MVP Candidates in 2026-2027
By: Jake Rajala
It’s official: Matthew Stafford is the 2025-2026 MVP. He barely edged out Drake Maye for the award. Stafford announced that he is coming back next season, too. With that said, I expect Stafford to stand out next season, again. After all, he has Sean McVay, Puka Nacua, and Davante Adams. Well, I”m going to also lay out way too early MVP picks next season. Let’s begin.
Matthew Stafford
As noted, I expect Stafford to have a stellar 2026-2027 season. He doesn’t only have chemistry with his weapons and coach. He is also much hungrier this offseason. Tom Brady had a few prominent wide receivers when he won his last Super Bowl. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Rams add another quality WR or elite tight end.
Joe Burrow
I believe his depressing postgame interview when he was sad is out the window. The last time that he was healthy for a full season, he threw the most passing yards and passing touchdowns among QBs. He only played in eight games last season. I anticipate him or Patrick Mahomes to win Comeback Player of the Year at the very least next season.
Jared Goff
Jared Goff threw the second most passing yards last season and the second most touchdowns last season. His defense didn’t do enough to help him. They ranked 22nd in PPG allowed and 19th in takeaways. I’d love to see Goff, who has Amon St. Brown and Jameson Williams return to being division champs (at the very least).
Aaron Rodgers
It’s time for the 42 year old Aaron Rodgers to go out guns blazing. A-Rod has his old play-caller (Mike McCarthy) back in his corner. He also has DK Metcalf and Darnell Washington, who are studs. I really anticipate him getting more weapons, too. George Pickens is most likely off the table, but there are plenty of options left.
Drake Maye
Obviously, Drake Maye should be an MVP candidate for the second straight season. He is only 23 years old, so he has plenty of potential. It’s impressive that he was so efficient and clutch with modest weapons at best. Stefon Diggs was the alpha male. After him, it’s not thrilling. Kayshon Boutte recorded 551 yards. I’d like to see an upgrade at WR2.
Patrick Mahomes
As noted, I expect Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow to bounce back and win CPOTY. Mahomes needs more firepower, especially if Travis Kelce retires. He has a few B quality weapons, but I’d love to see an A weapon. Perhaps Tyreek Hill can reunite with KC. It’s going to be easy for Mahomes to thrive, as he has two playoff teams (Broncos and Chargers) in his division.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
The Seattle Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba won Offensive Player of the Year this season. I wouldn’t be shocked if he gets 2k receiving yards next season. He won’t have Klint Kubiak, but he will have Sam Darnold. Jaxon had 1,793 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. He simply did it all. I hope he doesn’t follow in Michael Thomas’s footsteps by stepping away from football in his prime.
Honorable Mention:
Christian McCaffrey
CMAC won Comeback Player of the Year this season. Up next: MVP? CMAC has one of the best offensive minds in the league with Kyle Shanahan. Furthermore, the 49ers don’t have a lot of WR talent, so CMAC may get fed quite a bit. We witnessed Roger Craig, who was the OG all-purpose back. I believe when it’s all said and done for McCaffrey, he will find himself as a “first ballot” Hall of Famer.
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