If there’s one guy Derrick Henry ain’t holding back praise for, it’s Lamar Jackson. In an interview, Henry went all in, calling the Ravens QB a one-of-a-kind talent—someone who just can’t be matched.

Henry’s clear: Jackson’s the literal MVP frontrunner! The star RB didn’t just say the 27-year-old was in the running—he said Jackson was playing “better than he was when he won his first and second” MVPs. Bold words for sure. But King Henry believes Jackson’s impact on-field says it all. 

The four-time Pro Bowler even hinted that Jackson’s not only improved his game but also evolved as a leader. As he put it, being the QB’s teammate is an experience in itself—Jackson “is one of one for sure.” He alluded, “I don’t think there’s no question, you know who’s number one in MVP right now. This guy’s unbelievable! Being his teammate… he’s different.”

Backing Henry’s endorsement are some hard-hitting stats. Folks, Lamar Jackson’s tearing it up! He dethroned Patrick Mahomes from The Ringer’s No. 1 QB spot after a two-year run. This ranking—based on accuracy, arm strength, pocket presence, and creativity—proves the Louisville Cardinals standout as the most well-rounded QB.  

And if you’re eyeing milestones, he’s set to become the first-ever player to reach 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards—in one season. That’s right, a single season. 

With 15 TDs to just two interceptions and an average of 9.1 yards per pass, Jackson’s piling up points like some game of Tetris. The Ringer’s Steven Ruiz called the three-time Pro Bowl QB’s “one of the best seasons in the history of the sport,” suggesting it might even be the best if he sustains his current pace. 

With the season halfway through, here’s the big question: Can Jackson keep his MVP pace, or will he fall out of the conversation?

Mahomes’ grip weakens—can Goff, Henry, or Jackson steal the MVP spotlight?

The MVP race may not be as clear-cut as it seems. While the Chiefs QB’s the literal pick, Mahomes’ season—complete with eight interceptions—has nudged the door open for a contender free-for-all.

NFL analyst Mike Florio sees Detroit’s (5-1) Jared Goff as a solid NFC candidate. Goff’s precision and composure (22 of 25 passes for 280+ yards and two TDs against Minnesota) caught the eye of none other than Tom Brady.

The GOAT praised Goff’s accuracy and decision-making on his Let’s Go! podcast. As Brady noted, “He’s accurate, stands in the pocket, and makes the throws… just a good formula for winning.”

Derrick Henry’s name has also surfaced as a dark horse MVP contender. For the ex-Titans’ workhorse to make it, though, he’ll need to shatter the single-season rushing record—an ambitious feat but one he’s paced for with 874 yards and eight TDs.

That said, who’s staying in the MVP race and grabbing the spotlight? It’s anyone’s game as the season rolls on.