Ravens' Jackson a Virtual Lock as League MVP

By John Turney 

Lamar Jackson

When the Associated Press (AP) announces its postseason awards in two weeks at the NFL Honors show, Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson will win the Most Valuable Player Award (MVP).

Bank on it.

How do I know? Easy. The Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) just tipped me off.

Last week that organization named its MVP for the 2024 season, and it wasn't Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen, widely considered one of the leading contenders. It was Jackson, and that's more than significant. It seals the deal in my book.

That's because the AP and PFWA agree on their MVP choices nearly every year. In fact, over the 49 years that the two simultaneously released awards, they disagreed only five times ... and not once in the last 20 years. One of those disagreements was 1997 when AP voters had Barry Sanders and Brett Favre tied, while the PFWA's poll chose Sanders alone. 

But the last time they disagreed was 21 years ago when, in 2003, PFWA voters picked Ravens' running back Jamal Lewis, and the AP panel forwarded a tie between Peyton Manning and Steve McNair.

Art Credit: Mark Adair (McNair), Don Chickinelli (Manning), Mike Schroeder (Lewis)

And the others?

-- In 1987, the AP went with John Elway in 1987, while the PFWA chose Jerry Rice.

Art credit: Merv Corning

-- In the strike-shortened 1982 season, the AP favored kicker Mark Mosely in 1982, and the PFWA went with Dan Fouts.

Art credit: Merv Corning (right)

-- In 1978, the AP picked Terry Bradshaw, while the PFWA selected Earl Campbell. 

Art credit: Merv Corning

For the most part, however, they’re in lockstep. If and when that happens again on Feb. 6, Jackson will become just the seventh player to win at least three AP MVP awards -- joining Jim Brown, Johnny Unitas, Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers.

OK, but what about Defensive Player of the Year? That's a bit less certain. While it’s likely the two organizations will agree, it’s not a lock. The PFWA selected Patrick Surtain II, the Broncos' elite cornerback as its Defensive Player of the Year, and, given the history of these awards, it’s reasonably safe to assume that the AP will follow. It's broken from the PFWA only four times since 1992.

However, three of those disagreements happened since 2010. So, there’s still a chance -- albeit a small one -- that the AP could select someone else. 

Then there's the Offensive Player of the Year. The PFWA on Wednesday chose Philadelphia's Saquon Barkley as its recipient, and, while this one feels like another AP/PFWA accord, it's the one award where there's been the most divergence. Nine times in 32 years different players took home the OPOY.

So why does all this matter? Because PFWA awards are officially recognized in the annual "NFL Record and Fact Book," They’re also referenced in the NFL-NFLPA collective bargaining agreement and count toward player incentive bonuses. Additionally, these awards play a role in determining compensatory draft picks for teams that lose unrestricted free agents.

Earlier this week,  the PFWA announced Jayden Daniels as its Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year (it has both awards), while Rams' edge rusher Jared Verse was named Defensive Rookie of the Year. Then, on Thursday afternoon, the PFWA announced Kevin O'Connell as its Coach of the Year, Detroit executive VP and general manager Brad Holmes its Executive of the Year and Detroit offensive coordinator (and now Chicago Bears' head coach) Ben Johnson its Assistant Coach of the Year. The PFWA's Comeback Player of the Year and Most Improved Player of the Year will be revealed Friday.

After that, we can all sit back and wait for Thursday, Feb. 6, when the 14th annual NFL Honors show airs. Then we can compare notes.