As the NFL regular season enters Week 15 and approaches its conclusion, the MVP race is only intensifying. 

As some teams falter and others exceed expectations, the playoff picture sharpens, bringing the standout players driving their success into clearer focus. Here are our picks for the most likely 2024 MVP contenders.

  1. Josh Allen

It's no secret that Allen is currently playing the best football of his career. Take the Bills' Week 13 game against the 49ers, where he made history as the first player since the NFL-AFL merger to record a passing, rushing and receiving touchdown in a single game. 

After losing their top receiver, Stefon Diggs, to a trade with Houston, Allen has propelled what was widely regarded as an average-at-best offense to an impressive 10-3 record. 

What's more, he remains the only quarterback to have defeated the Chiefs this season.

The only obstacle standing between Allen and the MVP title is the potential for a late-season collapse by the Bills. This fear is not unfounded - after an unexpected loss to the Rams last week and heading into Monday's matchup against the Lions as underdogs, the team faces a tough challenge against the current Super Bowl favourites.

2. Saquon Barkley

Barkley's move to the Eagles this year has completely revitalised his career while transforming the team's Super Bowl prospects. 

Since Coach Sirianni's decision to centre the offense around Barkley, the Eagles have strung together nine consecutive victories, and Barkley is on pace to break the single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards set in 1984.

It's well-known, however, that the MVP award has largely become a quarterback's domain. History seems to be against Barkley, as winning would make him the first running back to claim the title in 12 years.

3. Lamar Jackson

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws a pass during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Lamar Jackson knows all too well what it takes to win MVP, having secured the title twice before and being the reigning champion.

For most of the season, betting odds consistently favoured Jackson as MVP once again, throwing only 3 interceptions all season and being on pace for a career-high in passing yards and passing touchdowns.

However, the last month has seen the Ravens' record fall to 8-5. The near wins keeping the Ravens in the playoff race have been largely credited to the brilliance of running back Derrick Henry, forcing Jackson to share the spotlight and diluting his MVP chances.

4. Jared Goff

While Goff's name may not carry the same excitement as Allen or Jackson, his dependable accuracy has been instrumental in leading the league's current top team. 

The Lions' 11-1 record has seen them score at least 40 points four times this season.

This dominance actually works against Goff's MVP chances, as the team boasts arguably one of the best offensive lines in football. For voters, the key question is whether Goff is truly an elite quarterback or simply a product of an exceptional supporting cast.

5. Patrick Mahomes

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs holds the Lombardi Trophy after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The two-time MVP winner can never be ruled out of the equation. 

Through the Chiefs' 12-1 record, Mahomes has continually proved he knows how to win close games, with their recent win over the Chargers marking their 15th consecutive one-score game victory.

While consistently finding ways to win is no small feat, it also highlights the team's lack of dominance this season, which has contributed to Mahomes' fading MVP chances. 

Players like Sam Darnold, Jayden Daniels and Jalen Hurts are close contenders, vying for the fifth spot in the MVP race.