NFL MVP stock watch: Patrick Mahomes still the pace-setter
By Dustin Baker
3. Josh Allen, QB (Buffalo Bills)
Last Week’s Ranking: 3rd
Highest Ranking of Season: 2nd (-1)
2020 Stats: 2,871 Passing Yards, 21 Passing TDs, 7 INTs, 68.4% Comp, 103.2 Passer Rating, 5 Rushing TDs
Something strange has taken place in Orchard Park, NY. For Josh Allen’s first two seasons, the Bills defense primarily carried the team while Josh Allen was considered a rookie and sophomore phenom.
Now, Allen has quickly matured into a third-year phenom whereas Buffalo’s defense isn’t very good. Allen and his pals are now carrying the defense – much like Russell Wilson in Seattle. The Bills defense ranks 20th in points allowed per game and 20th in yards allowed per game.
Ergo, based on the consistency and similarity of both these metrics, it is safe to say that the Bills are the NFL’s 20th-best defense.
Through 11 weeks, the Bills offense ranks 11th in both points scored per game and yards gained per game. Josh Allen is piloting a pretty darn good offense in spite of the defenses’ unforeseen struggles. He’s on pace to toss about 34 touchdowns and rush for eight more. That would make the young man personally accountable for 42 total touchdowns.
That generates MVP buzz in almost any single season.
The Bills employ a one-two punch of Devin Singletary and Zack Moss at the running back position. It’s scary to surmise how effective Allen might be if he had a top-ten rusher in his backfield. For now, he must settle for Stefon Diggs at the pass-catcher position. That transaction between the Bills and Vikings is proving worthwhile for each entity.
Next up for Buffalo – the Chargers, 49ers, and Steelers. That’s a mixed bag of difficulty.