The preseason is only half of a game old, but the seeds of the MVP race are getting planted. Investments made into practicing now could blossom into an MVP season from any quarterback in any corner of the country. That said, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, and other quarterbacks with a recent history of dominance will be the front-runners for MVP. But who could come out of left field?
Here’s a look at five players that could sneak up on the league this season.
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield has done enough to elbow his way into the competent starter category of quarterbacks. However, he still remains well out of reach of an MVP-level season in the eyes of most. That said, he has come out of left field consistently for about the last season and a half to beat expectations. It would not be outside the realm of possibility to see Mayfield do it one more time in 2024 after settling in with the Buccaneers.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert’s plantar fascia injury likely has knocked him out of the running for MVP for most fans. However, it makes Herbert that much more likely to deliver as a sleeper.
Fans went to sleep on Herbert this week and thus, if they overestimate the severity of the injury, it would be like learning about him for the first time. It certainly would be a shocking turn for Herbert, but the Chargers are due for another breakout season from their quarterback.
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa has gotten non-stop doubts from fans around the league. Between injuries and questions about arm strength and deep accuracy, credit for Tagovailoa’s accomplishments thus far have gone to Mike McDaniel and Tyreek Hill. However, what if Tagovailoa has been the one secretly driving the bus all this time?
Even if not, based on his unorthodox rookie season, the light could click even brighter this season, which could set off a chain reaction to him taking the league by storm, and not the winter storm he lost in last year to Mahomes.
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen has lost Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. In their place, the main notable wide receiver is rookie Keon Coleman. Coleman, a rookie, will not get credit if Allen takes off this season once again. Allen has received plenty of doubt this season. As such, after showing abilities to impress over the last few years, another AFC contending season would allow him to get all of the credit.
Breece Hall, New York Jets
The Jets running back is young and has shown that he can play at a high level. Adding Aaron Rodgers to the mix and another year of experience could set him off like a rocket. If Hall dominates this season, he has an outside shot at the MVP.
In the vast majority of years, quarterbacks earn the MVP. However, Adrian Peterson proved that MVP isn’t a quarterback-only award. If there is a running back that can earn the award in 2024, it is Hall.
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