Top 7 NFL MVP candidates heading into Week 13 feat. Lamar Jackson, Saquon Barkley, Josh Allen and more

The 2024 NFL season is nearing Week 13, and it's only right that we take stock of where the MVP race is headed. We've seen quarterbacks and a certain running back shoot up the leaderboard in the past week.

Let's take a closer look at the premier candidates for the most coveted individual prize in regular-season football.

Top seven NFL MVP candidates heading into Week 13

Here's a look at the leading candidates for this season's MVP award.

7. Jalen Hurts, Quarterback - Philadelphia Eagles

Jalen Hurts is one of two Philadelphia Eagles stars on the leaderboard. The dual-threat maestro is having a sneaky good season in Philadelphia and has led the team to a 9-2 record going into Week 13.

Hurts has amassed 2,376 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions. He is the starting quarterback on one of the best teams in the NFC, so he definitely deserves a spot on the list.

6. Justin Herbert, Quarterback - Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers made one of the best signings of the season by bringing Jim Harbaugh back to the NFL after a successful reign with the Michigan Wolverines. Justin Herbert is the biggest beneficiary of the hire, as he's playing some of the best football of his career.

Herbert has compiled a stat line of 2,404 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and one interception, and he's showcasing what he can do with a competent head coach. The Pro Bowler will only rise higher with each Chargers win this season.

5. Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback - Kansas City Chiefs

It says a lot about the Chiefs' excellence that even in Patrick Mahomes' off-year, they're still winning, and Mahomes is still in the top five in the MVP race. The Chiefs have just one loss all season and are heading for the top seed in the AFC.

Patrick Mahomes has amassed a stat line of 2,673 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. While the stats pale in comparison to his most valuable player years, Mahomes is still one of the best quarterbacks in professional football.

4. Jared Goff, Quarterback - Detroit Lions

Jared Goff is the starting quarterback of the 10-1 Detroit Lions, and he has a receiving touchdown this season. That's more than enough to add his name to most valuable player conversations entering Week 13.

Goff has compiled a stat line of 2,761 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He's a catalyst for the Lions' stellar play and an outside bet for this season's MVP Award.

3. Saquon Barkley, Running back - Philadelphia Eagles

There will be a moment of silence for New York Giants fans. They must be going through it and seeing how well Saquon Barkley is performing for their arch-rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles.

Barkley isn't just the runaway favorite for the Offensive Player of the Year Award. Here's an actual MVP candidate thanks to his stat line of 1,392 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns and importance to Nick Sirianni's offense.

2. Lamar Jackson, Quarterback - Baltimore Ravens

Reigning MVP Lamar Jackson heard all the chatter about having a weak MVP résumé last season, and he's putting up jaw-dropping numbers this time around. Jackson has a season to remember in 2024, and he is putting the Ravens on his back in the process.

The two-time MVP has a stat line of 3,053 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and three interceptions heading into Week 13. He'd have been a shoo-in for the award if not for the next player on the list.

1. Josh Allen, Quarterback - Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills entered the season with many questions about how they'd contend without Stefon Diggs. The franchise had a simple answer: Josh Allen.

Allen has guided the Bills to a 9-2 record thanks to a stat line of 2,543 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions. It's the Wyoming product's MVP Award to lose.