The MVP has turned into a quarterback award at this point, and there really isn't any indication that this trend is going away in the 2026 NFL Season. QBs have won the award each year since the 2013 season, so we're now on decade-plus streak with this trend.
The 2026 season is right around the corner, as there is just one week of preseason action left, which means we're getting closer for players in the NFL to begin cementing their own MVP candidacy. It will likely go to another QB this year, but who?
We've rolled out an updated rankings of the most likely MVP candidates for this season. Who stands out?
Ranking the most likely MVP winners for the 2026 NFL Season as preseason continues
8. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott finished 6th in MVP voting during his rookie season back in 2016 and 2nd in the 2023 NFL Season. Prescott is a high-end passer and is able to put up those gaudy MVP-caliber stats that most winners have.
And with the Dallas Cowboys having overhauled the defense, this could be one one of the best teams of the Prescott era. We all know Prescott is going to be efficient, as it's nearly impossible not to be with the supporting cast he has, and he was quite good in the 2015 season.
Prescott is a serious MVP contender this year.
7. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions' QB Jared Goff finished 5th in MVP voting during the 2024 season. He's made the Pro Bowl three of the last four seasons and has also not only eclipsed 4,000 yards with ease in each of the last four years, but he's thrown at least 29 touchdown passes each year during that period.
Goff is a slightly better version of Prescott - both are exceptional pocket passers, but Goff definitely has a higher ceiling overall. The Lions also won 27 regular season games across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, so they have been able to win enough to get someone like Goff in the MVP race.
He could flirt with the award in 2026 if the Lions get their defense figured out and return to their high-end winning ways.
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