Even at this point of the season, there are clear favorites to win the MVP award. According to the latest NFL analysis by ESPN, though, the number one contender to bring that achievement home is Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson.

In the latest QB power rankings for Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season, Jackson continues to impress, solidifying his place among the top quarterbacks. After a shaky start to the season, Jackson has rebounded remarkably, showcasing his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. He currently holds the second spot in both skill and production scores, reflecting his growth and adaptability in the Ravens’ offense.

Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson
Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Jayden Daniels from the Washington Commanders leads the rankings, demonstrating exceptional performance and precision in his throws, particularly in a recent game against the Ravens. Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills follow closely, with Goff delivering a standout performance against the Cowboys and Allen bouncing back after a couple of inconsistent outings.

Joe Burrow, while facing significant pressure in his last game, remains a formidable presence, and Patrick Mahomes is still regarded as one of the elite, despite having a bye week. Rookies and emerging quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud and Caleb Williams are also making waves, showcasing their potential and contributing to their teams’ success.

As the season progresses, these rankings reflect not just individual skill but also the ability to perform under pressure and lead teams effectively. With several matchups on the horizon, it will be intriguing to see how these quarterbacks adapt and compete, especially as playoff aspirations heat up. The performance of these quarterbacks will be pivotal in shaping their teams’ fortunes as the season unfolds.

ESPN’s NFL Analysis Names Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson as 2024 MVP Frontrunner

Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson
Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Just recently, ESPN released a list of players likely to compete for the MVP award. According to an article written by Stephen Holder, that person is Lamar Jackson.

Current odds: +550
2024 stats: 1,529 passing yards, 10 TDs, 2 INTs, 69.4 QBR (403 rushing yards, 2 TDs)

Jackson has wasted little time in stating his case for a third MVP. The Ravens’ 0-2 start was not great for his candidacy, but he’s been on a roll since. In four straight wins, Jackson is fourth in completion percentage (70.3%), third in QBR (76.1), second in yards per dropback (9.1), has thrown eight touchdowns versus one interception and has rushed for 236 yards — most among quarterbacks. In Jackson’s past two games, wins over the Bengals and Commanders, he amassed a combined 766 yards of passing and rushing.

Keep in mind, Jackson has done all of this against impressive competition. His Week 1 performance against the defending champion Chiefs should not be ignored, seeing how he was literally inches from sending the game into overtime in the final seconds. And against the Commanders, Jackson put up 323 passing yards versus a defense that was allowing 199 on average entering the game.

That all sounds pretty valuable.

Jackson, meanwhile, has emphasized that his focus is solely on winning a Super Bowl, dismissing any talk of MVP accolades. The Baltimore Ravens quarterback stated, “I really don’t care about the hype,” highlighting his commitment to team success over personal recognition.

Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson
Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) rolls out to pass during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images

Despite winning his second MVP award in 2023, Jackson aims to improve his playoff record, which stands at 2-4. After a rocky start to the 2024 season, the Ravens have rallied with four consecutive wins, showcasing Jackson’s impressive performance. Ultimately, his priority remains leading the Ravens to a championship.

Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson
Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws ass ]a98 applies pressure during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images