NFL MVP Award: AP Voters Explain Controversial Choice in Josh Allen’s ‘Split the Baby’ Win Over Lamar Jackson
The 2023 NFL MVP race was one of the closest and most debated in recent memory, with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen narrowly edging out Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. However, the decision has left many fans, analysts, and even former players questioning the Associated Press (AP) voters’ logic, leading to the phrase being used that they “split the baby” in selecting Allen over Jackson.
A Controversial Decision
Lamar Jackson led the Ravens to a 14-3 record, securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and was widely regarded as the most consistent and dominant player of the season. He had 3,678 total yards (passing + rushing), 29 total touchdowns, and led Baltimore to several marquee wins, including dominant victories over the 49ers, Dolphins, and Lions.
On the other hand, Josh Allen had a statistically impressive season, accounting for 4,830 total yards (passing + rushing) and 44 total touchdowns, but his team finished with an 11-6 record, barely making the playoffs. Despite this, Allen received just enough votes to win the MVP over Jackson, a decision that shocked many.
AP Voters Explain Themselves
In the wake of backlash from fans and analysts, several AP voters have spoken out about why they picked Allen over Jackson:
🗣️ “Allen put the Bills on his back all season. His numbers were better than Jackson’s, and his impact on Buffalo’s offense was undeniable. Without him, they wouldn’t have been a playoff team.” — AP Voter #1
🗣️ “Jackson was spectacular, no doubt. But his supporting cast—especially the Ravens’ defense—was a huge factor in their dominance. Allen, meanwhile, had to overcome more obstacles and was the true engine of his team.” — AP Voter #2
🗣️ “This was one of the toughest MVP votes in years. Honestly, it could have gone either way, but Allen’s late-season heroics pushed him over the top in my book.” — AP Voter #3
Some have criticized this reasoning, claiming that MVP should not be based on overcoming adversity, but rather on who was the best player. Others pointed out that Jackson was more efficient and played better in high-pressure games, which should have mattered more in voting.
“Splitting the Baby” – What It Means in This Context
The term “splitting the baby” refers to an indecisive or compromised decision, where rather than fully committing to one candidate, voters appeared to be torn between Allen and Jackson, ultimately making a choice that didn’t satisfy either side.
Many believe that the voting body was hesitant to give Jackson his second MVP or that they were swayed by Allen’s flashier stats despite Jackson having the better overall season. Some even argue that media bias played a role in boosting Allen’s case, as the league has heavily promoted him as a “face of the NFL” alongside Patrick Mahomes.
Lamar Jackson’s Response
Though Jackson has remained relatively quiet about the MVP results, he did post a cryptic message on social media that read:
“No need to say much, we got unfinished business.”
This has fueled speculation that Jackson is using the snub as motivation heading into the next season.
What’s Next?
With both Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson still in their primes, this MVP debate is far from over. If Jackson and the Ravens make a deep playoff run—or even win a Super Bowl—many will see this MVP race as an injustice. Meanwhile, Allen now faces the pressure of proving he was the rightful winner.
