Photo Credit: Fox Sports
0
0
The 2026 NFL season has not started, yet the MVP conversation already creates plenty of excitement. DraftKings Sportsbook released its latest odds, and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen sits atop the list. Several elite quarterbacks remain close behind, though, making this race one of the league’s most competitive storylines. Last season produced one of the closest MVP finishes in NFL history. Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford edged New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye by just one first-place vote. Stafford collected 24 first-place votes, while Maye earned 23. Stafford also finished with 366 total voting points compared to Maye’s 361. That razor-thin margin showed how difficult the award can be to predict.
Allen enters the season as the betting favorite at +550. He already captured the NFL MVP award in 2024 after receiving 27 first-place votes. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson finished second that year with 22 first-place votes. Allen threw for 3,731 yards and 28 touchdowns during his MVP campaign. He also added 12 rushing touchdowns, proving his value as a dual-threat quarterback. Last season, Allen finished third in MVP voting and still earned two first-place votes.
Jackson remains one of the strongest challengers with +800 odds. He owns two MVP awards and continues to rank among the league’s most dynamic players. Jackson became the second unanimous MVP in NFL history during the 2019 season. He received all 50 first-place votes, joining Tom Brady as the only unanimous winners. Jackson claimed his second MVP award in 2023 after receiving 49 of 50 first-place votes. Injuries slowed him throughout the 2025 season, but a healthy return could place him back into serious MVP contention.
Joe Burrow has become one of the biggest movers in the betting market. His odds improved from +1100 to +850 since sportsbooks released their opening numbers. Burrow has never received a first-place MVP vote despite consistently producing strong seasons. Injuries have limited his opportunities because he missed six or more games in three different seasons. Even so, Burrow finished fourth in MVP voting during both the 2022 and 2024 seasons. If he stays healthy for an entire year, many believe he could finally break through.
Patrick Mahomes remains one of football’s biggest stars despite entering the season with +1000 odds. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback won MVP awards in both 2018 and 2022. He threw 50 touchdown passes during his first MVP season, tying for the second-most touchdown passes in a single season. Mahomes received 41 first place votes that year. He added another MVP in 2022 after collecting 48 first-place votes. Although he suffered a torn ACL late last season, reports expect him to return for Week 1.
Justin Herbert also carries +1000 odds after receiving one first-place MVP vote last season. That lone vote helped shape the final MVP results because Stafford and Maye finished so closely together. Herbert should receive additional support this season with both All-Pro offensive tackles returning from injury. The Chargers also added Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator, creating optimism for another productive season.
Maye enters 2026 with +1100 odds after nearly winning the award last year. The young Patriots quarterback enjoyed an outstanding regular season by throwing for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdown passes. Some analysts questioned whether he deserved the award after New England’s playoff performance. However, MVP voting only reflects regular-season achievements. Based on that standard, Maye clearly established himself among the league’s brightest young stars. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott owns +1300 odds entering the season. Prescott frequently appears in MVP discussions, although he has never received a first-place vote. His closest opportunity came during the 2023 season when he finished second behind Jackson. Prescott now looks for another chance to lead Dallas deep into the postseason while strengthening his MVP résumé.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams also carries +1300 odds after an impressive second NFL season. Under head coach Ben Johnson, Williams threw for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. He guided Chicago to an 11-6 record, an NFC North title, and the franchise’s first playoff victory since 2011. Williams also led seven game-winning drives, tying Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix for the league lead. Those accomplishments helped elevate his national profile entering 2026.
Stafford begins the new season with +1400 odds as the defending MVP. The veteran quarterback finally captured the award during his 17th NFL season. He led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes. Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff ranked second with 34 touchdown passes, highlighting Stafford’s dominant production. Now, Stafford hopes to become the first repeat MVP winner in several years. The early odds feature familiar names and rising stars alike. Allen leads the field, while Burrow continues climbing after increased betting support. Jackson, Mahomes, Herbert, Maye, Prescott, Williams, and Stafford all possess realistic paths toward the league’s highest individual honor. With another long NFL season ahead, every performance could reshape the MVP race before the final votes arrive.
Author Profile
-
Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
Latest entries
FootballJuly 29, 2026Josh Allen Leads Early NFL MVP Race as Joe Burrow Gains Momentum
RacingJuly 29, 2026Alex Palou’s Dominance Has IndyCar History Within Reach
WrestlingJuly 29, 2026WWE SummerSlam 2026 Set for Two Huge Nights in Minneapolis
FootballJuly 28, 2026Vita Vea’s Trade Request Sparks Interest Across the NFL
About the Author
