As the 2026 NFL season hits the seven-week mark, the race for league MVP is wide open, with a diverse field of candidates emerging from the initial chaos. To take the temperature of the league, we polled 16 front-office executives, coaches, and personnel experts to identify the current top five players making the most significant impact.
While one coach quipped that the award is essentially a “quarterback-only” trophy, the ballot suggests otherwise. Though two signal-callers lead the pack, the inclusion of two dominant running backs and a historic-paced wide receiver signals that voters are prioritizing pure impact over positional tradition.
The Quarterback Favorites
Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): With a 6-0 start, Purdy has silenced critics who once labeled him a “system quarterback.” Leading the league with an 83.1 QBR and 14 touchdowns, Purdy has kept the 49ers undefeated despite an NFL-high 22 players on injured reserve. His pinpoint accuracy—evidenced by an NFL-high 88% completion rate on “open” passes—has made him the front-runner for many around the league. As one AFC assistant GM noted, Purdy’s ability to “find a way to win” in a decimated scheme has been the defining narrative of the season.
Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills): If Purdy represents efficiency, Allen represents pure, chaotic dominance. With 17 total touchdowns, Allen remains the most dangerous dual-threat in the game. His performance in the 37-34 overtime victory against the Rams—where he rushed for 121 yards—is widely considered the most “MVP-worthy” single-game performance of the year. While he faces challenges with occasional turnovers and a struggling defense, his sheer value to the 5-1 Bills keeps him firmly in the hunt.
The Non-Quarterback Contenders
Kenneth Walker III (Kansas City Chiefs): In a surprising twist, Walker has become the heartbeat of the Kansas City offense. Leading the NFL with 52 broken tackles, he has effectively taken the pressure off Patrick Mahomes following his return from ACL surgery. His versatility as a three-down back has forced defensive coordinators to completely rewrite their game plans, making him a rare non-QB challenger.
Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons): Despite the Falcons’ 2-4 record, Robinson remains a singular force. He is currently on pace for over 2,200 all-purpose yards and is the primary reason Atlanta stays competitive. His ability to create yardage when contacted behind the line of scrimmage is unmatched, and league insiders believe that if the Falcons can push for a playoff spot, Robinson’s case will become impossible to ignore.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seattle Seahawks): History is on the line for the Seahawks’ star. With 49 catches and seven touchdowns, Smith-Njigba is on track to challenge the 2,000-yard mark—a feat no receiver has ever accomplished. While he faces the historical hurdle of a receiver never winning MVP, his overwhelming dominance against press coverage has made him the undisputed focal point of the league’s most potent passing attacks.
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