As the 2026 NFL season kicks off, the race for the Most Valuable Player award is already heating up. With Week 1 in the books, the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk brings you the early power rankings for MVP, headlined by Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. After a dominant performance against the Houston Texans, Allen has silenced doubters and set the pace for what promises to be a thrilling season.
1. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
Allen entered Week 1 with questions swirling about his supporting cast and a tough matchup against a Texans defense that ranked among the league's best in 2025. But the Bills' signal-caller delivered a statement game, throwing for 334 yards and two touchdowns while adding two more scores on the ground. His 36 points scored were more than Houston allowed in any game last season. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Allen's performance exorcised demons in Houston and signaled a strong start to the Joe Brady era in Buffalo.
2. Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears
Williams' second year in Ben Johnson's offense couldn't have started better. The Bears' quarterback completed 73.9% of his passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns, adding 65 rushing yards and two more scores. Chicago's 59 points and 552 total yards led the league in Week 1. Williams made highlight-reel throws and protected the ball, showcasing the growth that has Bears fans dreaming of an MVP run.
3. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Jackson quietly posted one of the best games of his career, throwing for 324 yards and averaging 13 yards per attempt. Despite losing top receiver Zay Flowers to a hamstring injury, Jackson spread the ball to eight different targets and added 40 rushing yards and a score. The two-time MVP looks primed for another special season.
4. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Lawrence came out firing in Year 2 under Liam Coen, tossing four touchdown passes to lead the NFL. His 78.3% completion rate and 10.7 yards per attempt were among the league's best. Even against a tough Browns defense, Lawrence made jaw-dropping throws, including a touchdown pass through four defenders. He's now won nine straight regular-season starts.
5. Kenneth Walker, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs' new running back wasted no time making an impact, rushing for a league-leading 173 yards and two touchdowns on Monday Night Football. Walker's explosiveness transformed Kansas City's offense, which had struggled to generate big runs in recent years. If the Chiefs return to Super Bowl contention, Walker's addition will be a primary reason.
6. Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints
Despite a shaky start that included two interceptions, Shough rallied the Saints with an NFL-leading 410 passing yards and three touchdowns, nearly completing a 21-point comeback. His connection with Chris Olave (182 receiving yards) was a bright spot. The second-year quarterback showed resilience and promise in just his 11th career start.
7. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
With David Montgomery gone, Gibbs shouldered the load, rushing 29 times for 156 yards and two scores. He accounted for over half of Detroit's offensive yards in their overtime win. However, his heavy workload raises questions about sustainability for the rest of the season.
8. Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens
At 32, Henry continues to defy Father Time. He rumbled for 144 yards and three touchdowns, passing Marcus Allen for third-most rushing scores in NFL history and Jim Brown for most games with 100+ rushing yards and multiple touchdowns. Could this be the year he finally wins MVP?
9. Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants
Dart's first Sunday Night Football appearance was a coming-out party. He completed 79.3% of his passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns, displaying command of the Giants' new offense. While the Cowboys' defense is a favorable matchup, Dart's poise was impressive.
10. Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Robinson was a one-man show for Atlanta, accounting for 72.7% of the team's total yards and their only touchdown. Despite the Falcons' loss, Robinson's talent was undeniable. He'll need team success to garner serious MVP consideration.
Honorable Mentions
T.J. Watt, Edge, Pittsburgh Steelers: Watt recorded two sacks and a pick-six in Week 1, reminding everyone why he's one of the NFL's most disruptive defenders. A defensive player hasn't won MVP since Lawrence Taylor in 1986, but Watt's start is noteworthy.
Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints: Olave led the league with 182 receiving yards on 10 catches, though a receiver has never won MVP. His chemistry with Shough is something to watch.
As the season progresses, these rankings will surely shift, but for now, Josh Allen sits atop the NFL MVP race. Stay tuned to Vulius for weekly updates and in-depth analysis.
Looking to represent Josh Allen? Grab your Josh Allen jersey or design a personalized football jersey at Vulius.
