2026 NFL MVP Odds: Josh Allen Opens as Favorite

February 12, 2026 - 19:59

The dust has barely settled on the 2024 season, but oddsmakers are already looking ahead, installing Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen as the initial frontrunner to claim the NFL's Most Valuable Player award for the 2026 campaign.

Allen, a perennial contender, is seen as having a slight edge in the early projections. His unique combination of elite arm strength and unparalleled rushing ability as a quarterback makes him a constant threat and the focal point of the Bills' offense. The designation reflects both his individual consistency and the expectation that Buffalo will remain a top-tier team in the AFC.

He is followed closely by a familiar group of superstar quarterbacks. Reigning MVP Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens is expected to be in the mix again, alongside Kansas City Chiefs maestro Patrick Mahomes, whose presence on any awards list is a given. Young talents like the Houston Texans' C.J. Stroud and the Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow, assuming full health, are also anticipated to be strong contenders when the season kicks off.

These opening odds set the stage for what promises to be another compelling race. While the list is quarterback-dominated, performance over the coming season will ultimately determine if Allen can hold his position or if another candidate rises to claim the league's top individual honor.