Six weeks into the 2026 NFL season, the MVP race is beginning to separate into legitimate contenders and players who still have plenty of work to do. The quarterback-heavy field remains led by Josh Allen and Brock Purdy, but Patrick Mahomes, Trevor Lawrence, and several younger quarterbacks are making strong cases. Here is how the NFL MVP ladder looks entering Week 7.
Josh Allen remains the favorite
1. Josh Allen, Bills
Allen remains at the top after another strong performance in Buffalo’s 33-30 win over Las Vegas. He threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns without an interception and now has 17 total touchdowns through six games. His ability to impact games as both a passer and runner continues to give him an advantage over virtually every other candidate.
2. Brock Purdy, 49ers
Purdy is arguably Allen’s biggest challenger. San Francisco is the NFL’s only remaining undefeated team at 6-0, and Purdy has 15 total touchdowns through six games. He remains particularly impressive in efficiency metrics, ranking first among qualifying quarterbacks in EPA per dropback, success rate, and first-down percentage, according to NFL.com.
3. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
Mahomes moves into the third spot despite a relatively quiet Week 6 statistically. Kansas City remains undefeated at 5-0, and the arrival of Kenneth Walker III has added another dimension to the offense. Mahomes has 10 total touchdowns through six games and remains one of the safest bets to make a serious MVP push.
4. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars
Lawrence has quietly established himself as one of the AFC’s most important players. Jacksonville is 4-2, and NFL.com ranks Lawrence fourth in EPA per dropback. His ability to make difficult throws has been a major reason the Jaguars remain firmly in the playoff picture.
5. Drake Maye, Patriots
Maye continues to climb after a major turnaround early in the season. He has become one of the NFL’s most intriguing young quarterbacks and currently sits among the leading MVP candidates in the betting market.
Burrow, Lamar and the NFC quarterbacks remain in the mix
6. Joe Burrow, Bengals
Burrow remains firmly in the conversation despite Cincinnati sitting at 3-2. His recent play has pushed him back up the MVP market, and the Bengals’ ability to contend in the AFC North could determine how high Burrow ultimately climbs.
7. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
Jackson remains one of the most dangerous players in football, although Baltimore’s 4-2 record and competition within the AFC North make his path more difficult. A strong second half could quickly put the former MVP back near the top.
8. Jared Goff, Lions
Goff deserves recognition for his efficiency. Through five games, he has thrown for 1,485 yards and 13 total touchdowns without an interception. Detroit’s crowded NFC North race could ultimately determine whether Goff receives serious MVP consideration.
9. Jordan Love, Packers
Love has quietly put together an impressive season and has thrown for more than 1,400 yards with 11 touchdown passes. Green Bay is 4-2, keeping Love firmly within striking distance if the Packers continue winning.
10. Matthew Stafford, Rams
Stafford rounds out the top 10. Los Angeles has struggled to a 2-4 start, making Stafford’s path to the award considerably more difficult, but his individual performance keeps him on the broader MVP radar. The current betting market still lists him among the top candidates.
The biggest question entering Week 7 is whether anyone can knock Allen or Purdy from the top two spots. With both quarterbacks leading teams positioned for deep playoff runs, the MVP race could ultimately come down to which player sustains his production while maintaining an elite team record.
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