The Mountain West Conference has consistently produced NFL talent, and the 2024 season showcased the success of a number of the NCAA Subdivision’s standouts. The current campaign and resulting postseason have been an epic one, and there is still plenty of football left to be played between now and the upcoming Super Bowl in New Orleans.
The Kansas City Chiefs remain the frontrunners for the Lombardi, and with a record of 15-2, it’s clear to see why online sports betting sites fancy their chances. The latest Super Bowl odds from top crypto sports betting sites currently make them a +300 joint favorite alongside the Detroit Lions. After winning the last two big games on the spin and amassing an almighty record this term, their tag as the frontrunner may be somewhat unsurprising.
However, a closer look at their record suggests that they may well not be the powerhouse they appear at first glance. Yes, Patrick Mahomes and Co. have won 15 games this term, but no fewer than seven of them were decided by one score or less. And in the majority of those seven, late field goal heroics, controversial flags, or sometimes both, were the reason for the victory.
But while question marks linger over Arrowhead, a number of the MW’s finest alumni have set the league alight this season. Let’s see who they are.
Josh Allen
It’s impossible to start with anyone other than former University of Wyoming star Josh Allen. The Buffalo Bills man has had a career year in 2024 and he is the frontrunner for his first-ever MVP award, narrowly ahead of Baltimore Ravens standout Lamar Jackson. The ex-Cowboy has long been one of the league’s brightest talents, racking up four straight 4,000-yard seasons in the last four years.
His time in Wyoming was marked by an undeniable display of raw talent. Known for his rocket arm and ability to extend plays, Allen totaled over 5,000 yards and 44 touchdowns in the air across two seasons. Those credentials made him a potential first-round pick and the Bills duly obliged, selecting him seventh overall in 2018.
In the years since, he has turned the Highmark outfit into a genuine force. They have won the AFC East in each of the last five seasons – this one included. The one man that has seemingly had his number however is the aforementioned Mahomes. The former Texas Tech star and his reigning champion Chiefs have eliminated Allen’s Bills from the playoffs in three of the last four seasons, and the pair look set to meet once again in this year’s AFC Championship game.
But the 28-year-old can take solace in the fact that he has already masterminded a victory over the Chiefs this season. Allen picked up over 300 yards total in their week 11 clash at Highmark, as well as two touchdowns, handing KC their first defeat of the campaign. Now, he needs to repeat that feat under the brightest of lights.
Bobby Wagner
Bobby Wagner was a tackling machine for Utah State during his college career. Over four seasons, he accumulated 446 total tackles, including 147 in his senior season alone, earning first-team All-WAC honors. His football IQ and relentless motor caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he joined the Seattle Seahawks in 2012, becoming the heartbeat of their legendary “Legion of Boom” defense, alongside the likes of Richard Sherman.
Almost 12 years on from his debut, Wagner is still making headlines. He has helped the unfancied Washington Commanders to the playoffs for the first time in four years and just the second time in the last decade. With number two overall rookie Jayden Daniels under center, the capital city outfit has been transformed this season, and much of that success can be attributed not only to their brilliant young quarterback but also to their experienced linebacker.
The 34-year-old crucially recovered a fumble in the Commanders’ thrilling victory against the number four seed Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wildcard round. Now, they are on a collision course with the Detroit Lions, another contest they will be an underdog in.
Jordan Love
Jordan Love made a name for himself at Utah State with his arm strength and ability to make throws into tight windows. His 2018 season, where he threw for 3,567 yards and 32 touchdowns, put him on the NFL radar. Although turnovers plagued him in 2019, his upside led the Packers to draft him in the first round.
After years of sitting behind Aaron Rodgers – just as A-Rod himself did the legendary Brett Favre – Love finally became the starter in 2023. And while he faced challenges early on, his progression was rapid. While the four-time MVP winner he was replacing under center went on to rot with the Jets, young Love began to thrive.
He led the Packers to the postseason last term, throwing for well over 4,000 yards and orchestrating a dismantling of the Dallas Cowboys in the wildcard round. This season, despite missing a couple of games through injury, he was still in top form. His 3,389 yards helped him to 24 touchdowns and a spot in the playoffs again. Unfortunately, this time around, the Philadelphia Eagles had too much for them to handle, picking up a 22-10 victory and sending the Packers packing.
Love penned the joint-highest contract in history in the summer of 2024, showing just how much faith the powers that be at Lambeau Field have in him. Now, it is up to the former Utah sensation to bring the glory days back to the Cheeseheads, just like those who have come before him.
