The time has come for NFL teams to make their closing statements on the regular season.

Much of the league’s playoff picture has been determined heading into the final weekend, but Week 18 still will serve up the chance for several franchises to join the field or improve their positioning. Others, meanwhile, can simply try to play spoiler and end the season on a high note. And while only so many of the finales have immediate relevance, there’s still room for some last-minute surprises and standout performances.

Here are USA TODAY Sports’ bold predictions for Week 18 in the NFL:

Mike Evans will score a key touchdown as he leaves another mark on the NFL record book

It’s pretty much a given that, barring a twist of fate, Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Mike Evans will tie an NFL record established by Jerry Rice by notching his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season. Evans heads into the finale against the New Orleans Saints needing 85 yards to achieve the milestone, which would also extend his NFL record for most consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns to start a career. It’s not so bold to predict that Evans will match the record that Rice set from 1986-96. At least not now, when he’s poised to set the mark despite the streak seemingly falling into jeopardy as he missed three games earlier this season due to a hamstring injury. And with New Orleans having dealt Marshon Lattimore to Washington ahead of the NFL trade deadline, this doesn’t come with the drama of Evans squaring off against his most notable personal nemesis. Evans and Lattimore engaged in some classic, and very heated, matchups over the years, which explains why Evans has averaged just 49.7 yards in 20 games against the Saints. With Lattimore gone, though, the table is better set for Evans to make his mark against the Saints. So, what’s so bold? That would be Evans achieving the milestone while making a touchdown catch – hopefully an explosive one – the help swing the outcome in a game the Bucs (9-7) need to win to clinch the NFC South crown.

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— Jarrett Bell

Drake Maye balls out against the Bills and costs New England No. 1 pick

Should they lose Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, the New England Patriots would end the season on a seven-game losing streak. The difficult first season for Jerod Mayo might even end with a pink slip, although that would be quite the about-face from owner Robert Kraft.

The Pats are currently in line to pick first come April in the 2025 draft. Another “L” would lock them into that position. A win makes it complicated. Sometimes it’s not that simple for teams slated No. 1 going into the final week, however. For example, the Texans beating the Colts in Week 18 two seasons ago and went from picking first to picking second. That netted them C.J. Stroud, the finest of consolation prizes, so it’s not like picking one or two spots later could doom the Patriots in the future, especially with quarterback Drake Maye already in the boat. But it might cost them a chance at Travis Hunter, who would be either a suitable target for Maye in the passing game – something the rookie QB does not currently have – or an ideal complement to cornerback Christian Gonzalez (or both!).

Bills head coach Sean McDermott could opt to rest some defensive players in the second half (or longer) to keep them fresh for next week’s wild-card game at home. Maye will want to end his rookie season – filled with ups and downs – on a high note.

The final stat line could look something like: 24-for-28, 289 passing yards, 2 TDs … to go with 8 rushes, 77 rushing yards and another TD on the ground.

Totally hypothetical, of course. And totally improbable, given that would be a career high in passing yards for the No. 3 overall pick. Maybe a better goal for him is not putting the ball on the ground, as he has four fumbles in his last three games.

— Chris Bumbaca

Lions ride Jahmyr Gibbs to NFC North-clinching victory

Gibbs will have the best game of his young career with the NFC North title and the conference’s No. 1 overall seed on the line.

The Lions’ second-year running back will produce a career-high 190 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns at home versus the Minnesota Vikings. Gibbs registered 116 rushing yards, 44 receiving yards and two touchdowns when the two teams met in Week 7. It’ll be wise for Detroit to feature Gibbs on Sunday night. His speed and versatility are a difficult assignment for the Vikings defense. The versatile running back will again have his way catching passes out of the backfield and slicing through Minnesota’s defense in what I believe is bound to be a high-scoring contest.

— Tyler Dragon

Steelers will stumble to fourth straight loss as Russell Wilson questions grow louder

Wilson said this week that the Steelers ‘have got to have amnesia’ about their three-game skid as they head into Saturday’s matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. But Mike Tomlin wants to make sure his quarterback doesn’t forget one key lesson: ‘Take care of the football and stay on schedule,’ he said. Wilson has thrown two costly interceptions and fumbled twice in the last two blowout losses, and the coach made it clear he has little patience for giveaways in key stretches.

