Thu Jan 23 21:00:00 IST 2025: **AP Announces 2024 NFL Award Finalists; Allen, Barkley, Burrow Vie for MVP**

NEW YORK, NY – The Associated Press announced the finalists for its annual NFL awards, with a star-studded lineup vying for the coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow headline the MVP race, alongside Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Allen, who led the Bills to their fifth consecutive AFC East title, put up impressive numbers: 3,731 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 531 rushing yards with 12 more scores. Barkley’s remarkable 2,005 rushing yards, the eighth-best single-season total in NFL history, powered the Eagles’ playoff run. Burrow, despite his team missing the playoffs, led the league in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43). Goff piloted the Lions to the NFC’s top seed, while Jackson, the reigning MVP, seeks a third award after leading the Ravens to the AFC North title.

The MVP isn’t the only hotly contested award. Barkley, Burrow, and Jackson are also finalists for Offensive Player of the Year, alongside Ja’Marr Chase and Derrick Henry. Burrow is also a finalist for Comeback Player of the Year, facing stiff competition from several other players who overcame significant challenges.

Other notable finalists include:

* **Defensive Player of the Year:** Zack Baun (Eagles), Myles Garrett (Browns), Trey Hendrickson (Bengals), Patrick Surtain II (Broncos), and T.J. Watt (Steelers).
* **Offensive Rookie of the Year:** Brock Bowers (Raiders), Jayden Daniels (Commanders), Malik Nabers (Giants), Bo Nix (Broncos), and Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars).
* **Defensive Rookie of the Year:** Cooper DeJean (Eagles), Braden Fiske (Rams), Quinyon Mitchell (Eagles), Chop Robinson (Dolphins), and Jared Verse (Rams).
* **Coach of the Year:** Dan Campbell (Lions), Kevin O’Connell (Vikings), Sean Payton (Broncos), Dan Quinn (Commanders), and Andy Reid (Chiefs).
* **Assistant Coach of the Year:** Joe Brady (Bills), Vic Fangio (Eagles), Brian Flores (Vikings), Aaron Glenn (Lions), and Ben Johnson (Lions).
* **Comeback Player of the Year:** Burrow, Sam Darnold (Vikings), J.K. Dobbins (Chargers), Christian Gonzalez (Patriots), and Damar Hamlin (Bills).

The winners will be announced at NFL Honors on February 6th. Analysts like Stephen A. Smith and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo have already begun debating the MVP contenders, particularly the pressure on Josh Allen to deliver against the Chiefs. The awards are determined by a nationwide panel of 50 media members.

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