Josh Allen’s MVP Spotlight: Is 2025 the Year the Bills’ QB Finally Takes Home the Award?

The roar of the crowd, the crisp autumn air, and the weight of expectation – it’s NFL season. For Buffalo Bills fans, that anticipation is dialed up to eleven. After another stellar season, all eyes are on Josh Allen, the Bills’ dynamic quarterback, and the burning question: Is 2025 the year he finally adds an MVP trophy to his already impressive resume?

Fresh off a season where he led the Bills to the AFC Championship game and secured his first MVP award, Allen enters 2025 with the weight of Buffalo on his shoulders. But with a revamped offense and a defense looking to prove its mettle, could this be the year everything aligns for Allen to cement his place among the NFL’s elite?

The MVP Landscape: A Crowded Field

The road to the MVP is never easy, and 2025 is no exception. Allen faces stiff competition from a league brimming with talent. According to early odds, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens is a favorite, closely followed by Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. Even rising stars like Jayden Daniels are in the mix, making the race a gauntlet of skill and determination.

Last season, Allen received 27 first-place votes to Jackson’s 23, and Allen finished with 383 points. However, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback was named first-team All-Pro over Allen, making the Buffalo signal-caller the first outright MVP winner to not be a first-team All-Pro since John Elway in 1987.

Allen’s Arsenal: Weapons Old and New

One of the biggest factors in any quarterback’s success is the supporting cast around him. The Bills have made strides to bolster Allen’s arsenal, adding new weapons while hoping for continued growth from existing targets.

Keon Coleman: The young wide receiver showed flashes of brilliance last season and is poised for a breakout year. His size and athleticism make him a valuable asset in the red zone and on contested catches.
Dalton Kincaid: After a promising rookie season where he set a franchise record in receptions for a rookie, Kincaid’s production dipped slightly due to injuries. A healthy Kincaid could unlock another dimension in the Bills’ passing game.
Khalil Shakir: The reliable slot receiver has earned the trust of Allen and the coaching staff, securing a four-year extension this offseason. His consistency and sure hands make him a valuable target on crucial downs.
New Additions: The Bills have also brought in new faces like Joshua Palmer and Curtis Samuel to add depth and versatility to the receiving corps. The team also signed Marquez Shenault who they plan to use in any way possible.

The Bills could use a boost at wide receiver, especially with Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins set to become free agents. Khalil Shakir is very good, but the Bills need another outside threat to go with him.

The Ground Game: Taking Pressure off Allen

While Allen’s arm is undoubtedly his greatest weapon, a strong running game can be a quarterback’s best friend. The Bills are hoping that James Cook can continue to evolve into a true workhorse back, providing balance to the offense and keeping defenses honest.

Cook led the league in rushing touchdowns and has shown flashes of explosiveness. The Bills also have Ty Johnson and Ray Davis to provide depth and different looks in the backfield.

Defensive Dominance: A Championship Caliber D?

As the saying goes, defense wins championships. While the Bills’ offense is often the center of attention, a dominant defense is crucial for any Super Bowl contender.

The Bills’ defense has been a consistently strong unit, but they are looking to elevate their game in 2025. The addition of Joey Bosa should bolster the pass rush, while the team has invested heavily in the secondary through the draft.

However, this was the least efficient defense the Bills have fielded since 2020, finishing tied for 11th in points allowed per game, 17th in total defense, tied for 18th in yards per rushing attempt and sacks and a woeful 29th in third-down conversion percentage.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

The Bills face a challenging schedule in 2025, with tough matchups against the Ravens, Chiefs, and Bengals. However, they also have opportunities to rack up wins against division rivals and other opponents.

The Bills were delighted to learn that they would start and end the season at their beloved Highmark Stadium for one final time. The league opener is a tough cookie for them, though, as they face last year’s final home playoff game opponents Ravens. It will be Lamar Jackson vs Josh Allen as usual. The Bills will be a prime time team as four of five scheduled prime-time games fall in the first six weeks. They also have a bye in week seven, which is pretty early. If they go deep into the playoffs, this might hurt their chances.

The Intangibles: Leadership and Drive

Beyond the stats and the supporting cast, one of Allen’s greatest assets is his leadership and unwavering drive. He is the heart and soul of the Bills, and his teammates feed off his energy and passion.

Allen is constantly striving to improve his game, focusing on pre-snap recognition, footwork, and decision-making. His dedication to his craft is evident, and it’s a major reason why he is considered one of the league’s top quarterbacks.

So, Is 2025 the Year?

The stars seem to be aligning for Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. With a potent offense, a defense on the rise, and Allen’s unwavering leadership, the Bills are poised to make a Super Bowl run. And if Allen can continue his upward trajectory and lead his team to the promised land, an MVP trophy is sure to follow.