With the 2026 NFL season more than a third complete, ESPN polled 16 executives and coaches to identify the top five MVP contenders through six weeks. Despite the common belief that MVP is a quarterback-only award, the ballot reflects a wide-open race featuring multiple running backs and even a wide receiver. Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers emerged as the early favorite, earning six votes.
The 49ers quarterback leads the league with an 83.1 QBR and is tied for the lead with 14 touchdown passes. His accuracy is elite, boasting a 5.1% completion percentage over expectation and an NFL-high 88% completion rate to open receivers. Purdy has been the catalyst for the 6-0 49ers, overcoming an NFL-high 22 players on injured reserve.
His Week 2 performance against the Dolphins featured a near-perfect 99.7 QBR, the best of the season. While some note his lack of gaudy yardage, his impact and efficiency have redefined his narrative from a system quarterback to a premier playmaker. Josh Allen remains a strong contender, but Purdy's consistent winning and team success place him at the top of the early MVP ladder.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing