The NFL MVP race is shaping up to be a close one, but Lamar Jackson still remains the strongest candidate in the eyes of many. There’s been a few risers over the last several weeks, one being Josh Allen. The Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills are among the best teams in the AFC, with Jackson and Allen leading the charge.

Allen has gained popularity in the eyes of many fans and media, while also slandering Jackson in the process. Former NFL MVP Cam Newton was having none of that, voicing his displeasure on First Take.

Newton went on to give his take as to why Jackson deserves the MVP award over Allen.

My issue is that, you’re holding Lamar Jackson to this standard that he’s set. But when you talk about Josh Allen, everybody’s forgetting that, I was so surprised about this statistic. Lamar Jackson is beating Josh Allen in every single statistic outside of the overall team record and rushing touchdowns. Only reason why Lamar Jackson isn’t leading in rushing touchdowns is because he got King Derrick Henry. I don’t like the propaganda that’s going on.

Newton’s 2015 MVP season was electric, as he led the Carolina Panthers to a 15-1 regular season record and a Super Bowl appearance. Newton threw for 3,837 yards and 35 touchdowns to 10 interceptions, while rushing for 636 yards and 10 more scores. So, he knows a thing or two about a dual-threat quarterback going for an MVP.

Jackson’s been on absolute tear in 2024, a campaign that already trumps his 2023 MVP season. He’s thrown for 3,580 yards with 34 touchdowns to just three interceptions. He’s two touchdown passes shy of tying his career-high from 2019, which happened to be Jackson’s first MVP season.