The MVP debate has been buzzing for weeks, but NFL insider Dianna Russini may have just ended it—or at least made her lean unmistakably clear.
On her Scoop City podcast, Russini didn’t hold back when asked about how she’s approaching her MVP vote. While others waver between Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson and Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen, Russini seems to have already circled one name on her ballot: Lamar.
“I am leaning Lamar,” Russini said, addressing the MVP race with co-host Chase Daniel. And just like that, it feels like the conversation shifted. While Russini avoided fully committing to a decision, her words leave little doubt about where her head is at—and Baltimore Ravens fans have every reason to feel good about it.
When touching on whether Allen did enough in Week 17 to sway her vote, Russini didn’t hesitate: “I don’t think Josh Allen did anything this weekend to make me go, ‘Okay, he stole this thing.’” With Allen delivering a predictable performance against the Jets and Lamar continuing to dominate, Russini’s take feels more like a foregone conclusion than a mere lean.
Even NFL insider Dianna Russini knows Lamar Jackson is the clear-cut MVP favorite
Let’s be clear: NFL MVP voters rarely tip their hand. The race is supposed to remain shrouded in mystery until the final tally, with the official announcement held in suspense like a dramatic movie reveal. That’s why Russini’s candor is such a breath of fresh air.
While she didn’t officially lock in her vote, her glowing remarks about Lamar Jackson—coupled with her dismissal of Allen’s recent outings—make her lean abundantly obvious.
Statistically, Lamar Jackson’s case for MVP is overwhelming.
He boasts 3,955 passing yards, 39 touchdowns, and just four interceptions while adding 852 rushing yards and four scores on the ground. Compare that to Josh Allen’s 3,731 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, six interceptions, and 531 rushing yards, and it’s clear why Lamar has the edge. Even Charlie Kolar, who's definitely not a math guy, called out the obvious: Lamar is leading in nearly every major category. Russini’s lean toward Jackson aligns perfectly with the numbers—and the common sense that Kolar highlighted.
For those following the debate closely, Russini’s comments validate what Ravens fans and teammates have been saying all along. Lamar has been the guy all season. While Allen has had an incredibly impressive season in his own right, no one has been more consistently excellent—or more valuable—than No. 8.
Russini also addressed her MVP criteria, admitting that she leans heavily on stats over narratives or head-to-head matchups. While her approach may not please everyone, it’s hard to argue against Lamar’s dominance on paper. He’s not just leading; he’s redefining the standard for MVP-worthy seasons.
Josh Allen’s supporters will undoubtedly cry foul at Russini’s comments, but the reality is that Allen’s case doesn’t stack up. Even Russini, who has an appreciation for Allen’s talents, seems unimpressed with his Week 17 showing—a game that highlighted the very reason his MVP momentum has stalled. Meanwhile, Lamar’s last few games have been clinics in how to carry a team to victory.
And if there’s any doubt that Russini’s comments struck a nerve, just ask Bills fans. They are already on the defensive, proving that they know the MVP narrative is slipping away.
As the season wraps, it’s clear where Russini—and most unbiased observers—are leaning. Lamar Jackson isn’t just the Ravens’ MVP; he’s the league’s. Russini’s “lean” may not have been a definitive declaration, but for Ravens fans, it was the closest thing to a guarantee.