After last season’s MVP, Matthew Stafford, faced a challenging start with the Rams during their first-ever game in Australia, the landscape remains wide open. A full season still lies ahead, and the Rams are expected to stay in the mix as a championship threat in the hunt for Super Bowl 61.
Here is a top-10 look at the MVP contenders following a jam-packed Week 1 slate of games.
10. Jaxson Dart, New York Giants
The Giants appear pleased with their second-year quarterback, who has developed solid chemistry with targets Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely. This connection suggests an immediate path to sustained success for the Harbaugh-coached squad.
9. Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints
The Saints nearly pulled off a notable upset, and Shough’s standout second half was the deciding factor. He threw for more than 400 yards in Detroit, continuing to prove that the Saints can compete with him under center, especially with Chris Olave as a top target.
8. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
Detroit has a wealth of offensive firepower, but Gibbs is the catalyst. In his first game without David Montgomery to share the workload, Gibbs totaled 186 all-purpose yards, underscoring his role in keeping the Lions’ offense humming.
7. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Jackson is back to MVP form after a dominant win over the Colts. Baltimore looks poised to remain a strong AFC contender as long as Jackson and a productive ground game stay healthy and impactful.
6. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
Jefferson stepped up when Kyler Murray’s concussion situation became a concern for Minnesota. The star receiver had two touchdowns and 92 receiving yards in a decisive victory over a division rival, illustrating his ongoing value as a premier playmaker.
5. Kenneth Walker, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs placed their bet on Walker after the Super Bowl win with Seattle, and his debut in Kansas City shows he can alleviate pressure on Patrick Mahomes. He led the team by contributing substantial rushing yardage, giving the offense a versatile dimension.
4. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
Henry continued to perform at an elite level, scoring three touchdowns in the game against the Colts. With Baltimore dealing with injuries at wide receiver, Henry’s production and reliability make him a cornerstone of the offense alongside Jackson.
3. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
Lawrence is proving to be a formidable presence in the pocket, supported by a deep and versatile passing game. The Jaguars’ offense looks among the league’s best, and Lawrence delivered four touchdown passes, highlighting his role in transforming Jacksonville into a legitimate Super Bowl threat.
2. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
Williams starred in a high-scoring affair, contributing to a 59-point outburst against Carolina with four combined touchdowns. His dual-threat ability positions him as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league and a continual threat throughout the season.
1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Allen showcased MVP-caliber performance against a tough Texans defense, completing close to 70 percent of his passes. With Buffalo asserting itself as a top contender in the AFC, Allen’s play is a clear signal of the Bills’ title aspirations.
As the season unfolds, these rankings will likely shift based on performance, injuries, and team trajectories. Week 1’s fireworks set a high bar, and fans can expect a compelling chase as teams jockey for position in the race for NFL MVP.
