Following the Divisional Round, this quarterback is in the lead for MVP.

As the 2024 NFL season heads into the final stretch of its postseason, the competition for the league’s most prestigious individual honor—the MVP award—has never been more thrilling. After an intense and exhilarating Divisional Round, one quarterback has surged to the forefront of the MVP race, solidifying his place as the frontrunner for the honor. With the regular season behind us, it’s time to break down the performances, statistics, and narratives that have propelled this quarterback into the lead for the 2024 NFL MVP.

This article will explore the key factors that have made this quarterback a top contender, including his stellar regular-season performance, leadership on the field, and the way he’s handled the intense pressure of the postseason. Additionally, we’ll look at the broader context of the MVP race, including other candidates and potential challengers who could pose a threat as we head deeper into the playoffs. Ultimately, we’ll examine why this quarterback’s performance following the Divisional Round has positioned him as the MVP favorite.

The Quarterback in the Lead: An Overview of His 2024 Season

The quarterback leading the MVP race following the Divisional Round is none other than Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. Mahomes, widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, has once again put together a remarkable season that has solidified his case for a third MVP award. Throughout the 2024 regular season and into the playoffs, Mahomes has exhibited the qualities that make him an exceptional player: poise, accuracy, arm strength, and the ability to perform under pressure.

Mahomes has been at the heart of a high-powered Chiefs offense that has consistently been one of the most productive in the league. With a dynamic group of playmakers surrounding him, Mahomes has continued to elevate his game and put up gaudy numbers that have earned him praise from analysts, coaches, and fans alike. But what makes Mahomes’ MVP case particularly compelling this year is the combination of his individual statistics, his team’s success, and the high level of competition he has faced throughout the season.

Regular-Season Performance: Setting the Stage for MVP

Before diving into Mahomes’ postseason heroics, it’s important to reflect on his regular-season performance, which laid the foundation for his MVP candidacy. Mahomes finished the 2024 season with stellar numbers, ranking among the league leaders in key statistical categories.

Mahomes posted a 4,800-yard regular season, leading the league with 41 touchdowns while keeping his interception total low at 8. His QBR (Quarterback Rating) was among the highest in the NFL, and his passing efficiency remained exceptional, throwing for an average of 7.6 yards per attempt. Mahomes demonstrated his typical brilliance, particularly in high-stakes games and clutch moments, which became a defining feature of his season.

His ability to spread the ball around to a variety of receivers was on full display. With star wideouts like Travis Kelce, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and emerging talents like Kadarius Toney, Mahomes found success distributing the ball and keeping opposing defenses off balance. This versatility in his offensive approach was one of the key reasons for the Chiefs’ dominance in the AFC, and it further enhanced Mahomes’ case for MVP.

However, what set Mahomes apart from other quarterbacks in the MVP race was his ability to lead his team to victory in close, hard-fought games. The Chiefs, who finished the regular season with an impressive 13-4 record, relied on Mahomes’ leadership and clutch performances to secure crucial victories in tight matchups. He demonstrated an uncanny ability to remain calm under pressure, and it was clear that he was the engine driving the Chiefs’ success.

Leadership and Intangibles: Mahomes’ Impact Beyond the Stats

While Mahomes’ numbers were impressive, his leadership and intangible qualities were perhaps even more influential in his MVP bid. Mahomes has long been known for his unflappable demeanor and his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations, and this season was no different. Whether it was leading a game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter or lifting his teammates with his infectious confidence, Mahomes showed why he is considered one of the most valuable players in the league.

Mahomes’ impact extends beyond his physical skills on the field. He is the ultimate competitor, never willing to back down from a challenge. He serves as a motivator for his teammates, consistently raising the level of play around him. His leadership has allowed the Chiefs to maintain their place among the league’s elite teams despite changes in the roster and personnel over the years.

Mahomes’ ability to adapt and grow as a quarterback also played a crucial role in his MVP candidacy. As the Chiefs’ offense evolved throughout the season, Mahomes adjusted to new schemes and different receiving threats, never allowing the team’s offensive efficiency to dip. He embraced the role of mentor for younger players, especially wide receivers who were learning to adjust to the NFL’s fast pace. The success of these receivers, who benefitted from Mahomes’ guidance and accuracy, helped fuel the Chiefs’ offensive juggernaut.

