Josh Allen trails surprising AFC East rival in latest MVP watch list
Josh Allen had an abnormal outing in Week 10, struggling to find a rhythm as the Buffalo Bills lost to the Miami Dolphins. He more than made up for it during their Week 11 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Allen led the Bills to a 44-32 win over Tampa Bay, accounting for six touchdowns in the process. The reigning NFL MVP had 317 yards passing with three touchdowns and added 40 yards and three more touchdowns as a runner.
It’s his talent as a dual-threat that has him second in the top five MVP watch from SI.com’s Gilberto Manzano.
”We’ve become accustomed to seeing Allen play at his best every week, and his best might be the highest tier of quarterbacking in the NFL. Yes, even better than Mahomes because of what Allen can do as a runner,” Manzano wrote.
“Allen has completed 69.6% of his passes for 2,456 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also has 65 carries for 351 yards and 10 touchdowns.”
Josh Allen trails a rival no one saw coming
As dominant as Allen has been, Manzano has him trailing second-year quarterback Drake Maye. While the North Carolina product flashed as a rookie for the New England Patriots, no one expected him to make the leap he has.
New England is tied for first place in the AFC at 9-2, thanks largely to Maye’s ascension. His numbers are stellar, and as Manzano states, he even got the better of Allen when the two squared off in Week 5.
“Maye has completed 71.9% of his passes for 2,836 yards—both league highs. He also has 20 touchdowns and only five interceptions,” Manzano wrote.
“Maye outplayed Allen in Buffalo earlier this year, and he can improve his MVP stock by beating him again in Week 15.”
At 7-3, the Bills are still within striking distance of New England, and they might have to catch them for Allen to regain his title over the No. 3 pick from the 2024 NFL draft.
HEARTWARMING: Spencer Rattler Joins Marshawn Kneeland’s Father After He Donates Entire Remaining Salary to Launch Youth Mental Health Foundation
In an incredibly moving act that extends far beyond the football field,
Just one day after Mr. Kneeland announced that he would donate his late son’s remaining $5.6 million salary to create a foundation supporting youth mental health, Rattler personally flew to Dallas to attend a candlelight vigil held in Marshawn’s memory. The gathering drew hundreds of fans, players, and community leaders, united by grief and hope.
"Faith teaches us to lift others in their darkest moments," Rattler said with quiet conviction. "What Shawn is doing turns unimaginable loss into purpose. It’s a reminder that our calling as athletes — and as people — is to serve something bigger than ourselves."
Witnesses described an emotional moment as Rattler embraced Mr. Kneeland, the two bowing their heads in silent prayer. They later spoke about the foundation’s mission: to provide mental health counseling, mentorship, and crisis support for young athletes struggling with emotional challenges.
"My son admired players who played with heart and humility," Shawn said softly. "Seeing Spencer here, standing with me, shows that compassion knows no team colors."
Rattler pledged $250,000 through the
As the night came to a close, Mr. Kneeland looked toward the candlelit sky and whispered:
"My son’s name will always stand for hope. And tonight, that hope feels alive again."
Through faith, love, and purpose, Marshawn Kneeland’s legacy continues to inspire — proving that even in heartbreak, the NFL’s truest strength lies in its humanity.
