Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is the current frontrunner for the 2026 NFL Most Valuable Player award, according to odds released by BetMGM. Allen leads a crowded field with +650 odds, positioning him to potentially become the 11th player in NFL history to win multiple MVP titles.
Last season's MVP race saw Matthew Stafford narrowly edge out Drake Maye in a close vote. However, Stafford is not among the top favorites this year, despite his team being favored to win the Super Bowl. Allen, who won MVP honors in 2024, faces competition from other previous winners like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, as well as quarterbacks seeking their first MVP.
While Allen tops the odds board, betting trends indicate strong support for other signal-callers. According to BetMGM data from Aug. 12, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is the most-bet player, accounting for 13.9% of all MVP bets and representing the sportsbook's largest liability. Caleb Williams is second in betting tickets at 10.5%, followed by Justin Herbert at 5.8%.
Herbert's betting handle, the total amount of money wagered on him, is higher than his quarterback counterparts, indicating significant investment despite a lower ticket percentage. Burrow boasts a notable pedigree, having finished in the top four of MVP voting twice and leading the league in passing metrics in past seasons. Herbert has consistently finished in the top 10 of MVP voting, though his team's offense has only ranked in the top 10 in scoring once during his tenure. Williams is entering his third season and has gained attention for his dynamic play.
The odds also highlight the potential for surprise performances. Last season, Stafford was a long shot at 35/1 odds, and Maye was 50/1 before the regular season began, suggesting that preseason favorites are not always indicative of breakout seasons. With the season still a month away, the possibility of another overlooked player emerging as a contender remains.
Notable odds include Lamar Jackson at +850, Joe Burrow at +900, Justin Herbert and Matthew Stafford at 10/1, Drake Maye at 11/1, Patrick Mahomes at 12/1, Dak Prescott at 14/1, and Caleb Williams at 16/1. All other players are listed at 22/1 or longer.