ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WROC) — Josh Allen is still the favorite to win league MVP, but Lamar Jackson has been closing the gap lately.
Allen says if he wins, it will be a team award.
So, on Thursday, Allen's teammates were asked what it would mean to them if their quarterback won the league's utmost regular season honor.
For one position group, the answer is that it would mean a whole lot.
"We've seen him as [the MVP] for a long time now, but I think it would mean a lot to the guys in here that he's finally getting recognized for it," said tight end Dawson Knox. "Especially the offensive line. They work their tails off for him. They go under-noticed and under-credited every week."
The offensive line has been critical to Allen and the Bills' success this season. Allen has been sacked just 14 times this year, the fewest in the league this season.
"When he wins, I feel like I've won. When he's the highest-paid quarterback, I just smile and I'm like 'That's because of us,'" said left tackle Dion Dawkins. "I enjoy being that unsung hero underneath that is helping everything that he has going on."
"There are definitely other years where I thought he deserved it, but this year he's been so spectacular," said cornerback Taron Johnson. "He's played at a high level before this but this is just unbelievable, it's a no-brainer."
While Allen has had statistically stronger seasons in terms of yards or touchdowns, his interceptions have fallen dramatically this year, throwing just 6 compared to 18 in 2023.
He also lost his two top receivers last year, Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, and the Bills were picked by many to be unseated in the AFC East.
"It would put the world on notice," said wide receiver Curtis Samuel. "We've seen it each and every day, how hard this guy works and how amazing he is on Sundays, even at practice. I think it would be a statement for everybody else to realize how great this guy is."
"Every year he's just getting better and better," said defensive tackle DaQuan Jones. "Shutting the naysayers down and not really talking much in the media just going out there, buttoning up his shirt every day. I love that about him and I think he deserves it."
"When it comes down to it, Josh will be a Hall of Fame player," said Dawkins. "Hopefully, at his Hall of Fame speech he'll say 'I had a great offensive line during my journey and I had a great left tackle.' I'll just wink and give a head nod back."
The offensive line got Allen a diamond necklace for Christmas. It's in the shape of a jersey with the number 17 and the letters MVP on it.
Dawkins' first reaction to the question about Josh winning MVP indicates there might be some payback for the diamond necklace if Allen takes home the honor.
"We're going to Disney. On Josh's tab," Dawkins said.
Then added with a laugh— "I'm joking, but not really."
