The Ravens’ “pick your poison” offense features multiple players worthy of MVP consideration.

Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry have both been crucial to the success of what is arguably the league’s top offense and overall team.

“Pick your poison” has defined the Baltimore Ravens’ four-game winning streak. This phrase, echoed by several players and coaches, highlights the remarkable success of their offense, which leads the league in total yards (2,722), yards per play (6.9), and various rushing statistics.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 13: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens rushes against the Washington Commanders during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Derrick Henry, who leads the league with 704 rushing yards and eight touchdowns after six weeks, reiterated the phrase following the team’s 30-23 victory over the Washington Commanders in the Battle of the Beltway.

“I feel like everything was working; it was like, ‘Pick your poison.’ Everyone did a great job of staying focused and executing,” Henry said. “Kudos to everyone on offense for putting plays together and driving down the field to position ourselves for the win.” While the Ravens boast a range of talented pass-catchers, the combination of Henry and franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson is their most dangerous asset.

While the NFL MVP award has typically been awarded to the quarterback of the most successful team over the past two decades, both Jackson and Henry could make a strong case for consideration this year.

In his seventh season, and sixth as a full-time starter, Jackson has elevated his game under offensive coordinator Todd Monken. He is on track to throw for 4,332 yards and rush for 1,290 yards—both of which would set new career highs. Additionally, he ranks third among quarterbacks in EPA per dropback and eighth overall in rushing yards.

Jackson has been the primary driver of the Ravens’ offensive success, whether establishing early leads or rallying from behind in the second half. However, Henry’s role as both a tone-setter and a finisher in the ground game has been equally crucial in securing Baltimore’s close victories this season.

In Week 4, his 87-yard touchdown run on his first carry against the Buffalo Bills— the longest in franchise history— set the tone for a challenging night for the visitors. In games against the Cowboys, Bengals, and Commanders, his fourth-quarter and overtime runs effectively sealed the victories for the Ravens.

Jackson and Henry have both been named AFC Player of the Week for the past three weeks, with Henry receiving his second award after rushing for 132 yards and two touchdowns this past Sunday. His average of 117.3 rushing yards per game leads the league and puts him on track for nearly 2,000 yards. A few standout performances, like his Week 4 display against Buffalo, could enable him to surpass the 2,000-yard mark for the second time in his career. In 2020, he won Offensive Player of the Year with 2,027 rushing yards, and this year, he could aim even higher.

However, only four non-quarterbacks have been awarded the AP Most Valuable Player title since 2000, all of whom were running backs with historically exceptional seasons. The last to achieve this was Adrian Peterson in 2012, who made a remarkable comeback from a torn ACL the previous year and nearly broke Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. Since then, only quarterbacks have claimed the award. Even if Henry surpasses 2,000 rushing yards and maintains his impressive touchdown-scoring pace, he is more likely to secure the Offensive Player of the Year title. Nonetheless, he should remain in the MVP conversation.

Regarding Jackson, the last players to win back-to-back MVP honors were Aaron Rodgers (2020 and 2021) and Peyton Manning (2008 and 2009). Manning is already a Hall of Famer, while Rodgers is a guaranteed inductee whenever he decides to retire. This year, no other quarterback has been as consistent and exceptional as Jackson. Even during the Ravens’ 0-2 start, he was not the problem and is now performing at the highest level of his career.

Whether Henry, Jackson, or neither secures the MVP award, both players are focused on far greater ambitions than individual accolades. They were brought together to help the team finally overcome its challenges and return to the Super Bowl for the first time in 12 years. Regardless of how often they are asked about it or how their MVP chances fluctuate, their primary focus remains on the Lombardi Trophy.