Josh Allen Leads Early MVP Race After Week 2
The NFL MVP race is heating up early in the 2026 season, with several players making significant impressions after just two weeks of action. The MVP award, established in 1957, has predominantly favored quarterbacks, with only two defensive players ever winning the honor. This year, however, a few standout performances are challenging the traditional narrative surrounding the award.
Leading the charge is Josh Allen, who has set a remarkable pace as the frontrunner for the MVP award. Allen has made history by becoming the first player to achieve five or more touchdown passes along with three or more rushing touchdowns in the first two games of a season. With five touchdown passes and a league-high four rushing touchdowns, he has propelled the Buffalo Bills to impressive victories over the Texans and Lions. His performance is underscored by a stellar 125.8 passer rating and an impressive 11.4 adjusted yards gained per pass attempt, showcasing his dual-threat capability.
Not far behind Allen is Kenneth Walker, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, who has made an immediate impact since joining the Kansas City Chiefs. Walker's performance in Week 1, where he rushed for 173 yards and a touchdown against the Broncos, set the tone for his season. In a thrilling overtime victory against the Colts, he outperformed his counterpart Jonathan Taylor, rushing for 117 yards compared to Taylor's 92. Walker's versatility as both a runner and a receiver—catching a touchdown in Week 1 and contributing significantly in the passing game—positions him as a strong candidate for MVP consideration.
Another player making waves is JSN Smith-Njigba, who is on track to become the first receiver to win the MVP award. His performance in Seattle's Super Bowl rematch against New England was pivotal, as he caught eight passes for 122 yards and a touchdown. In Week 2, he further solidified his candidacy with three touchdowns and 155 yards against the Cardinals. Notably, he has been catching passes from Drew Lock after Sam Darnold's injury, making his achievements even more impressive.
Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers is also in the mix, having completed an astounding 80% of his passes while leading his team to a 2-0 start. With five touchdown passes and a single interception, Purdy's efficiency and ability to perform under pressure have drawn attention, especially given the injuries to some of his top receivers. His connection with newly signed veteran Brandin Cooks has added depth to the 49ers' offense.
Joe Burrow, a two-time Comeback Player of the Year, remains a constant in the MVP conversation. Despite not posting the flashiest numbers, Burrow's leadership has guided the Bengals to a 2-0 record. His ability to perform under duress, as evidenced by his two touchdown passes against the Texans despite being sacked five times, showcases his resilience and importance to the team.
On the defensive side, linebacker Devin Lloyd has emerged as a candidate worth noting. Although it has been decades since a defensive player won the MVP award, Lloyd's early-season performances, including a standout game against the Falcons where he recorded two interceptions and a touchdown, have made him a frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year.
The surprising performance of Kirk Cousins and the 2-0 Raiders has also caught the league's attention. Cousins has thrown three touchdown passes in each of the first two games, tying him for the league lead in touchdown passes. His efficiency in the red zone has been a key factor in the Raiders' success.
When the Noise Dies Down
Finally, Texas Tech product Tyler Shough has silenced pre-draft concerns by leading the NFL in passing yards and guiding the New Orleans Saints to two victories. His ability to thrive in Kellen Moore's offense has made him a player to watch as the season unfolds.
As the season progresses, the MVP race will undoubtedly evolve, but the performances of these players have set a high bar early on. With each game, the stakes rise, and the competition for the league's most prestigious individual award becomes more intense. The question remains: who will ultimately take home the MVP trophy at the end of the season?
