As the 2026 NFL season dawns, the debate over the league's best player intensifies, with established stars and rising talents vying for recognition. Quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Patrick Mahomes, along with defensive force Myles Garrett, are among those considered top contenders, each with compelling arguments built on recent achievements and consistent elite performance.
Matthew Stafford, the reigning MVP, delivered a remarkable 2025 season at age 37. He set career highs with 4,707 passing yards and 47 touchdown passes, while throwing only eight interceptions. His strong performance, aided by Sean McVay's system and his own arm talent, positions him as a potential back-to-back MVP candidate if his body holds up.
Patrick Mahomes faces pressure to rebound in 2026 after missing the playoffs for the first time in his career last season. Despite a 6-11 campaign in 2025, the 30-year-old quarterback is expected to benefit from the return of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and the addition of running back Kenneth Walker III, aiming for a more balanced offense. Mahomes' impressive playoff record of 17-4 and three Super Bowl victories underscore his potential to lead the Kansas City Chiefs back to contention.
Myles Garrett is coming off a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2025, where he set a new NFL single-season sack record with 23. His move to a loaded Los Angeles Rams defensive front could present more pass-rushing opportunities, potentially even challenging his own record. Garrett's performance, especially if he can achieve a 25-sack season, could make him a compelling candidate for NFL MVP, a rare feat for a non-quarterback.
Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills continues to carry a significant offensive load. While he has yet to secure a Super Bowl, Allen's individual impact on his team's success is undeniable. His potential to lead the Bills to a championship could solidify his status as the league's top player.
Emerging talents are also making their mark. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the 24-year-old Seattle Seahawks receiver, led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards in 2025, earning Offensive Player of the Year honors. He set franchise single-season records with 119 receptions and 1,793 receiving yards and has shouldered a significant portion of his team's offense.
Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons showcased his versatility with nearly 2,300 scrimmage yards in 2025. Despite touching the ball 366 times, there were still perceived opportunities for greater utilization. Under new coach Kevin Stefanski, Robinson is expected to be a central figure in the Falcons' offense, leveraging his speed and agility.
Defensive standout Micah Parsons, despite an anticipated early-season absence due to an ACL tear, remains one of the league's premier edge rushers. In his debut season with the Green Bay Packers in 2025, he recorded 12.5 sacks and 81 pressures in just 14 games, extending his streak of at least 12 sacks to five seasons.
Will Anderson Jr. has quickly established himself as an elite player for the Houston Texans, accumulating 30 sacks in his first three seasons. His playoff performance has been particularly strong, with eight career sacks in six postseason games. As Houston's offense improves, Anderson is projected to reach a 15-plus sack level in 2026.
Offensive lineman Penei Sewell of the Detroit Lions is a favorite for the Protector of the Year award. A four-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro, Sewell is transitioning to left tackle. At just 25 years old, his continued dominance solidifies his status as a top player at his position.
Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals remains a dominant force at wide receiver. After winning the receiving triple crown in 2024, he led the NFL in receptions again last season with 185. The 26-year-old, a high-volume target with a blend of speed and physicality, has recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his five NFL seasons.
