2025-26 Awards Favorites and Current Odds Including MVP
Summary
As the NFL season concludes, several major awards remain highly contested. The MVP race is led by the Rams’ Matthew Stafford, who is the strong favorite. He is challenged by New England’s Drake Maye, with Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Denver’s Bo Nix as longer shots. For Coach of the Year, New England’s Mike Vrabel is the frontrunner for his team’s turnaround, followed closely by San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan, Chicago’s Ben Johnson, and Seattle’s Mike Macdonald.
The Comeback Player of the Year award is dominated by San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey, who has returned from injury for a stellar season. Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence is also in contention after bouncing back from his own injuries, while veteran Philip Rivers is a distant candidate following his return from retirement.
As we head into the final weeks of the NFL season, it’s time to take a look at some of the favorites and current odds for awards. Aside from the Defensive Player of the Year award (Myles Garrett), most of the other major awards are still up for grabs. Let’s dive in and take a look at the favorites and possibly sleeper picks.
MVP
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (-200)
At this point in the season, this award is Matthew Stafford’s to lose. Despite an overtime loss to Seattle, the 37-year-old leads the NFL in touchdowns (40) and has thrown at least two touchdown passes in eight straight games, which is tied for the longest streak in his career. He’s thrown a TD in every game this season. Barring a complete disaster in the final couple of weeks, Stafford, at the very worst, will be a finalist for MVP.
Drake Maye, New England Patriots (+150)
While he lost an important head-to-head game against Josh Allen, Drake Maye is still in consideration, albeit he’s lost some of his luster. But Maye was able to bounce back with an impressive road win at Baltimore to keep the Patriots’ hopes of the top seed alive. The Pats are in the driver’s seat as their remaining two games are against the hapless Jets and Dolphins.
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (+2500)
Josh Allen has shown recently why he could win back-to-back MVPs. Allen led the Bills to a comeback win against the Patriots after falling behind 21-0. But Buffalo, a 10-point favorite, squeaked by the Browns. Still, because of Allen, the Bills are still alive for the division. To get into the serious conversation, he’ll need huge results against the Eagles and Jets and hope voters decide he’s worthy of two consecutive MVPs.
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (+10000)
Bo Nix had led the Broncos to 11 straight wins before a loss to the Jaguars at home. That may have dashed his hopes for MVP, but if he can lead the Broncos to two final wins and get that top seed, he could be back in consideration. But now Nix is a long shot compared to others on this list.
Current Odds for MVP
Matthew Stafford (LAR) -200
Drake Maye (NE) +150
Josh Allen (BUF) +2500
Bo Nix (DEN) +10000
Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots (+190)
Mike Vrabel has turned around the Patriots essentially overnight. New England has gone from 4-13 the last two seasons to leading the AFC East. The team is balanced as it sits inside the top ten in both points scored and points allowed, a testament to the hiring of OC Josh McDaniels and DC Terrell Williams. A big road win in Baltimore could have solidified this honor for Vrabel, and if the Pats go on to win the division and lock up the top seed, Vrabel is a lock.
Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers (+275)
What Kyle Shanahan has done with the 49ers has been remarkable. San Francisco lost the starting QB Brock Purdy, All-Pro tight end George Kittle for extended periods of time, among several other starters, including linebacker Nick Bosa, who tore his ACL in September. Still, Shanahan has the Niners alive for the division and the top seed.
Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears (+300)
Another team that has seen a huge turnaround is the Bears, as Ben Johnson has completely changed the landscape in Chicago. The Bears finished last in the NFC North a year ago and are now the favorites to win the division after an incredible win against the Packers. Johnson, the offensive wizard, has been able to improve QB Caleb Williams and revamp the rushing game. Even with a playoff berth, Johnson should be in the conversation.
Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks (+300)
In his second season as the head coach, Mike Macdonald has turned the Seahawks into a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Last season, Seattle was 10-7 and is now 11-3 in the tough NFC West and fighting for the top seed in the conference. That Thursday night win over the Rams has pushed Macdonald into the co-favorite spot with Vrabel. Should the Seahawks earn that top seed, it’d be very difficult not to give Macdonald the Coach of the Year award.
Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars (+500)
In his first season as the head coach, Liam Coen has turned things around in Jacksonville. He’s helped Trevor Lawrence play the best football of his career and is the favorite to win the AFC South. The Jags have won 6 in a row, including a massive road victory in Denver. The Jags finish the season against the lowly Titans, and a win there could lock up the division. Jacksonville finally got the right guy to lead this franchise, and he could be a contender for Coach of the Year at the end of the season.
Current Odds for Coach of the Year
Mike Vrabel (NE) +190
Kyle Shanahan (SF) +275
Ben Johnson (CHI) +300
Mike Macdonald (SEA) +300
Liam Coen (JAX) +500
Comeback Player of the Year
Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers (-450)
After missing chunks of last season with Achilles and knee injuries, Christian McCaffrey has been running through NFL defenses, tallying over 1,700 total yards and 14 touchdowns through Week 16. In 204, he was limited to just four games and only had 348 total yards.
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (+425)
After playing in just ten games last season due to concussion and shoulder injuries, Trevor Lawrence has bounced back to lead the Jaguars into playoff contention. He doubled his TDs compared to 2024 and, in Week 15, became the only player in NFL history to record five or more passing touchdowns, one or more rushing touchdowns, and at least 50 rushing yards in a single game. Should the Jags win the division, Lawrence’s name will be in the conversation.
Philip Rivers, Indianapolis Colts (+1800)
Philip Rivers has jumped into the conversation after returning from a five-year retirement. Now he has a chance to save the Colts’ season as Indy looks to lock up a playoff spot in the final two weeks. But the question is, has Rivers played enough games to earn consideration? Some will say that, at 44 years old, and stepping in and contributing, he should garner some votes.
Comeback Player of the Year Odds
Christian McCaffrey (SF) -450
Trevor Lawrence (JAX) +425
Aidan Hutchinson (DET) +1800
Philip Rivers (IND) +1800
Dak Prescott (DAL) +2500