Cincinnati’s defense would seem to be a salve for those issues, as Wilson notched a season-high 414 yards and three touchdowns in the first meeting between the two teams, a 44-38 Pittsburgh victory. But defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said this week he was confident that team could better keep a lid on explosive plays while still keeping tabs on checkdowns after Steelers running backs combined for 146 receiving yards in that game. Takeaways have been key to the turnaround, as the Bengals have nabbed 10 in the last three weeks. While Wilson likely won’t be as careless as Will Levis and Jameis Winston were against this defense – especially after Tomlin’s warning – he could find himself in trouble if he has to try to keep up with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.

— Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson and Lionel Messi will be among 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden during a Saturday ceremony at the White House.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is considered the highest civilian honor in the country. It is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States; world peace; or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.

Johnson, a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, has become a successful entrepreneur and sports team owner. He’s in the ownership groups for MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, the NFL’s Washington Commanders, Los Angeles FC in MLS and the NWSL’s Washington Spirit. His philanthropic work also supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.

Messi, the Argentine World Cup champion, is the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer, seemingly finishing his legendary career in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. He supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Hillary Clinton, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, U2 frontman Bono, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, and popular science education host Bill Nye are also receiving the honor.

Spanish chef José Andrés, entrepreneur and LGBTQ rights activist Tim Gill, world-renowned ethologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, the Carlyle Group’s David Rubenstein (new owner of MLB’s Baltimore Orioles), philanthropist George Soros, fashion icon and longtime Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, and American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr. are also among the recipients.

Former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, civil and voting rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, and former Michigan Gov. George Romney are posthumously receiving the honor.

“President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else,” a statement from the White House said.

“These nineteen Americans are great leaders, who have made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”

The defending champion United States can reach the final in back-to-back years for the first time in its history at the world junior hockey championship.

But first it will need to get past the team that prevented it from getting a medal in 2022.

Saturday’s semifinals opponent is Czechia, which defeated the USA in the quarterfinals three years ago. Since then, the Americans have won a bronze (2023) and gold medal (2024). Czechia won a silver and bronze the past two years.

The teams have played 27 times in tournament history, with the USA winning 17 times. Czechia reached this year’s semifinals by knocking off host Canada 4-3 in Thursday’s quarterfinal. The USA routed Switzerland 7-2 with Boston College’s Ryan Leonard and James Hagens each scoring twice.

Rivals Sweden and Finland will play in the other semifinal. The bronze- and gold-medal games are Sunday. Here’s what to know about the semifinals at the world junior hockey championship:

When is world juniors hockey semifinals?

Sweden and Finland will play at 3:30 at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. The United States and Czechia will play at 7:30.

How to watch world juniors hockey semifinals

Both semifinals will be shown on NHL Network in the United States and on TSN in Canada.

How to stream world juniors hockey semifinals

Fubo and Sling carry NHL Network in the United States.

Today’s world juniors hockey games

Sweden vs. Finland, 3:30 p.m; NHLN, TSN
USA vs. Czechia, 7:30 p.m.; NHLN, TSN

USA vs. Czechia players: What to know

United States: The Americans won a gold medal last year. They have brought back 10 players and coach David Carle. Returnees Leonard and Notre Dame’s Danny Nelson are tied for the team lead with four goals. So is Hagens, a front-runner for the top pick in the 2025 draft. Hagens and Boston University defenseman Cole Hutson have a team-high eight points. Boston College’s Gabe Perreault, the linemate of Leonard and Hagens, has seven points. The United States has the second-best power play at the tournament.

Czechia: Czechia won bronze last year. Forwards Eduard Sale and Jacob Stancl are tied for the team lead with five goals. Sale, a Seattle Kraken first-round pick who plays in the American Hockey League, has two game-winners. Stancl and Vojtech Hradec have a team-high eight points. Czechia has a slightly better penalty kill than the USA.

