4. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen is going to be an MVP candidate just about every season until he falls off, but that doesn't appear to be happening anytime soon. Perhaps controversially winning the award in 2024, Allen has already won the MVP and has proven he's good enough to do it.
He's also, arguably, the top rushing QB in the NFL and will be able to again rack up a ton of touchdowns for the Buffalo Bills. The Bills also brought in DJ Moore at wide receiver, so his presence should, in theory, help Allen become more efficient through the air, and replacing Sean McDermott with Joe Brady at the head coach position could also be another Allen-centric move to take this offense to the next level.
3. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
A sure-fire Hall of Famer and two-time MVP, many think that Lamar Jackson should have won the award for a third time in the 2024 season. Jackson is simply magnificent, and with his all-time rushing ability, as long as he's healthy and on the field, he'll always be an MVP candidate.
With the regular season now here, the Baltimore Ravens do appear to be healthier now than they were at this time in 2025, so Jackson could be primed for a bounce back, MVP-caliber season in 2026.
2. Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams
Aaron Rodgers won two-straight MVP awards during his age-37 and 38 seasons in 2020 and 2021 when he was with the Green Bay Packers. Matthew Stafford just won his first MVP award during his age-37 season.
Do you see where I am going with this one? Despite the age, Stafford was the best QB in the NFL, tossing 46 touchdowns in 2025. There really isn't anything in the of Stafford not being able to win this award in 2026.
The Los Angeles Rams are the most talented team in the NFL and feature the same high-end players on offense from a year ago. And while Stafford could surely begin a decline, he could also simply not and continue being a high-end player.
1. Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
For now, Joe Burrow tops our power rankings. Burrow saw the Cincinnati Bengals' front office go out and finally drastically improve the defense, and with Burrow always being a high-end passer capable of churning out big-time numbers, the improved defense could help everything comoe together in the 2026 season, which could logically lead to Cincy finally getting back into the playoffs and winning double-digit games.
I have maintained for a while now that this current Bengals' squad is giving me 2021 vibes, when they made a run to the Super Bowl. With the team being a bit more established now, Burrow's MVP candidacy could be likelier than you think.
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