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Jared Goff has certainly sparked some MVP chatter as the leader of the 7-1 Detroit Lions, but despite impressive individual stats, his overall case for the award seems to be falling short. The MVP race often comes down to the balance of a player’s individual performance versus how much they elevate their team, and this might ultimately prevent Goff from winning the title.
Here’s a breakdown of Goff’s numbers and how they compare to other MVP hopefuls:
- Stats: Goff leads the NFL in completion percentage (74.9%) and ranks second in passer rating (115.0) and yards per attempt (8.7). He’s on pace for 3,910 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions — solid numbers, but not at the level of Lamar Jackson’s current MVP-caliber season or Brock Purdy’s efficient 2023 campaign.
- Team Context: While the Lions are an elite team, they lean more on their powerful running game (7th in rushing offense) than on Goff’s arm, which limits his statistical volume. In contrast, quarterbacks like Jackson, Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes are expected to carry their teams more, and that boosts their MVP chances.
The team carry vs. player carry argument works against Goff. Despite having a strong supporting cast (including the NFL’s best offensive line and dynamic skill players like Amon-Ra St. Brown), the Lions’ overall dominance means Goff doesn’t need to throw as often. His 26 passing attempts per game is among the lowest of top QBs, and his rushing contribution (16 yards on 17 attempts) is nonexistent compared to other MVP contenders like Jackson and Hurts, who contribute in both the air and on the ground.
In conclusion, while Goff’s numbers are excellent, and the Lions’ success is undeniable, he is more likely to be a candidate for MVP honors than to win it. With MVP favorites like Jackson, Mahomes, and Allen doing more to carry their teams, Goff might just end up as a well-deserved honorable mention. However, if the Lions can continue their strong season and make a deep playoff run — potentially even winning the NFC Championship — Goff could be in the spotlight when it matters most: the Super Bowl.
