning at such a high level (13-3 record with a plus-164 point differential), but he's clearly the biggest factor behind that success.

As soon as the ball snaps, he's an elite talent regardless what's happening on that particular play. As a passer, he's top-10 in yards (3,731, 10th) and touchdowns (28, sixth). As a ball-carrier, he is tied for eighth in rushing touchdowns (12) and fifth among quarterbacks in rushing yards (531, 38th overall).

His six games with at least two passing touchdowns and one-plus rushing touchdowns are the most in NFL history, per ESPN Research. And remember, he's doing all of this while piloting an offense that was projected to take a step back following the offseason subtractions of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis.

Allen's numbers are objectively awesome, and the doing-more-with-less narrative attached to them is just as compelling. As absurdly dominant as Lamar Jackson has been this season, Allen should be clearing room in his trophy case already.

Joe Burrow Could Make a Late Push for Second

Dylan Buell/Getty Images

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 28: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Award voters love a good narrative, and there's a non-zero chance Joe Burrow has quite the story to tell after this season.

He has already brought the Cincinnati Bengals back from the brink of elimination, winning four consecutive contests and piling up 12 touchdown passes against three interceptions in this stretch. They still need help to reach the postseason, but if Burrow can help deliver a miracle finish, he'll have a real shot at pulling some voters his direction.

His stats speak for themselves. No one has passed for more yards (4,641) or more touchdowns (42). His eight interceptions are the fewest he's thrown when playing at least 11 games in a season. He is neck-and-neck with Allen and just behind Jackson for the top spot in QBR.

If Burrow's Bengals had, say, 12 to 14 wins instead of eight, he might be jostling Jackson for second place already. He might still find his way there, though, if he can help Cincinnati pull off the improbable this weekend.

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