Last season in 2025-26 Matthew Stafford made history by winning his first NFL MVP award at age 38. He became the oldest player ever to claim the honor for the first time, delivering one of the most memorable individual campaign in recent league history while leading the Los Angeles Rams to the NFC Championship.
As the 2026-27 season approaches, the MVP race is already generating significant buzz. With several veteran quarterbacks returning healthy and a new wave of young talent emerging, the conversation around the award is heating up early. Here are the early favorites and top contenders shaping the discussion heading into the new campaign.
NFL 2026/27 MVP Odds – Top 5 Early Candidates Who are the Favorites to Win the Award
Listed below are the list of players that are the current favorites to win the regular season NFL MVP award in the 2026-27 season, as per Draftkings.
Players
Odds
Josh Allen
+550
Lamar Jackson
+650
Patrick Mahomes
+1000
Justin Herbert
+1000
Joe Burrow
+1000
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Josh Allen (+550)
Josh Allen is the early favorite to win the 2026-27 NFL MVP award because he has become the most complete and consistent quarterback in the league over the past three seasons. His rare combination of elite arm talent, explosive mobility, and proven ability to carry a team has produced MVP-caliber numbers year after year, even though he’s already won an MVP award before. The Buffalo Bills are once again projected as a top AFC contender with a high win total, which dramatically boosts Allen’s MVP case since voters heavily reward QBs on winning teams. Even though the season in months away, oddsmaker see Allen as the clear frontrunner due to his durability, leadership, and history of delivering in big moments.
Lamar Jackson is the early +650 favorite to win the 2026-27 NFL MVP award, making him the clear second choice behind Josh Allen. As a two-time MVP (2019 and 2023), Jackson remains the most dynamic and dangerous QB in the league thanks to his unmatched dual-threat ability, elite rushing production, and improved passing accuracy in recent seasons.
Under new head coach Jesse Minter, the Ravens are expected to field another strong roster with a high projected win total, which significantly boosts Jackson’s MVP case. Voters love his ability to single-handedly carry games, and his proven track record of winning in the regular season keeps him firmly in the conversation despite already having two MVPs on his resume.
Patrick Mahomes is the early +1000 third favorite to win the 2026-27 NFL MVP award. After tearing his ACL in December 2025, Mahomes is expected to return fully healthy next season. The Chiefs’ disappointing 2025-26 season, which ended without a playoff appearance, has created a clear redemption narrative for the three-time Super Bowl champion. His unmatched playmaking ability, football IQ, and history of carrying his team keep him high on MVP lists despite the injury and last year’s struggles. If Kansas City bounces back with a strong season, Mahomes’ elite talent and leadership make him a legitimate threat to reclaim the award.
Justin Herbert is the early +1000 fourth favorite to win the 2026-27 NFL MVP award. The Chargers quarterback continues to be one of the most physically gifted passers in the league, with elite arm strength, accuracy, and improvisational ability. After a promising 2025-26 season that ended in the Wild Card round, L.A. has made significant upgrades and added weapons around him.
Now entering his third year under head coach Jim Harbaugh, Herbert finally has the stability and supporting cast many felt he previously lacked. If the Chargers push for a high AFC seed, Herbert’s combination of talent and improved scheme fit could easily vault him back into serious MVP contention.
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Joe Burrow (+1000)
Joe Burrow is the early +1000 fifth favorite to win the 2026-27 NFL MVP award. After a severe turf toe injury sidelined him for most of the 2025-26 season, Burrow is entering the new year with significant motivation and a massive chip on his shoulder. The injury not only derailed what was shaping up to be another elite season for him personally but also contributed heavily to the Bengals’ disappointing year after starting 2-0.
Now fully healthy and reportedly ahead of schedule in his recover, the 29-year-old is expected to return hungrier than ever. His elite arm talent, quick release, and proven ability to elevate his teammates make him a legitimate MVP threat once again if Cincinnati contends for a playoff spot.
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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.
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