Move over Brock Purdy, there’s a new leader in the NFL MVP clubhouse. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson took his San Francisco 49ers counterpart’s spot atop the betting odds for the award after guiding a 33-19 triumph for the Ravens over the Niners on Monday night. Jackson and Purdy entered the game as the two prohibitive favorites. The duo put together two polar opposite performances on Sunday though, hence the jump in odds on both sides.
Jackson played a clean game and did not turn the ball over. He extended plays with his legs as he often does and he was on the same page as the Ravens receivers all night long. Jackson finished with 252 passing yards and two touchdowns in the air, adding 45 rushing yards. Purdy had arguably his worst game yet as a pro. The Ravens forced him to throw four interceptions and never allowed him to get in rhythm. Baltimore knocked Purdy out of the game in the fourth quarter and held the 49ers to under 20 points, something only three other teams can claim they did this season.
Strictly looking at the numbers, it’s hard to see how Jackson is the odds-on favorite for MVP. No stats particularly jump out and he does not rank well in most quarterback categories.