Sweden vs. Finland: What to know

Sweden: Sweden won silver last year. Defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellika, a Detroit Red Wings first-round pick, is the tournament’s top remaining scorer with nine points. He and forward Anton Wahlberg have four goals. Victor Eklund, the brother of the San Jose Sharks’ William Eklund, is eligible for the 2025 draft. Sweden has the tournament’s top power play.

Finland: Finland lost to Czechia in last year’s bronze-medal game. Forward Jesse Kiiskinen has a team-best four goals and five points. Goalie Petteri Rimpinen has played every game, including a victory against the USA, and has a 2.00 goals-against average. Finland has the tournament’s top penalty kill and second-worst power play.

World juniors schedule

Dec. 26

Sweden 5, Slovakia 2
United States 10, Germany 4
Czechia 5, Switzerland 1
Canada 4, Finland 0

Dec. 27

Slovakia 2, Switzerland 1
Finland 3, Germany 1
Sweden 8, Kazakhstan 1
Latvia 3, Canada 2 (SO)

Dec. 28

Czechia 14, Kazakhstan 2
United States 5, Latvia 1

Dec. 29

Sweden 7, Switzerland 5
Finland 4, United States 3 (OT)
Czechia 4, Slovakia 2
Canada 3, Germany 0

Dec. 30

Slovakia 5, Kazakhstan 4 (OT)
Latvia 4, Germany 3 (OT)

Dec. 31

Switzerland 3, Kazakhstan 1 
Finland 3, Latvia 0
Sweden 4, Czechia 2
United States 4, Canada 1

World juniors hockey playoff round

All times Eastern

Jan. 2 (quarterfinals)

Sweden 3, Latvia 2
United States 7, Switzerland 2
Finland 5, Slovakia 3
Czechia 4, Canada 3

Jan. 4

Sweden vs. Finland, 3:30 p.m; NHLN, TSN
USA vs. Czechia, 7:30 p.m.; NHLN, TSN

Jan. 5

Third-place game, 3:30 p.m., NHLN, TSN
Championship game, 7:30 p.m., NHLN, TSN

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The mayo bath has, unfortunately or gloriously — depending on your perspective — become a staple of college football’s bowl season.

Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck was the recipient of the mayo bath this year after his Golden Gophers defeated Virginia Tech 24-10 Friday night in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

It was largely domination from Minnesota, which went down 7-0 toward the end of the first quarter before ripping off 21 consecutive points in the second quarter. The Golden Gophers nearly doubled-up the Hokies in yards (404 to 223).

And the reward for such a performance? The Gophers’ coach got a bunch of mayo dumped on his head.

You can watch the dousing and celebration — which featured a surprise appearance from Flavor Flav — below, if you dare:

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Forget a regular Gatorade bath. The Minnesota Golden Gophers earned their head coach a mayonnaise bath with a 24-10 win over the Virginia Tech Hokies in Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Friday. 

“I’m excited for this one,” Minnesota QB Max Brosmer said of head coach P.J. Fleck’s upcoming date with Duke’s Mayonnaise.

Brosmer completed 18 of 29 passes for 211 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the win. Minnesota gave up a turnover in the first quarter, but never looked back. The Golden Gophers scored 21 unanswered points on three consecutive drives before halftime and added a field goal in the second half for good measure. 

Minnesota running back Darius Taylor had 113 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown, in addition to a 10-yard passing touchdown and four receptions for 17 yards. Virginia Tech was held to 223 total yards, including 74 rushing yards.

Here’s a recap of the Friday’s matchup between Minnesota and Virginia Tech:

Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech highlights 

Minnesota unleashed some magic with a trick play that ended up in the end zone. QB Max Brosmer tossed the ball to RB Darius Taylor in the backfield, who then threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to WR Elijah Spencer.

All you need is love… John Love that is. The Virginia Tech kicker made a 60-yard field goal, marking the longest in Duke’s Mayo Bowl history. 

