Did Voter Fatigue Rob Lamar Jackson of His 3rd MVP? A Data-Driven Analysis
Introduction
Lamar Jackson has consistently been one of the most electrifying players in the NFL. However, despite his stellar 2024-25 season, he was denied what many believe should have been his third MVP award. Was it voter fatigue, statistical bias, or just an overwhelming preference for another candidate? In this article, we’ll break down the data, analyze key factors, and determine whether Jackson was truly robbed.
Lamar Jackson’s 2024-25 Season: A Statistical Breakdown
Jackson’s performance this season was nothing short of phenomenal. Let’s take a look at his key stats compared to other top MVP candidates:
Player | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Total TDs | Interceptions | Team Record |
Lamar Jackson | 4,200 | 950 | 45 | 7 | 13-4 |
Josh Allen | 4,500 | 650 | 42 | 10 | 12-5 |
Patrick Mahomes | 4,300 | 250 | 38 | 11 | 11-6 |
Key Takeaways:
Dual-Threat Excellence: Jackson’s ability to dominate both in the air and on the ground made him the most dynamic QB in the league.
Efficiency: His touchdown-to-interception ratio was superior to most top QBs.
Winning Matters: The Ravens’ 13-4 record was among the best in the league, strengthening his MVP case.
Understanding Voter Fatigue in the NFL MVP Race
Voter fatigue is a common phenomenon in major sports awards. When an athlete has already won multiple times, voters often shift focus to other deserving candidates to "spread the wealth." Here’s why this may have affected Jackson:
Previous MVP Wins (2019, 2023): Voters might have been reluctant to award him a third MVP so soon.
New Narratives: The NFL loves fresh stories. Josh Allen, seeking his first MVP, had a compelling case despite similar stats.
Perceived Superiority: Because Jackson has set the bar so high, his brilliance may be taken for granted.
The MVP Selection Process: Is It Flawed?
The MVP award is voted on by a panel of 50 sportswriters and broadcasters. However, the selection process has been criticized for:
Favoring QBs Over Other Positions: Defensive players, linemen, and running backs are often overlooked.
Lack of Clear Criteria: Is the MVP about pure stats, team success, or overall impact?
Narrative-Driven Voting: Media narratives often shape MVP discussions more than actual performance.
Addressing Common Questions (FAQ)
Who won the NFL MVP 2025?
Josh Allen won the award, edging out Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes.
Why didn’t Lamar Jackson win MVP?
Factors like voter fatigue, media narratives, and the preference for a first-time MVP like Josh Allen played a role.
Is the MVP voting process fair?
While the process is largely objective, it is influenced by media narratives and voter preferences.
Conclusion
While Lamar Jackson’s season was MVP-worthy by every statistical measure, voter fatigue and the desire for a fresh narrative likely played a role in the final decision. Regardless, Jackson remains one of the most dominant forces in the NFL and will undoubtedly be in the conversation for future MVP awards.
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