There is a lot of season left to be played, but plenty of players around the NFL made compelling first impressions in Week 1 as far as the league MVP race is concerned.
And it's only going to keep heating up from here.
As we expected going into the 2026 season, the race for NFL MVP appears to be one of the deepest groups of players we've seen in quite some time. There are a variety of contenders coming from both the AFC and NFC, and even though this award is typically reserved for quarterbacks, a lot of players have proven themselves worthy of being in this discussion after just one game.
Entering Week 2 action, who are the top 10 candidates for NFL MVP? We're taking a look at the top performers and biggest risers and fallers in our newest NFL MVP Power Rankings.
NFL Power Rankings: Top 10 NFL MVP candidates entering Week 2
10. Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
It was more the Cincinnati Bengals' defense that stole the show in Week 1, forcing four fumbles and creating four takeaways to set up the offense nicely.
Joe Burrow didn't have the greatest game statistically speaking, but he remains in the midst of the NFL MVP conversation nonetheless. Burrow completed nearly 72 percent of his throws in Week 1 with a touchdown and an interception. He also added 20 yards as a runner.
You have to expect, at some point, that Burrow is going to start loading up the stat sheet like he always does. He'll be expected to put up MVP numbers when he's healthy, but he's one of the players on this type of list whose stock is trending slightly down after Week 1.
We need more from Burrow to consider him an MVP, but he carries the type of reputation to be in this conversation until he completely plays his way out of it.
9. Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants
Going into the 2026 season, I've been absolutely bullish on Jaxson Dart's second-year progression.
Dart was one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the entire NFL last season, throwing for 15 touchdowns and running for 9 more in just 14 games. He picked up where he left off last season, taking advantage of what appears to be yet another bad Cowboys defense to the tune of 230 yards on 23-of-29 passing, 3 touchdown throws, and 54 rushing yards.
Dart is such a dynamic weapon at the position, and even as a second-year player, he has to be considered one of the biggest threats in the NFC right now for the league MVP award, especially if he keeps playing like we saw against the Cowboys.
The Los Angeles Rams on another national stage will be a great test in Week 2.
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