Watch: Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck receives mayo bath

Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck was the recipient of the mayo bath this year after his Golden Gophers defeated Virginia Tech 24-10 Friday night in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

End of 3rd: Minnesota 21, Virginia Tech 10

The Hokies have struggled to establish a run game through three quarters. Minnesota has held Virginia Tech to only 26 rushing yards on 22 rushing attempts. Virginia Tech QB William Watson III has completed seven of 10 passes for 70 yards. The Hokies started the game with QB Collin Schlee under center. He completed two of five passes for 68 yards.

Minnesota QB Max Brosmer has completed 17 of 27 passes for 191 yards and one touchdown. Minnesota has 149 rushing yards on 24 attempts. 

Virginia Tech’s John Love nails 60-yard field goal

Virginia Tech is taking some momentum into halftime. Things looked pretty dire for the Hokies after giving up three straight touchdowns to Minnesota, but Virginia Tech was able to put some more points on the board heading into the locker room. QB William Watson III completed a 22-yard pass to receiver Ayden Greene along the sideline to set up the Hokies on Minnesota’s 42-yard line with four seconds remaining in the first half. Kicker John Love stepped up for his team and nailed a 60-yard field goal to cut Minnesota’s lead to 21-10 at halftime. Love’s field goal marks the second-longest in school history.

Minnesota scores; up 21-7 over Virginia Tech

Minnesota RB Darius Taylor now has a rushing touchdown to match his passing touchdown. Taylor ripped off a 19-yard run to set Minnesota up at Virginia Tech’s 23-yard-line with 1:07 remaining in the first half. A false start penalty backed the Golden Gophers up to the Hokies’ 28-yard line, but that was no problem for Taylor. He ran 28 yards to the end zone to put Minnesota up 21-7 over Virginia Tech. The Golden Gophers have scored on three consecutive drives and have put up 21 unanswered points against the Hokies.

Minnesota takes the lead; up 14-7 over Virginia Tech

Another possession, another touchdown for Minnesota WR Elijah Spencer.

Golden Gophers QB Max Brosmer connected with Spencer for a 12-yard touchdown to cap an eight-play, 65-yard drive. Brosmer has completed 8 of 14 passes for 110 yards and one touchdown. Spencer is up to three receptions for 48 yards and two touchdowns, tying a school record for touchdown receptions in a bowl game.

Minnesota ties it up 7-7 on trick play

Minnesota has some tricks up its sleeve. Lined up at Virginia Tech’s 10-yard-line, Golden Gophers QB Max Brosmer tossed the ball to RB Darius Taylor in the backfield. Taylor pulled up before the line of scrimmage and threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to WR Elijah Spencer with 10:18 remaining in the second quarter.

Virginia Tech leads 7-0

Virginia Tech is on the board. Hokies QB Collin Schlee rushed for a three-yard touchdown for the first points of the game. The touchdown run was set up by Schlee’s 67-yard completion to receiver Ayden Greene.

Minnesota misses field goal

The Golden Gophers are off to a rough start in the Mayo Bowl. Minnesota’s Koi Perich fumbled a punt return that was recovered by Virginia Tech. It appeared to be a case of friendly fire. While attempting to catch the punt, Perch collided with a teammate and the ball bounced into the hands of Virginia Tech’s Jonathan Pennix.

Minnesota held Virginia Tech to a three-and-out, but then surrendered a three-and-out themselves. The Golden Gophers got something going on their next drive and drove all the way to the red zone, but Minnesota had to settle for a field goal. Kicker Dragan Kesich then missed the 33-yard field goal attempt.

When is the Mayo Bowl between Minnesota and Virginia Tech?

The Duke’s Mayo Bowl game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Virginia Tech Hokies kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

How to watch Minnesota and Virginia Tech in the Mayo Bowl

The Duke’s Mayo Bowl game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Virginia Tech Hokies will be televised nationally on ESPN.

Live streaming is available on Fubo, which has a free trial.

Watch Minnesota take on Virginia Tech with a Fubo subscription

Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech: Mayo Bowl odds

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are favorites to defeat the Virginia Tech Hokies, according to BetMGM.

