The annual NFL MVP race is already shaping up with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson trading as the betting favorites in the NFL odds leading into the 2025-26 season.
Allen and Jackson are both coming off dominant statistical seasons and have, respectively, received the MVP honors in the past two seasons.
Here’s a peek at the pair of elite quarterbacks, along with a look at a long shot in the NFL MVP odds: Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert.
2025-26 NFL MVP Odds
| Player |  |
|---|---|
 Josh Allen |
+550 |
 Lamar Jackson |
+550 |
 Joe Burrow |
+650 |
 Patrick Mahomes |
+700 |
 Jayden Daniels |
+750 |
 Jalen Hurts |
+1700 |
 Justin Herbert |
+1800 |
 C.J. Stroud |
+2500 |
 Baker Mayfield |
+2500 |
 Jordan Love |
+2500 |
🦬 Josh Allen, Bills (+550)
Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen finally broke through with his first MVP in 2024-25, combining highlight-reel moments with a career-low six interceptions alongside 40 total touchdowns.
His rushing ability continues to elevate his profile as a unique dual-threat, and his 0.321 EPA/play ranked third among all passers despite the Bills scaling back his volume. A second year under offensive coordinator Joe Brady could bring a return to 500+ pass attempts, especially with an elite offensive line and another full offseason to build chemistry with his receiving corps.
Still, Allen’s path to a second straight MVP won't be easy. Only Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning have gone back-to-back this century, and voters have shown a reluctance to reward repeat winners, as Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson found out the hard way.
🐦⬛ Lamar Jackson, Ravens (+550)
Speaking of Jackson, he finished second in NFL MVP voting last year despite leading the league in passer rating (119.6), QBR (77.3), yards per attempt (8.8), and deep-ball efficiency.
The consolation prize was being named First-Team All-Pro ahead of Allen.
Jackson threw 41 touchdown passes compared to just four interceptions, averaged 6.6 yards per rush, and was second in adjusted EPA/play (0.310) to lead the way for the Ravens, finishing with one of the league’s best records.
Baltimore has the second-shortest Super Bowl odds, and Jackson has all his key weapons back, including Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and both tight ends. If he stays healthy and delivers anything close to last year’s performance, Jackson will be in the conversation to win a third NFL MVP award.
⚡ Justin Herbert, Chargers (+1800)
While Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert isn’t a frontrunner to win the 2025 NFL MVP, he’s a long shot with a path to contention.
The Chargers quarterback posted the most efficient season of his career in 2024, throwing just three interceptions on 504 attempts — the second-lowest INT rate (0.6%) in NFL history for a 500-attempt passer. He ranked fifth in on-target rate (77.0%), but a league-worst 6.6% drop rate and inconsistent receiver play dragged down his completion percentage and overall production.
Still, Herbert’s success airing it out was legit. He led the NFL in deep-ball touchdowns, completed 40.3% of his throws 20+ yards downfield (8th), and posted a 9:2 TD-to-INT ratio on those passes, second only to Jackson. With 7.7 YPA and solid underlying metrics, Herbert's 2024 tape was better than his raw stats.
Now paired with Jim Harbaugh and a revamped backfield led by Najee Harris and rookie Omarion Hampton, Herbert won’t need to carry the load alone. But if the Chargers win games and his receivers step up, he has the arm talent and narrative to climb the NFL MVP odds board quickly.
