Through two weeks, the 2026 NFL MVP race has a clear front-runner, and it’s not particularly close. Josh Allen sits alone at the top of the board after leading the Buffalo Bills to wins over the Houston Texans and Detroit Lions, two results that have put Buffalo squarely in the Super Bowl contender conversation.
That said, the season is still young enough for the picture to change fast. Injuries can flip everything in a hurry, and Week 2 already delivered a reminder of that with Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels going down, leaving the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders uneasy as the calendar moves on.
Still, if the MVP discussion begins anywhere right now, it starts with Allen. His early push has Buffalo sitting in a strong position, but he’s not the only quarterback making noise. The AFC in particular is packed with high-end production, with Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson all drawing attention in a crowded field.
The current odds reflect that separation at the top, with Allen listed at +250. Burrow and Mahomes are next at +850, followed by Brock Purdy and Jackson at +900. Dak Prescott checks in at +1400, Drake Maye at +1500, Trevor Lawrence at +1900, Matthew Stafford at +2000 and Jalen Hurts at +2200.
Among the longer shots, Purdy stands out as a name worth watching. San Francisco has the kind of offense that can stay dangerous all year under Kyle Shanahan, and Purdy has opened the season playing at an elite level. At +900, he gives bettors an alternative to the heavy Allen favorite without straying too far from the top tier.
Hurts is another intriguing option at +2200. Philadelphia has a chance to make noise in the NFC East if he keeps this pace, and he’s already thrown five touchdown passes through two games.
The Super Bowl champion also appears comfortable working through the air without A.J. Brown as a target.
- All odds via FanDuel Sportsbook as of Monday, Sept. 21
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