THE TAKE
Saquan is the rightful MVP through 12 weeks.
BOLDNESS
35/100
GRADE
52/100
PLAYERS / TEAMS
Saquon Barkley
GRADING CRITERIA
Saquon Barkley must be recognized as the leading or consensus MVP candidate through Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season per major tracking sources (e.g., ESPN, NFL Network, betting markets) or wins the actual MVP award at season's end. Take is TRUE if he leads or co-leads credible MVP rankings/odds at the Week 12 mark.
recency bias
OUTCOME
PARTIALLY TRUEAt Week 12, Barkley's 255-yard performance against the Rams vaulted him into serious MVP conversation, with surging betting odds and widespread media recognition as a legitimate candidate — consistent with being a 'rightful MVP' in the court of public opinion at that moment. However, he was not the consensus leader in MVP odds at the time (Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen remained ahead), and he ultimately finished third in the actual AP MVP voting behind winner Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.