With more than a third of the 2026 NFL regular season now in the books, the race for the league's Most Valuable Player award is beginning to take shape. A poll of 16 NFL front-office executives, coaches, and personnel staff has identified a diverse top five, highlighting a campaign where non-quarterbacks are making a compelling case to challenge the traditional signal-caller dominance.
While the ballot remains heavily influenced by the league's top passers, the inclusion of two running backs and a wide receiver underscores the wide-open nature of this year's competition. As the season progresses, the following five players have emerged as the primary contenders in the eyes of those around the league.
The Top Contenders and the Case for Each
San Francisco 49ers quarterback
Buffalo Bills quarterback
Kansas City Chiefs running back Walker has also surged into the conversation, leading the NFL with 52 broken tackles. His ability to serve as a three-down playmaker has been vital for the 5-0 Chiefs, significantly easing the burden on Patrick Mahomes. Similarly, Atlanta Falcons running back Robinson has impressed with his ability to generate yardage after contact, averaging 5.8 yards per carry and keeping the Falcons competitive.
Rounding out the top five is Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who is currently on pace for a potential 2,000-yard season. Leading the league in both receptions and touchdowns, Smith-Njigba has become the focal point of the Seahawks' offense, consistently performing against press coverage.
Looking Ahead at the MVP Landscape
While the current leaders have captured the attention of voters, the panel noted several other players who could shift the narrative in the second half of the season. Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson remain key figures to watch as their respective teams navigate the remainder of the schedule.
Jackson, in particular, leads all qualified quarterbacks with a 119.6 passer rating, though his candidacy may depend on his availability for the remainder of the year. Meanwhile, the absence of Trevor Lawrence and Bryce Young from the top five was noted as a surprise by some, given their strong starts and leadership in their respective divisions. As the schedule tightens and the playoff race intensifies, the MVP field is expected to narrow, with team success likely to play a pivotal role in the final decision.
