Former player, analyst promotes MVP candidate: 'He's the league's biggest star'

The race for the NFL MVP is heating up with just three weeks left in the regular season. However, a former player believes it isn't close regarding who shines the brightest in a league full of stars.

"The biggest star amongst a lot of stars is Lamar Jackson," former offensive lineman and NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger said. "He's the league's biggest star and has been. Nobody can do what Lamar does. He can escape. He can extend."

Jackson is putting together his best year since his 2019 MVP season, posting 3,105 yards and 17 touchdowns through the air and 741 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. But he is the second favorite to win his second such award, according to oddschecker.

QB Brock Purdy is currently the favorite to win MVP, and it does make sense as he leads the NFL in passing touchdowns (29), adding two more on the ground. 

That can all change in Week 16, however, when the Ravens (11-3) head out west to face the 49ers (11-3) on Christmas night in what could be a preview of Super Bowl LVIII. Stats surely carry heavy weight with the award, but if Jackson outplays Purdy, voters will likely take note.

Both players will have to earn it as they go up against two of the best defenses in the league. Baltimore is allowing the least points per game (16.1) while San Francisco is allowing the second least (16.7).

But Purdy and Jackson should stay hot as they both have had their offenses humming with the 49ers on a six-game win streak and the Ravens winners of four straight.

One of those streaks will come to an end in Week 16, which may end that quarterback's case for MVP. Baldinger and many others are putting their money on Jackson, who continues to impress in his sixth season.