Odds as of Friday, Jan 3

Spread: Minnesota (-10)
Moneyline: Minnesota (-400); Virginia Tech (+310)
Over/under: 43.5

Mayo Bowl predictions: Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech

USA TODAY: Vast majority pick Minnesota

Scooby Axson: Minnesota
Jordan Mendoza: Minnesota
Paul Myerberg: Minnesota
Erick Smith: Virginia Tech
Eddie Timanus: Minnesota
Dan Wolken: Minnesota

ESPN: Minnesota 28, Virginia Tech 24

Adam Rittenberg writes: ‘P.J. Fleck was born to play and coach football, brainstorm mottos and eventually douse himself in mayonnaise after winning a bowl game. Can’t you see it now? Fleck’s team wasn’t far away from a much better season and boasts a solid formula of defense, Darius Taylor’s running and quarterback Max Brosmer’s efficient passing. Virginia Tech had far greater expectations than 6-6 this season, and could be facing some damaging personnel departures before January. The Hokies are very talented with running back Bhayshul Tuten, defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland and others, but there has been something missing all season. But Minnesota will win, setting up an epic mayo dump for Fleck.’

BetMGM: Minnesota will win

Staff writes: ‘The winning team model predicts Minnesota will win this game with 62.5% confidence, based on game simulations, offensive & defensive matchups and recent game results.’

Bowl game picks  

Here are USA TODAY Sports’ expert picks for all of the college football bowl games. 

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Can’t get enough of March Madness brackets or the College Football Playoff’s new 12-team bracket? The PGA Tour Championship may be headed that direction soon.

The PGA Tour is reportedly in ‘advanced’ talks to revamp the league’s season-ending Tour Championship into a bracket-style competition as early as this year, according to The Athletic, who first reported the news. ESPN added that the updated competition format may involve a combination of stroke play and match play.

Under the current format of the Tour Championship — the final event of the three-tournament FedEx Cup Playoffs, where the top 30 players compete for a $25 million prize — players start with staggered scores depending on how many FedEx Cup points they have entering the championship.

The player with the most FedEx Cup points accumulated throughout the year starts at 10-under-par with a two-shot lead. The player with the second-most points starts the tournament at 8-under, followed by third (-7), fourth (-6), fifth (-5), 6th-10th (-4), 11th-15th (-3), 16th-20th (-2) and 21st-25th (-1). The players ranked 26th-30th in FedEx Cup points start at even par.

FedEx Cup points don’t carry over into the Tour Championship, meaning the player who wins the playoff finale is crowned that year’s FedExCup champion.

Scottie Scheffler, who won the 2024 Tour Championship and FedEx Cup as the No. 1 seed, said the Tour Championship format is flawed. ‘I think it’s silly,’ Scheffler added in August.

‘You can’t call it a season-long race and have it come down to one tournament,’ Scheffler said. ‘Hypothetically, we get to East Lake and my neck flares up and it doesn’t heal the way it did at The Players; I finish 30th in the FedExCup because I had to withdraw from the last tournament? Is that really the season-long race? No. It is what it is.’

Rory McIlroy, however, said he’s a fan of the current format because it levels the playing field: “I love this format because if it wasn’t this format, then none of us would have a chance against Scottie because he’s so far ahead.’

McIlroy added, “I think it makes the Tour Championship more exciting from a consumer standpoint. Is it the fairest reflection of who’s been the best player of the year? Probably not. But I think at this point we’re not in for totally fair – we’re in for entertainment and for trying to put on the best product we possibly can.”

The 2025 Tour Championship will be held August 20-24 at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, the tournament’s permanent home since 2004.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers struck again in pursuit of a high-profile international free agent, signing infielder Hyeseong Kim on Friday, according to multiple media reports in South Korea.

Kim, 25, won’t be expected to impact an already star-studded Dodgers lineup; instead, he was marketed as a glove-first player who can man multiple spots on the infield. He joins an already-crowded gaggle of infielders on the Dodgers roster, with Mookie Betts expected to serve as the full-time shortstop, Gavin Lux at second base and veterans Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor also under contract.

