Will Lamar Jackson become the NFL's 2nd unanimous MVP winner?

Every week we sit down with BetAmerica Extra columnists Ashley Anderson, James Scully and Scott Shapiro to discuss the latest news from around the NFL. This week they weigh in on Lamar Jackson's MVP campaign, the state of the Giants and the next NFL team to relocate.

Will Lamar Jackson become just the second unanimous NFL MVP?

Ashley: Comparing Jackson’s numbers to Tom Brady’s in 2010 (the year Brady earned unanimous MVP), Lamar is performing better than the six-time Super Bowl winner. Brady threw for 3,900 yards on 65.9% passing, tallied 36 TDs, four interceptions and posted a 111.0 passer rating on the season. Jackson already has 33 passing TDs, seven more rushing, 2,889 yards on 66.2% passing, 1,103 rushing yards (an NFL record for a QB) and boasts a 112.8 average passer rating. Jackson’s highlight-reel performances put him in a tier of his own in 2019, but I’m sure someone will toss a vote to Russell Wilson and ruin the chance of a unanimous MVP.

James: It depends on how Russell Wilson performs down the stretch. Lamar Jackson will be the MVP, but Wilson has a big game looming against San Francisco in the season finale. Wilson would steal some thunder from Jackson’s record-breaking season by leading Seattle to the NFC West title with another clutch performance.

Scott: Jackson has had an incredible second season for the Ravens, and is no doubt deserving of league MVP honors, but I do not expect him to be the unanimous choice. Russell Wilson has had a tremendous season of his own and there is bound to be at least one or two contrarian voters that think the Seattle signal-caller is more deserving of the award. Look for Tom Brady in 2010 to remain the only unanimous winner.

What will it take for the New York Giants to return to the playoffs next season?

Ashley: Saquon Barkley and the Giants receiving corps are incredibly talented. If they can stay healthy and get a reliable signal-caller at the helm, the Giants offense could be lethal. Daniel Jones is too turnover-prone, and the defense is another matter. Coordinator James Bettcher’s unit is 25th in the league and must get better for New York to become a playoff-caliber team.

James: New York should be in position to draft Chase Young, a potential difference maker at linebacker/edge rusher, and they are talented at quarterback, running back and receiver. When they make upgrades to offensive line and the secondary through the draft and/or free agency, the Giants will return to the playoff contention.

Scott: The Giants need a lot to rebound from a disappointing 2019 season and make the postseason in 2020. Their offensive line needs to improve, QB Daniel Jones needs to cut down on his mistakes, and they need to get better at all three levels on defense. I am sure they will acquire some key additions through the draft and free agency, but I give them no chance to return to the playoffs next year.

The Raiders played their last home game in Oakland on Sunday. Which NFL team do you think will relocate next?

Ashley: Tampa Bay could use a clean slate, and relocation might be one positive step in the right direction. The Bucs rank in the bottom three in home game attendance and capacity percentage. The Glazer family owns both the Bucs and Manchester United, so a new stadium in London may not be out of the question.

James: Jacksonville is a logical candidate. Playing in a small market makes them an attractive target and the organization has little enthusiasm, posting a 10-20 record since going to the 2017 AFC Championship. Owner Shad Khan appears likely to clean house in the front office, and he may eventually grow frustrated being in Jacksonville.

Scott: Despite moving to Los Angeles just a short time ago, the Chargers appear the likeliest franchise to relocate next. They have failed to generate interest locally and are at a distinct disadvantage as fans of the visiting team regularly take over their stadium in Carson, California. Perhaps they will move back to San Diego or elsewhere in North America, but I do not expect them to remain in L.A. for too long.

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