Lamar Jackson capped off an incredible 2022 season by being unanimously voted as the NFL’s Most Valuable Player for the second time in his career. After missing the last five games due to injury, Jackson still dominated the MVP voting following his electric performance that led the Baltimore Ravens to a 10-3 start.
Jackson’s Dominance Carries Ravens to AFC North Title
Despite missing significant time, Jackson put up video game numbers in 2022, leading the league in touchdown passes (32) and quarterback rating (113.2) while ranking third in passing yards per game (270). He also rushed for 764 yards and three scores in just 12 games played. [1]
Jackson propelled the Ravens to a division title even after sitting out the last month. His 36 total touchdowns were the most in the NFL at the time of his injury in December. Jackson consistently made eye-popping plays every week, putting Baltimore in position to earn the AFC’s number two seed prior to his MCL sprain. [2]
| 2022 Lamar Jackson Stats | |
|---|---|
| Completion % | 62.3% |
| Passing Yards | 2,242 |
| Passing TDs | 32 |
| Passer Rating | 113.2 |
| Rushing Yards | 764 |
| Rushing TDs | 3 |
Jackson was playing at an MVP level prior to his injury, which opened the door for him to still win the award unanimously despite missing significant time. His production across the board was outstanding and he lifted Baltimore into contention. The Ravens sputtered in his absence, going just 1-4 and falling to the wild card round after earning a first round bye with him in the lineup. [3]
MVP Odds Favored Jackson Entering Final Week
According to updated MVP odds at sportsbooks last week, Jackson was far and away the favorite for the award at -1400, with Jalen Hurts a distant second at +800. Despite barely playing in the last month of the season, Jackson had already locked up MVP in the minds of oddsmakers and analysts. [4]
His overwhelming MVP candidacy was also seen in his expected points added per play. Jackson ranked first among all quarterbacks at 0.307 EPA per play prior to Week 18, showcasing his overall efficiency and value to Baltimore’s success. [5] Even with his injury, Jackson left no doubt in the minds of MVP voters.
Vote Was Unanimous Among 50 Media Members
In the end, the MVP award was unanimous among the 50 media members asked to vote. Jackson received all 50 first place votes in a landslide not seen very often in NFL history. [6]
His two closest competitors, Hurts and Patrick Mahomes, each received just one second place vote apiece. So despite their strong seasons, the gap between Jackson and the rest of the contenders remained quite substantial when voters filled out their ballots.
Jackson joins an elite fraternity of players to win MVP unanimously, including Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and former teammate Joe Flacco. It is a testament to just how spectacular and game-changing Jackson was this season before the untimely injury. [7]
Dissenting Opinions Exist But Were Not Backed by Majority
There were a few dissenting opinions, such as Richard Sherman stating Jackson should not win MVP due to missing so many games down the stretch. [8] Sherman’s take was clearly an outlier though, as Jackson’s video game numbers could not be ignored, even in just 12 starts.
Former MVP Keyshawn Johnson also disagreed with Sherman on the topic and ended up walking off the set in the midst of a heated argument. [9] Most analysts sided with Johnson in recognizing Jackson as the rightful MVP.
A few believed Christian McCaffrey also deserved consideration after his superhuman season for the 49ers when others were injured. [10] However, the MVP voters definitively chose Jackson as the most impactful and valuable player of 2022.
Jackson Now Favored to Win Super Bowl MVP
With the Ravens set to face the Bills in the wild card round, Jackson opens as the favorite to win Super Bowl MVP at +600 odds. [11] Now that he has returned from injury, his dual threat abilities could lead Baltimore on a run to the big game.
If he lifts the Ravens to playoff upsets on the road, Jackson would be adding to an already legendary resume in just his fifth pro season. Having him back in the fold makes Baltimore a dangerous opponent for any AFC contender.
Contract Negotiations With Ravens Up Next
Jackson has fought through this season without the security of a long-term contract extension. Now that 2022 is complete, the focus shifts to Jackson and the Ravens attempting to agree on a record-setting deal.
As only the second unanimous MVP in NFL history, Jackson has tremendous leverage in seeking a fully guaranteed, $250 million plus contract that would set the market. [12] Such a deal would likely make him the highest paid player in league history. GM Eric DeCosta says hammering out an extension is the top priority this offseason.
With his second MVP award further cementing his status as one of the NFL’s truly elite QBs, Jackson should have no issue breaking the bank and becoming the face of the Ravens franchise for the next decade, provided his negotiations go smoothly with Baltimore’s front office.
In summary, Lamar Jackson emphatically won his second career MVP award after a dominant 12 game stretch carrying the Ravens to the top of the standings. Despite late season injuries, his overwhelming statistical production and overall impact made him a near unanimous selection to take home the 2022 NFL MVP trophy. The future is exceedingly bright for Jackson as he enters contract negotiations on the heels of this prestigious honor.
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