Quarterback Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills has been named the most valuable player (MVP) of the NFL regular season for the first time in his career. With 383 points, the 28-year-old outperformed his main rival and last year’s winner Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens (362 points). Saquon Barkley of Super Bowl participant Philadelphia Eagles was the only nominated running back to finish third. However, he won the Offensive Player of the Year award.

“I know it’s an individual award that says ‘Most Valuable Player’,” Allen said at the ceremony in New Orleans, where the 59th Super Bowl will take place on Sunday night German time, “but I think it’s derived from team success, and I love my team.” Allen scored a total of 41 touchdowns in the regular season – 28 passing, 12 rushing, and one receiving. Overall, he threw for 3,731 yards and only threw six interceptions.

Fifty journalists who regularly cover the NFL had cast their votes for the MVP before the current playoffs even began. In addition to the quarterback duo and Barkley, Jared Goff (Detroit Lions) and Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) were nominated as two other playmakers.

Jayden Daniel, quarterback of surprise team Washington Commanders, received the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, while voters named Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain the best defensive player.

However, Barkley is the only one fighting for the title with the Eagles. For Allen, the quest for his first NFL title once again ended in disappointment with the defending Kansas City Chiefs. The Bills lost 29-32 in the AFC championship game. The Chiefs will now play the Eagles in New Orleans for their third consecutive title (0:30 a.m. CET/RTL and DAZN).