2026 NFL MVP rankings after Week 3: JSN rises with electric start

Quarterbacks are the only players that can win the NFL MVP award, right? The start of the 2026 season is proving that isn’t the case with other key position players dominating.

Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson aren’t the only players balling out to start the season. In fact, the latest MVP odds are showing several running backs and a talented wide receiver are definitely in the mix.

Seattle Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba might be having the greatest WR campaign a player’s ever had. That’s why the current season is proving to be so exciting with only three weeks played thus far.

We’ve had some more big shakeups in the top 10 from last week’s rankings, especially after Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles‘ brutal Monday Night Football loss.

Below is our newest MVP rankings as the league shifts towards Week 4.

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Jacksonville Jaguars star Trevor Lawrence throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Parker Washington. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Lawrence continues his ascent in the AFC as one of the best passers after an excellent 2025 season. He’s already tossed seven touchdown passes this year as the Jaguars build on last season’s success.

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes goes under center center Creed Humphrey against the Denver Broncos. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The Chiefs are going to be a force if Mahomes continues to limit mistakes and distribute the ball to his go-to receivers like Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice. It also doesn’t hurt having an elite running back alongside him.

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Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry comes off the field after the game against the Indianapolis Colts. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Henry knows a few things about being in the MVP mix, but his start to the 2026 season might present his best chance yet of winning the award. The Ravens star has six rushing TDs entering Week 4, tied for the most in the NFL alongside Allen.

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow after taking a knee in NFL Week 2. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Cincinnati is a completely different team when Burrow is playing his best. Through three weeks, Burrow appears to be locked in getting the ball to Ja’Marr Chase, Chase Brown and Tee Higgins.

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough passes the ball against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

The Saints likely won’t be a Super Bowl contender, but Shough is making this offense an elite unit. New Orleans cannot run the ball very well, especially with Travis Etienne Jr. now battling an injury.

That hasn’t stopped the second-year star from throwing for over 900 yards and eight TDs in three games.
(Kansas City Chiefs)

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Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III after scoring a touchdown against the Denver Broncos. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Walker’s an easy candidate for best transaction of the offseason considering how good Kansas City looks on the ground. The Chiefs star leads the league in rushing yards, and he’s taking huge pressure off Mahomes as he settles back in from his knee injury.

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San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey celebrates with Brock Purdy. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

San Francisco’s injuries continue to pile up, but it doesn’t seem to bother Purdy. The former seventh-round pick is unflappable and he’s making all the right decisions for the 3-0 49ers.

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Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

No wide receiver’s ever posted over 2,000 receiving yards, but the Seahawks star is on a pace that would shatter Calvin Johnson‘s record. FanDuel Sportsbook currently has JSN tied for the 13th-best odds despite being on pace for a historic season.
(Baltimore Ravens)

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is interviewed by CBS Sports sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Baltimore’s one-two punch of Henry and Jackson makes the Ravens unbelievably tough to stop. Jackson’s final drive to set up the game-winning field goal against Dallas is just another reason why he’s incredible.

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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen speaks with media after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The Bills star remains atop the rankings for the third straight week with Buffalo sitting at 3-0. Allen continues to show he’s not only the best quarterback in football, but the most valuable to his team.