Josh Allen was at the forefront of the early MVP discussion, before a few rough games against the Falcons and Dolphins dropped him out of the race.
But after a historic Week 11 performance against the Buccaneers, Allen has re-opened the door to his MVP case.
Allen threw three touchdown passes and rushed for three touchdowns, becoming the first player in NFL history to accomplish that feat twice. In doing so, he moved Buffalo to a 7-3 record, and kept them alive in the AFC East race.
Now, just a few days after his huge outing, Allen is getting ready for a primetime showcase against an elite Houston Texans defense.
If Allen can get through the Texans defense as easily as he dismembered Tampa Bay's, he could establish himself as a legitimate MVP candidate alongside Matthew Stafford and Drake Maye.
Josh Allen making late push for back-to-back MVP awards
It helps that the game against Houston is on Thursday Night Football. Every MVP quarterback needs a primtime moment to solidify themselves in contention for the award, and Allen did the opposite of that the last time he was on primetime against the Patriots. That game could not have been more disastrous for Allen and the Bills.
While the MVP would be impressive, it's not the best thing Allen can do his year. He already has his award, and it might be someone else's year to win one. For Allen, the Super Bowl needs to be the ultimate goal. And while winning the MVP could help inspire the confidence he needs to get to one, it's winning the game that counts the most.
For that to happen, Buffalo would love home field advantage in the playoffs, and for that to happen, they'll not only need to beat the Texans; they'll need to take down the Patriots to start losing, including against the Bills later this season in New England.
Coincedentally, beating New England (and outplaying Drake Maye) might be exactly what Allen needs to overtake Maye in the MVP race as well. But that should not be Allen's motivation for putting on a show against the Patriots, Texans, or any other team. Winning needs to be the goal here more than an award or anything else.