The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles have been the cream of the crop in the NFC East for years, but in the NFL‘s division with the most turnover at the top, the Washington Commanders and New York Giants are looking to return to playoff contention in 2024.
Dallas and Philadelphia are led by stars who were in the running for MVP in 2023, but could New York see a comeback from their leader under center? Or will Washington’s young star emerge in Year 1?
As we look ahead to the 2024 NFL season, let’s look at the betting markets and see who is the most likely player to win the MVP award on each team in the NFC East.
Top NFL MVP Candidate on Each NFC East Team
Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott (+1700)
The only answer here is Dak Prescott at +1700. Last season, he finished second in MVP voting behind Lamar Jackson.
Prescott is capable of the type of season needed to win MVP. He led the NFL in touchdown passes last year with 36. Back in 2020, Prescott was on pace to shatter the passing yards record before breaking his ankle. Prolific passing is in his repertoire.
This year, the Cowboys have their weakest backfield since the Troy Hambrick days. Even with Tony Pollard, we saw them go pass-heavy over the second half of last season because the run just wasn’t working. With Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott, Prescott could attempt 650 passes.
If Prescott throws for 5,000 yards and 40 touchdowns while leading the Cowboys to at least 12 wins and a division title, combined with the fact that he’s never won it, Prescott is certainly capable of winning MVP.
– Jason Katz, PFN Betting and Fantasy Analyst
New York Giants: Daniel Jones (+15000)
Daniel Jones may well be one of the most confounding QBs to play the game in recent years. Sometimes he looks incredible, a match-winner that can turn games with his arm or legs, and put the team on his back. At other times he looks like a player in his rookie season, making bizarre mistakes and being chewed out by his coach on the sideline.
However, his X-factor potential gives him the New York Giants’ best chance of winning the MVP award this season.
In 2022, Jones found the end zone seven times with his legs while rushing for 708 yards. If he can combine that with a performance akin to his rookie season in terms of passing the ball (24 touchdowns and 232.8 passing yards per game), then he will be somewhere close to the conversation.
I am not saying Jones is anywhere near as talented as Lamar Jackson, but it is the Jackson model of MVP that we have to look at with Jones. Jackson’s MVP awards have come without him throwing for 40+ touchdowns or for 4,000 yards. Last year he finished with numbers of 3,678 passing yards and 21 passing touchdowns. He didn’t even rush for 1,000 yards or 10 touchdowns. He was just efficient.
A realistic stat line for Jones to win MVP would be 3.500+ passing yards, 25-30 passing touchdowns, 800+ rushing yards, and 8-10 rushing touchdowns, while also avoiding costly mistakes. He would also need to lead his team to a 12- or 13-win season, which is unlikely.
I am not saying anyone should bet on Jones for MVP, but there is a path for the ultimate comeback story for the Giants’ much-maligned QB.
– Ben Rolfe, PFN Deputy Editor of Sports Betting, Fantasy, and Scouting
Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts (+1500)
After an MVP-worthy performance in 2022, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts took a step back last season. Yet, following the hiring of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Hurts is due for a bounce-back year in 2024.
Hurts is surrounded by a plethora of offensive weapons, including A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Saquon Barkley. Moore could prove to be Philadelphia’s most notable offseason addition, though.
Moore’s offensive scheme excels in several areas where Hurts struggled last season, especially against the blitz. If Hurts embraces Moore’s system and takes a step forward, the 25-year-old quarterback should be an MVP candidate in 2024.
– Anthony DiBona, Pro Football Network NFL Writer
Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels (+12000)
It’s certainly not likely, but there’s a world in which Jayden Daniels, if fully unleashed, produces numbers that look something like Lamar Jackson’s from 2023 (3,678 passing yards, 821 rushing yards, and 29 total touchdowns).
Of course, he’d need the Commanders to win every close game and earn a spot in the playoffs to even appear on the ballot, but if we’re talking pie-in-the-sky situations in which that happens, their rookie quarterback is going to be at the center of it and would be the second rookie in the league’s history to earn MVP honors (Jim Brown in 1957).
– Kyle Soppe, PFN Betting and Fantasy Analyst
Join Theo Ash: Your Football Opinion
Listen to the Your Football Opinion with Theo Ash! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Find us on the Pro Football Network YouTube Channel!