As the NFL season progresses into Week 12, the conversation surrounding MVP candidates is heating up. Among the usual suspects like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Jalen Hurts, a new name has surfaced in the discussion: Saquon Barkley. While the New York Giants’ star running back has certainly had a spectacular season, particularly after overcoming injuries that hindered his previous years, the debate over whether Barkley deserves MVP consideration is starting to feel a bit misplaced. Let’s break down why the Saquon Barkley-MVP debate is not only unproductive but also unnecessary in the broader context of the NFL season.

The Case for Saquon Barkley

Before diving into why the debate is not productive, it’s worth acknowledging the impressive season Saquon Barkley is having. After a year marred by injuries and questions about his future, Barkley has returned to his dominant form, showcasing his combination of speed, power, and versatility. As of Week 12, he has been the driving force behind the Giants’ offense, significantly elevating their run game and making them competitive in an NFC East division stacked with talent.

• Rushing yards and touchdowns: Barkley has been consistent in racking up rushing yards, with over 1,000 yards in the first 10 games of the season, and a few impressive touchdown runs. His physicality, vision, and ability to break tackles have made him one of the most electrifying backs in the league.
• Receiving threat: Barkley’s dual-threat ability as both a runner and a pass-catcher out of the backfield has allowed him to contribute in all phases of the game. His hands and ability to make plays as a receiver have added another dimension to the Giants’ offense, which has struggled in the passing game.
• Leadership and comeback story: Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of Barkley’s season has been his resilience. Coming off a torn ACL in 2020, many wondered if he could ever return to his pre-injury form. The fact that he’s done so with such success is a testament to his work ethic and determination. Barkley has also been a key leader in a Giants’ locker room that has been rebuilding under head coach Brian Daboll.

Why the MVP Debate Is Not Productive

While Barkley’s season has undoubtedly been impressive, the MVP conversation surrounding him is not particularly productive for several reasons:

1. Position Bias

The most glaring issue with the Saquon Barkley-MVP debate is the inherent position bias in the award voting process. Historically, MVP has been dominated by quarterbacks and, on rare occasions, running backs. Wide receivers and other skill position players often don’t receive the same level of attention, regardless of their individual performances.

• Quarterbacks dominate the MVP race: The MVP award has been, more often than not, reserved for quarterbacks. This isn’t just a trend over the last few seasons; it’s been the case for decades. Since 2000, only two running backs have won the MVP award—Adrian Peterson in 2012 and LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006. This shows how much more likely it is for quarterbacks to claim the trophy, even when a running back like Barkley puts up impressive stats.
• Historical precedent: The last running back to have a true MVP-caliber season like Barkley’s was Derrick Henry in 2020, who rushed for over 2,000 yards but still finished second in the MVP race to Aaron Rodgers. The system is set up for quarterbacks to be the stars of the MVP conversation, regardless of how great a running back might perform.

2. Team Success vs Individual Excellence

The MVP award often goes to players whose teams are playoff-bound or have a shot at winning a Super Bowl. While Saquon Barkley is certainly putting together a stellar individual campaign, the New York Giants, despite his efforts, have been inconsistent. As of Week 12, they are still on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture, with a record hovering around .500.

• Team performance matters: MVP voters often take team performance into account. It’s much easier to make the case for a quarterback or player on a Super Bowl contender, because their individual performance is amplified by the success of the team. Barkley, while outstanding, cannot overcome the fact that the Giants have been inconsistent, and a lack of team success typically hurts a player’s MVP case.
• Position impact: Quarterbacks directly control more of a team’s success—through passing touchdowns, comebacks, and game-winning drives—so their candidacies are often more persuasive. Barkley, although playing a critical role for the Giants, simply doesn’t have the same level of influence over the game’s outcome as a quarterback might.

3. Not the Right Time for Running Back MVP Push

In 2024, there are a handful of quarterbacks who are performing at an MVP-caliber level. Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, and Josh Allen have all put up impressive numbers and led their teams to playoff contention. Barkley’s MVP push would be far more compelling if there weren’t so many standout quarterback performances this season. The MVP award is likely to go to one of these quarterbacks—unless there is a significant shake-up in the season’s final weeks.

• Elite quarterback play: In a year where quarterbacks like Hurts are playing at an elite level, it’s hard to justify putting Barkley, no matter how talented, ahead of those players. While running backs like Barkley are essential to their teams’ success, they simply don’t have the same consistent impact on every game as a top-tier quarterback.
• Marketability and narrative: MVP candidates often benefit from the “story” surrounding their season. The narrative of a quarterback breaking records, leading a team to an undefeated season, or overcoming adversity is a powerful tool in earning MVP votes. Barkley’s comeback story is admirable, but it doesn’t have the same overarching appeal or influence as the electric play of Hurts, Mahomes, or Allen.

The Takeaway: Let’s Focus on What Matters

The Saquon Barkley-MVP debate, while flattering to the running back, is ultimately unproductive. Barkley has been phenomenal this season and deserves praise for his contributions to the Giants’ offense, but his candidacy for the MVP award is highly unlikely due to historical trends, position bias, and the dominance of quarterbacks. Rather than focus on unrealistic MVP aspirations, the discussion should shift toward recognizing Barkley as one of the top running backs in the NFL today.

The MVP race should be about rewarding the best player in the league, regardless of position. But until the league evolves in how it views non-quarterback players, expecting Barkley to dethrone one of the league’s elite quarterbacks for MVP will remain a far-fetched hope. For now, Barkley’s focus should remain on helping the Giants compete, while fans and analysts continue to marvel at his tremendous skill set—without the distraction of a debate that ultimately doesn’t serve him or the league in the long run.