Mahomes’ Playoff Brilliance: Leading the Chiefs Through the Divisional Round

While Mahomes’ regular-season performance had already put him in the conversation for MVP, his play in the postseason has solidified his place as the frontrunner. In the 2024 Divisional Round, Mahomes delivered an unforgettable performance that left no doubt in anyone’s mind that he was the MVP of the league.

Facing a tough challenge from a divisional rival, Mahomes was unfazed. He delivered a masterclass in quarterbacking, throwing for over 330 yards and 4 touchdowns in a commanding victory. His pinpoint accuracy, even in the face of heavy pressure, was a sight to behold. On multiple occasions, Mahomes threaded the needle with passes that only a few quarterbacks in the league would dare to attempt. His passer rating in the Divisional Round was an eye-popping 130.4, a testament to his composure and excellence.

One of the defining moments of Mahomes’ performance came late in the game, with the Chiefs facing a crucial third down in a tight contest. Mahomes, showing all the qualities that have made him a two-time MVP, dropped back in the pocket and delivered a beautiful deep ball to Kadarius Toney, who hauled it in for a crucial touchdown. The throw was a perfect example of Mahomes’ uncanny ability to make the impossible seem routine, and it sealed the Chiefs’ victory, sending them to the AFC Championship.

Throughout the game, Mahomes’ leadership was evident not only in his play on the field but in his interactions with his teammates. He was constantly communicating with the offensive line, ensuring they were aware of defensive shifts and helping to set the tempo. When mistakes were made, Mahomes was quick to encourage his teammates, never allowing frustration to set in. His unshakeable confidence and ability to perform when the stakes are highest were on full display.

The Competition: Other MVP Candidates

While Mahomes has been exceptional, he is not without competition in the 2024 MVP race. Several other quarterbacks have put together outstanding seasons, and while they may not have the same combination of statistics and postseason success as Mahomes, they remain formidable contenders.

Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles is one such contender. Hurts led the Eagles to an 11-5-1 record, finishing with over 4,200 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. Hurts has been a dual-threat quarterback, combining his passing efficiency with his ability to run the ball effectively. His leadership and ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground make him a strong MVP candidate, and his play in the Divisional Round, where he led the Eagles to a dominant victory, only bolstered his case.

Joe Burrow, quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, is another strong contender. Burrow’s incredible poise, accuracy, and football IQ have been on display all season, and he led the Bengals to a 12-5 record. Burrow’s ability to read defenses and make pinpoint throws, particularly in the postseason, makes him a formidable challenger. The Bengals’ victory in the Divisional Round was highlighted by Burrow’s ability to manage the game and make critical plays when needed.

Josh Allen, the powerful quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, also deserves mention. Allen has the ability to dominate a game with both his arm and his legs, and he finished the regular season with over 4,500 passing yards and 40 total touchdowns. Though Allen’s performance in the Divisional Round was solid, the Bills came up short in a tight contest, which may affect his MVP candidacy moving forward.

Despite the strong campaigns from these quarterbacks, it’s clear that Mahomes has separated himself with his combination of statistics, leadership, and post-regular-season performances.

Why Patrick Mahomes is the 2024 NFL MVP Frontrunner

After a spectacular performance in the Divisional Round, Patrick Mahomes has emerged as the clear frontrunner for the 2024 NFL MVP. His consistent excellence throughout the regular season, combined with his ability to perform at an even higher level in the postseason, has solidified his place at the top of the MVP race.

Mahomes has not only put up impressive numbers but has demonstrated leadership, adaptability, and a unique ability to elevate his team’s play in critical moments. His performance in the Divisional Round was a microcosm of everything that makes him a transcendent talent. With the AFC Championship looming, Mahomes remains the most valuable player in the NFL, and barring a significant drop in performance or an exceptional showing by another candidate, he appears set to capture his third MVP award.

As the season progresses and the playoffs unfold, it will be fascinating to see how Mahomes’ competition fares. However, for now, he stands alone as the MVP frontrunner—a player whose remarkable skill set and leadership make him the face of the NFL in 2024.