The 2026 NFL season is only two weeks old, but the MVP market has already changed significantly. After Week 2, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has opened a substantial gap at the top of the NFL MVP odds, while Patrick Mahomes, Brock Purdy, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson remain among the leading contenders. For fans following football markets and broader Cricbet99 sports betting coverage, the early MVP movement provides an interesting look at how player performances can influence futures markets.
It is important to remember that these are early-season prices. Two games represent only a small portion of a 17-game regular season, so injuries, team performance, schedule difficulty and individual statistics can dramatically change the market over the coming weeks.
Josh Allen Opens a Significant Lead
Josh Allen has been the biggest story in the 2026 NFL MVP market after two weeks. According to DraftKings odds reported on September 22, Allen was priced at +290, while BetMGM listed him at +250. Different sportsbooks can show different prices at the same time, so odds should always be checked before being referenced.
Allen's statistical start helps explain the market movement. Through two games, he has recorded nine total touchdowns with no interceptions, according to DraftKings' Week 2 awards update. He also produced a major performance in Buffalo's Week 2 win over Detroit, contributing three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns.
Buffalo defeated Houston 36–31 in Week 1 before beating Detroit 41–31 in Week 2. The two victories have strengthened Allen's early MVP case from a market perspective.
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Patrick Mahomes Has Made a Major Move
Patrick Mahomes has also made one of the biggest improvements in the MVP market. DraftKings listed him at +800 after Week 2, compared with +1600 before the season began. BetMGM had him at +750 on September 22.
Mahomes helped Kansas City remain unbeaten by throwing for 382 yards and three touchdowns in the Chiefs' overtime victory over Indianapolis. He has five passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown through the first two games.
Kansas City's 2–0 start gives Mahomes an important foundation, but the season is still at an extremely early stage. His future performances, the Chiefs' results and the strength of the AFC will all contribute to how his MVP price develops.
Brock Purdy Has Emerged as Another Major Contender
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is another name that has moved sharply up the market.
Purdy entered the season with longer MVP odds, but his strong opening two games have changed the picture. DraftKings had him at +800 after Week 2, while BetMGM also listed him at +800.
Against Miami in Week 2, Purdy completed 20 of 22 passes for 287 yards and three total touchdowns. Across San Francisco's first two wins, he has completed more than 80% of his passes and thrown five passing touchdowns.
The 49ers' 2–0 start has therefore placed Purdy firmly into the early MVP conversation.
Joe Burrow Remains in the Conversation
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has also retained a short price following Week 2. DraftKings listed Burrow at +850, while other markets have placed him in a similar range.
Cincinnati began the season with a 33–27 victory over Tampa Bay before defeating Houston 20–6 in Week 2. The Bengals' unbeaten record provides Burrow with a strong team foundation as the season progresses.
However, MVP markets can change quickly. Sustained production, wins against strong opponents and availability throughout the season will matter much more than an early September price.
Lamar Jackson's Odds Have Shifted
Lamar Jackson entered the season among the leading MVP candidates, but Baltimore's Week 2 loss to New Orleans affected his market position.
BetMGM listed Jackson at +900 after Week 2, while DraftKings had him at +850. Through two games, Jackson had completed 67.9% of his passes for 559 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 74 yards and one score.
His dual-threat ability continues to make him a major factor in the MVP market. Baltimore's future results will be particularly important because the award is influenced not only by individual statistics but also by the overall success of a player's team.
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Other Quarterbacks to Watch
The early market extends well beyond the leading group.
Dak Prescott and Matthew Stafford were both listed around +1400 to +1800 depending on the sportsbook. Trevor Lawrence was also around the +1800 range, while Drake Maye and Jalen Hurts remained within the wider group of contenders.
The 2025 MVP winner, Matthew Stafford, is particularly interesting because he won the award by only one first-place vote over Drake Maye, according to FOX Sports. That previous result illustrates how competitive MVP voting can be.
Why NFL MVP Odds Change So Quickly
MVP odds are influenced by several factors rather than one statistic.
Team record is important because quarterbacks generally receive more MVP consideration when their teams remain competitive. Individual production also matters, including passing touchdowns, total yards, efficiency and turnovers.
Schedule strength can influence perceptions as well. A quarterback producing strong numbers against difficult opponents may receive more attention than someone posting similar statistics against weaker competition.
Injuries can also create major market changes. Caleb Williams, for example, saw his MVP market position fall substantially after suffering a hamstring injury during Chicago's Week 2 loss to Minnesota.
This is why early-season MVP odds should be viewed as a snapshot rather than a prediction of the final award result.
Keep track of NFL performance trends alongside broader Cricbet99 football and sports coverage instead of relying on a single early-season result.
What to Watch in Week 3 and Beyond
The next stage of the MVP race will depend heavily on consistency. Allen will try to maintain his statistical pace, while Mahomes and Purdy will look to continue their teams' unbeaten starts. Burrow and Jackson will also have opportunities to strengthen their cases through upcoming performances.
For readers following sports markets, it can be useful to compare current odds with previous prices and then examine the underlying statistics. Looking only at a player's odds does not explain why the market has moved.
The 2026 NFL season still has a long way to go. A quarterback can move dramatically up or down the MVP board after just one or two games, making weekly performance, injuries and team results important factors throughout the season.
Final Thoughts
After Week 2, Josh Allen has established himself at the front of the 2026 NFL MVP market, while Patrick Mahomes, Brock Purdy, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson remain prominent contenders. Current sportsbook prices differ, with Allen ranging around +250 to +300 across recent markets.
These numbers are constantly changing and should not be treated as guarantees. Anyone following NFL markets should consider the full season context, compare information from reliable sources and maintain responsible limits.
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FAQs
1. Who is leading the 2026 NFL MVP odds after Week 2?
Josh Allen is the clear market leader after Week 2. Recent sportsbook prices have placed him around +250 to +300, although exact odds vary by sportsbook and can change quickly.
2. Which quarterbacks are closest to Josh Allen?
Patrick Mahomes, Brock Purdy, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson are among the quarterbacks with the shortest MVP prices following Week 2. Their exact positions vary between sportsbooks.
3. Why did Josh Allen's MVP odds shorten?
Allen has helped Buffalo start 2–0 while producing nine total touchdowns without an interception through two games. His five-touchdown performance against Detroit further strengthened his position in the market.
4. Can NFL MVP odds change during the season?
Yes. MVP odds can change after individual games, injuries, team results and changes in player performance. The large movement involving Allen, Purdy and other quarterbacks after Week 2 demonstrates how quickly the market can adjust.
5. Are early NFL MVP odds a guarantee of the final winner?
No. Early odds represent current market pricing, not a guaranteed outcome. The NFL regular season is long, and player performance, injuries and team results can significantly change the MVP race.
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