With the Kansas City Chiefs boasting a 9-0 record, they stand alone as the NFL’s only undefeated team in the 2024 season. Leading the charge is Patrick Mahomes, their star quarterback. Despite this perfect record, NFL icon and former head coach Bill Belichick has a different opinion on who deserves the MVP title. Belichick favors Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, asserting that Jackson’s impact on the field makes him the standout player of the season.
In an early-season matchup, the Chiefs narrowly edged out the Ravens with a 27-20 win, helped by a controversial out-of-bounds ruling on what would have been a game-tying touchdown by Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely. Unfazed by the loss, Likely confidently remarked post-game that if the Chiefs’ performance represented their best, then the Ravens would be ready to challenge them again in the playoffs. The intense rivalry between the Chiefs and Ravens, dating back to last season’s AFC Championship clash, seems destined for another thrilling postseason showdown.
Belichick shared his endorsement of Jackson during a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show after the Ravens secured a win over the Cincinnati Bengals, boosting their record to 7-3. Belichick expressed high regard for the Ravens, describing them as a resilient team that’s only been hindered by their own mistakes in losses rather than being outplayed by opponents. He emphasized that Jackson, in particular, is performing at an elite level, calling him his “first half of the season MVP.”
Lamar Jackson’s impressive stats underscore why he’s seen as an MVP frontrunner. In his game against the Bengals, Jackson completed 25 of 33 passes for 290 yards and four touchdowns. So far this season, he’s achieved a career-high 69.1% pass completion rate, throwing for 2,689 yards with a remarkable 24-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio, along with 538 rushing yards. This dynamic performance has set Jackson slightly ahead in MVP odds compared to Mahomes and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
The Ravens, however, face challenges on defense, particularly in their secondary. During the Bengals game, star receiver Ja’Marr Chase amassed 264 yards and three touchdowns, exposing weaknesses in Baltimore’s pass defense. Meanwhile, Mahomes hasn’t reached his typical statistical heights this season, as he’s on track for career lows in passing yards and touchdowns. Yet, his leadership has kept the Chiefs flawless through nine games, keeping them in the hunt for a top playoff position.
While the Chiefs maintain their spotless record, Belichick’s support of Jackson highlights his view that the Ravens’ quarterback is the season’s most impactful player. The Chiefs may still hold the top spot, but Belichick’s endorsement sends a message: Jackson and the Ravens are a force to be reckoned with. The postseason is shaping up to be a battle of titans, with Mahomes and Jackson leading their teams in what promises to be an electrifying showdown.
