Move over, Patrick Mahomes—there’s a new top player in football, according to Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd. On Monday night, Cowherd stirred up some debate by declaring that Mahomes’ reign as the best player in the NFL has come to an end. In his view, another AFC quarterback has risen to take the crown: Lamar Jackson.
While Cowherd acknowledged that Mahomes is still the best quarterback in the league, he argued that Jackson has emerged as the most dominant and impactful overall player in football. “Lamar Jackson is going to win MVP,” Cowherd said on social media. “Lamar Jackson right now is the best football player on the planet—not Patrick Mahomes. Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback. Lamar is the best overall player.”
So why does Cowherd believe that Jackson has surpassed Mahomes as the NFL’s premier player? He laid out a convincing case during Monday Night Football, pointing to Jackson’s flawless play this season and his ability to make game-changing decisions under pressure. Cowherd highlighted a remarkable stat: “On Monday Night Football, he has 20 touchdowns and no interceptions. Tonight, five touchdowns, no picks.” He praised Jackson’s precision, decision-making, and the fact that he finally has the weapons he’s needed, like wide receiver Zay Flowers.
One of the key aspects of Jackson’s game that stands out to Cowherd is the quarterback’s vision on the field. He compared Jackson to younger quarterbacks like Justin Fields and Zach Wilson, who, despite their raw talent, struggle to fully read defenses. “They have gifts,” Cowherd explained. “They move well, they have good arms. But they just don’t see the field. Is it anxiety? Is it a fear of getting hit where they have tunnel vision?” In contrast, Jackson excels in his ability to sit in the pocket, scan the field, and consistently make the right throw. “It’s like he’s always throwing the ball to the right person. You get all of the upside and really very little downside,” Cowherd added.
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Coming off a monster performance in which Jackson tallied 332 yards of total offense and threw five touchdowns, Cowherd’s claim that Jackson is the NFL’s best player isn’t as far-fetched as some might think. Jackson’s ability to dominate games through both the air and on the ground makes him a unique dual-threat weapon.
So far this season, Jackson is completing over 68% of his passes for 1,810 yards, with 15 touchdowns and only two interceptions. On top of that, he’s added 455 rushing yards and two touchdowns with his legs.
The Ravens’ season trajectory also backs up Cowherd’s assessment. After a slow start with two losses, Baltimore has rattled off five consecutive wins, and Jackson has been at the center of their resurgence.
The Ravens now look like one of the best teams in the league, and with Jackson playing at an MVP level, their Super Bowl hopes are very much alive.
As Jackson continues to shine, Cowherd’s bold proclamation has many wondering: Is Jackson on his way to a third MVP award? Given his current form and Baltimore’s momentum, it’s certainly possible.
What’s clear is that, in Cowherd’s eyes, Jackson has evolved into a player who’s more than just a top quarterback—he’s the best football player in the world right now.
With the season far from over, both Jackson and Mahomes will have ample opportunities to prove themselves. But if Jackson maintains this level of play, it’s hard to argue against Cowherd’s view that he deserves recognition as the league’s top player.
