It is the era of the quarterback more than ever before in the NFL. But the key running backs have made a resurgence in 2024, with players like Saquon Barkley, Alvin Kamara, Jonathan Taylor, and Derrick Henry making their cases for being the most valuable player on their respective teams. While their impact has been felt through the opening weeks of the season, could this be enough to put them in the true MVP race?
From an NFL perspective, there has not been a running back crowned as MVP since Adrian Peterson in 2012.
While the NFL dates back to 1920, the NFL MVP has only been awarded since 1938. The Associated Press started giving out the award in 1957 with this growing into an even larger ceremony since 2011.
Since the AP Award has given the MVP award, there have been 68 total winners. 47 of these have been quarterbacks. 14 running backs have won the award while four fullbacks, two defensive players, and one kicker round out the list. Barry Sanders and Brett Farve split the voting at 37.5% in 1997 to become co-winners. Also, a shoutout to Mark Moseley for winning the award as a kicker in 1982 during a strike-impacted season.
The full list of running backs to win the award includes Adrian Peterson (2012), LaDainian Tomlinson (2006), Shaun Alexander (2205), Marshall Faulk (2000), Terrell Davis (1998), Barry Sanders (1997), Emmitt Smith (1993), Thurman Thomas (1991), Marcus Allen (1985), Earl Campbell (1979), Walter Payton (1977), O.J. Simpson (1973), Larry Brown (1972), and Paul Horung (1961).
Looking at the 2024 MVP race based on DraftKings Sportsbook, it is clear the odds are indicating we may be in store for a quarterback for the 12th consecutive season. Heading into Week 5 of the NFL season here are the current most likely NFL MVPs.
Simply put: it is a longshot for a running back to take home MVP in the 2024 NFL season. It is especially problematic that the two running backs to crack this list each have their quarterbacks ahead of the. Saquon Barkley will compete with Jalen Hurts and Derrick Henry will compete with Lamar Jackson, in addition to all other players in the league for this level of recognition.
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