Punch

None of the books listed at this link have live odds listed for NFL MVP futures, fwiw. The odds listed at vegasinsider appear to be from before the shift, but we'll see.

It's over. Its never been more over. On to Denver.

I definitely remember the outright CONTEMPT old school NFL analysts had for the run and shoot--- there was utter shock the Oilers didn't even roster a single Tight End.

Isn't it true he chose the CFL out of college because the NFL wanted him to play CB instead of QB? I dont know about him being hated, but he was definitely underestimated due to the (then very prevalent) stigma against black QBs. Lamar faced this to a degree (most infamously Bill Polian), but not to the extent Moon did.

The QB for each of the other 4 teams* this century to average 3 points per drive won MVP: 2007 - Tom Brady 2010 - Aaron Rodgers 2011 - Tom Brady 2013 - Peyton Manning *I think there are actually 5 teams, the 2011 New Orleans Saints being one of two teams that season.

I think a big part of the backlash is a reaction to how many media members loudly declared Josh MVP during the stretch against KC, San Fran, LA and Detroit. Lamar's numbers were good enough that it was interpreted as disrespectful, especially considering how sensitive Lamar backers have been over the course of his career (in some cases, for good reason). It also smacks somewhat of entitlement, though. Praise of one player isn't intended as disrespect toward another and Lamar sure as hell isnt the greatest QB to ever play the game as Harbaugh said last week. This MVP result is going to leave a stink in its wake regardless of who wins. The NFL has reached a media saturation point where there are simply too many voices mouthing off baiting for clicks and views.

Not niche at all, this is sacred lore. Thanks for sharing!

Charlie Kolar is the 3rd string TE for the Baltimore Ravens. It's no surprise he'd back his teammate but he chose to do so in an inflammatory way on social media. Reap what you sow.

Fwiw, how much each of the following stats correlates with success per this guy:

If McDermott padded Josh's stats at the same rate Harbaugh pads Lamar's, Josh would have more than 4,000 pass yards and possibly 50 total TDs. The Bills have taken their foot off the gas pedal late in games often and other RBs have been involved in the red zone. Ray Davis and Ty Johnson have combined for 5 rushing TDs, only one Raven other than Derrick Henry or Lamar has a rushing TD (Justice Hill has 1).

Manning and McNair each recieved 16 votes, hence the tie. Ranked voting (1-5) was introduced last year so I think it'll be virtually impossible for a tie now.

It's funny watching Jets players celebrating down 12 at 4-11.

I sincerely hope you're right.

Another flag.

Dion Dawkins on the sideline, Von Miller in the blue medical tent.

Several writers covering the Bills including Joe Buscaglia have intimated this week that its very important for the Bills players that Josh wins MVP and they expect to see a push for him to go out with a bang. The weather complicates that effort and also McDermott needs to keep health at the forefront, but I expect to see them end on a high note. Go Bills.

Joe B. had this to say:

Suddenly, a ton of social media chatter that Joe Burrow is MVP, lol. "What have you done for me lately?"

The voters casting the ballots are all talking heads or writers.

I'm convinced many of the former players in television don't even watch the games. After the Detroit game, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Andrew Whitworth were on the Rich Eisen Show and Whit insisted Lamar should win MVP because Allen's best games were early in the season and he hadn't played well of late. Again, this was after the Detroit game! Josh was an historic one man wrecking crew over the prior two weeks, not to mention balling out against KC and San Fran! He was arguably in the midst of the greatest stretch of his career, and Whit was nonchalantly pooh-poohing him because Lamar Jackson blew out the Giants.

I do think it's close to deadlocked overall based on the overwhelming media swing toward Lamar after last night's game, but I didn't say its 50-50 in the minds of every single voter. If Josh has a statistically mediocre game on Sunday (regardless of the outcome) the odds will shift to Lamar. He needs to play well and end the season on a high note.

The odds are shifting based in part on opinions publicly offered by the media talking heads, some of whom are MVP voters. I think Allen should win and very well may, but the odds aren't a true predictor and the probability you're extrapolating isn't realistic or mathematically sound. Even if Allen has the better odds at season's end, the voters can still vote for Lamar, that isn't meant to be provocative, it's common sense. Vegas betting odds are designed to draw the most betting dollars, not accurately predict an outcome. I hope Allen wins, but its most certainly 50-50 right now in the minds of voters and all the headlines are hyperbolically calling Lamar's season an "historic run to MVP".