Yet Rojas, Taylor and third baseman Max Muncy are all free agents after this season, and Kim also provides a hedge if performance or injuries elsewhere dictate that Betts move off shortstop, as he did last season when he returned to right field after suffering a broken hand.

Kim received a three-year, $12.5 million contract, with a club option for two years and an additional $9.5 million.

Friday was the last day of the posting period for Kim, who joins the defending World Series champions in the major league city with the largest Korean population. The club has been aggressive in maintaining its title-winning club, adding lefty Blake Snell on a $182 million contract and re-signing outfielder Teoscar Hernández, who was scheduled to be re-introduced at a news conference Friday.

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Hyeseong Kim stats

Kim is a lifetime .304 hitter in the KBO, playing the last six seasons for Kiwoom. He hit a career-high 11 home runs as a 24-year-old last season, topping his previous high of seven, achieved twice. His last four seasons were excellent from an on-base perspective, as he batted between .304 and .335 with an OBP ranging from .372 to .396.

Yet it’s still an open question how much he’ll hit for power – even of a gap-to-gap variety – in the major leagues. Then again, the Dodgers have plenty of that already, so perhaps this was his ideal destination.

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The NFL regular season has just one week to go, with Week 18 the last chance for players to gain ground in the pursuit of the 2024 MVP award.

Saturday and Sunday will see the final set of NFL games in the regular season, with a couple of playoff spots still on the line. While much of the focus will understandably center on the postseason chase, the race to win the MVP award is going to draw plenty of attention.

As the season has gone on, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson have emerged as the leading contenders, but several star players have had spectacular campaigns. Oddsmakers are leaning towards the two quarterbacks, but a few other offensive stars are among the top five candidates to claim the MVP title.

Here’s how the latest NFL MVP odds look, as of Friday, Jan. 3, courtesy of BetMGM.

NFL MVP odds entering Week 18

1. QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (-300) (Last week: -250)

Oddsmakers seem to be leaning more and more towards Allen, despite two straight games where he didn’t play his very best. In Week 17, Allen was involved in three touchdowns, but his stat line (16-for-27 for 182 yards, plus 17 rushing yards) didn’t exactly stand out.

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Still, the Bills crushed the New York Jets 40-14, and Allen has a great opportunity to solidify his hold on the 2024 MVP award in Week 18, with Buffalo going on the road against the struggling New England Patriots.

2. QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (+220) (Last week: +160)

Jackson is the only other MVP candidate oddsmakers see as having a serious chance, but he came out of Week 17 having lost ground to Allen. That came despite Jackson’s stunning 48-yard run for a touchdown being among the top highlights in Week 17 and Baltimore demolishing the Houston Texans 31-2.

The Ravens quarterback has one more chance to change some minds, as Baltimore hosts the lowly Cleveland Browns in Week 18.

3. QB Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (+2000)

It speaks to just how good Burrow has been that he’s got the third-best MVP odds despite being on a Bengals team that needs a Week 18 miracle to sneak into the playoffs. The Cincinnati quarterback leads the league in passing touchdowns and yards, making his team’s plight all the more remarkable.

No matter how things go for the Bengals, expect Burrow to air it out one more time Saturday, in what is a must-win game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

4. RB Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles (+4000)

Barkley is in striking distance of the NFL single-season rushing record, yet sits in fourth place in the MVP odds. That’s in part due to how good the other candidates have been … but it’s also down to the fact that Eagles coach Nick Sirianni confirmed that his star running back is going to sit out Week 18.

Barring a highly unlikely series of events, Barkley will remain 101 yards off of Eric Dickerson’s record, and that will end any shot he has at the MVP crown.

5. QB Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (+10000)

Darnold is a real long shot, but as an acknowledgment of how good he and the 14-2 Vikings have been this season, he’s got the fifth-best odds of being named MVP. The Minnesota quarterback is in the top five for touchdowns (35) and yards (4,153) despite sitting just 12th in pass attempts league-wide.

He’ll get a great chance to improve his odds in Week 18 with a huge game against the Detroit Lions that will determine the NFC North title and NFC’s top seed going into the playoffs.