News & Notes: Lamar Jackson's Thoughts on Josh Allen Winning MVP

The debate over the 2024 NFL MVP award continues as Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are set to face each other at the start of the 2025 season. Jackson, despite a historic performance, lost the MVP to Allen, prompting strong reactions from the Ravens organization and fans.

Jackson responded to the outcome by stating, "The voters chose who they wanted to pick. It is what it is." Statistically, Jackson outperformed Allen in passing yards (4,172 vs. 3,731), touchdowns (41 vs. 28), interceptions (4 vs. 6), and rushing yards (915 vs. 531), while also achieving the fourth-highest passer rating in NFL history at 119.6.

Voters who favored Allen cited his success with fewer supporting players and the Bills exceeding expectations, alongside possible "voter fatigue" from Jackson's previous MVP wins in 2019 and 2023. Notably, some media members who voted for Allen have expressed regret since the decision.

The upcoming "Sunday Night Football" game will reignite the MVP discussion as Jackson and Allen compete head-to-head. Jackson emphasized his focus on the season rather than his contract negotiations, though he is expected to become the NFL's highest-paid player in his next deal, with his salary cap hit rising to $74.5 million in the following seasons.

Additionally, Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely is recovering from a foot injury and may return ahead of schedule, according to Head Coach John Harbaugh, though his practice status remains uncertain.