The 2026 NFL MVP award has narrowed to an elite group of five players as the league’s top individual honor looms large on tonight’s NFL Honors stage. With regular-season action behind us and Super Bowl weekend upon football fans, attention is fully fixed on who will ultimately walk away with the award that defines excellence in the 2025 NFL season. The MVP finalists include a mix of established stars and rising phenoms whose performances powered their teams to playoff contention.
Getting a grasp on how this season unfolded among the top contenders adds context to why these athletes are the final five in the MVP conversation. Follow closely — the announcement is one of the most anticipated moments in the NFL calendar.
Don’t miss any of the MVP news as it continues to unfold — the league’s premier individual award is about to be decided.
Final List of 2026 NFL MVP Finalists
The contenders for the 2026 NFL MVP award have been officially announced and include:
- Matthew Stafford, Quarterback – Los Angeles Rams
- Drake Maye, Quarterback – New England Patriots
- Josh Allen, Quarterback – Buffalo Bills
- Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback – Jacksonville Jaguars
- Christian McCaffrey, Running Back – San Francisco 49ers
These finalists were selected following votes cast by a nationwide panel of 50 media members who evaluated all regular-season performances before the postseason began. The MVP will be named tonight at the NFL Honors awards ceremony in San Francisco, just days before Super Bowl LX.
Matthew Stafford: Veteran Dominance at Its Finest
Matthew Stafford enjoyed arguably the best statistical year of his 17-season career. He led the entire league in passing yards and passing touchdowns, finishing the regular season with 4,707 yards and 46 touchdown passes. Stafford also completed 388 of 597 pass attempts for a 65.0 completion percentage and threw only eight interceptions.
This remarkable output earned him a First-Team All-Pro selection — the first of his career — and solidified his place as a top contender for the MVP award. Stafford’s late-career resurgence has been a centerpiece of the Rams’ offense, and his ability to produce big numbers against tough competition has kept him at the forefront of the MVP discussion.
Drake Maye: Young Star Leading Patriots’ Resurgence
Drake Maye’s second NFL season has been nothing short of spectacular. The New England Patriots quarterback threw for 4,394 yard with 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions, leading the league in passer rating and completion percentage. His efficiency and leadership helped guide the Patriots to a 14-3 record and an AFC Championship appearance.
Maye’s remarkable growth trajectory — from promising rookie to one of the league’s most efficient signal callers — has been one of the most compelling stories of the 2025 NFL season. At just 23 years old, he has become a national MVP candidate and a defining figure in the Patriots’ turnaround.
Josh Allen: Consistent Elite Performer
Josh Allen enters the MVP race once again after a season that continued to highlight his all-around excellence. The Buffalo Bills quarterback has been a consistent force in the league and returns as a finalist, showing that his dual-threat capabilities remain among the NFL’s best.
Allen’s ability to impact games both through the air and on the ground has kept him in MVP contention, and his continued presence in the conversation reflects sustained elite play across multiple seasons.
Trevor Lawrence: Jaguar Leader Emerges
Trevor Lawrence further solidified his standing as one of the NFL’s rising stars by guiding the Jacksonville Jaguars to a successful season and division title. His performance on the field was marked by effective game management and leadership that helped Jacksonville become a formidable contender in the AFC.
Lawrence’s inclusion as an MVP finalist reflects his role in elevating the Jaguars to consistent success, highlighting his growth into a premier franchise quarterback.
Christian McCaffrey: Rare Running Back in MVP Mix
Christian McCaffrey’s MVP nomination is significant — running backs often face an uphill climb for the league’s most prestigious individual award. Yet McCaffrey’s performance for the San Francisco 49ers was too impactful to ignore.
His dynamic play as both a runner and receiver had a tangible effect on the 49ers’ offense all season, earning him recognition among the league’s elite performers.
Understanding the MVP Selection Process
The MVP award is chosen based on regular-season performance alone, with votes submitted by a panel of seasoned media members. Each voter ranks their top choices, and the ballots are tabulated to determine the winner. This process emphasizes productivity, team success, leadership, and overall impact on the field.
While quarterbacks have traditionally dominated MVP voting, standout seasons from players at multiple positions — like McCaffrey at running back — can also draw serious consideration.
What This Season’s MVP Race Reveals
This year’s MVP contenders reflect a diverse set of storylines:
- Veteran excellence: Stafford’s best statistical season ever and his first First-Team All-Pro nod highlight the enduring value of experience.
- Youth resurgence: Maye’s meteoric rise from second-year quarterback to MVP finalist underscores the impact of elite young talent.
- Sustained performance: Allen’s continued presence among the top players speaks to his long-term consistency.
- Leadership impact: Lawrence’s role in elevating the Jaguars demonstrates how player leadership translates to team success.
- Versatile playmaking: McCaffrey’s dual-threat ability shows the value of multi-dimensional contributors.
As the MVP announcement arrives, the NFL community anticipates which of these outstanding performers will capture the league’s highest individual honor.
Who do you think should take home football’s top honor this season? Share your pick and join the discussion!