New Clear-Cut Favorite Has Emerged To Win NFL MVP During Week 9

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

The 2026 NFL MVP race appeared to be wide open entering Week 9 of the season. While some players, such as Brock Purdy, Patrick Mahomes, Trevor Lawrence, and Josh Allen, earned MVP buzz, it wasn’t clear who could take the coveted award in the competition.

Week 9 started, and a new favorite emerged after another strong performance. The league has multiple quarterbacks fighting for a playoff spot, and one of the best made a strong case for the trophy early in the morning.

Prediction Markets Show Joe Burrow Pulling Away From The Pack

Joe Burrow became the clear MVP favorite halfway through the 2026 season with his game against the Atlanta Falcons. The former No. 1 overall pick traveled to Madrid, where he ripped the Falcons, leading the Cincinnati Bengals to a new win.

As of writing, Burrow has a 35% chance of winning the award, according to Polymarket. Allen ranks second with 23% and Purdy comes in third with 15%. Executives had picked him as their candidate to win the award before the season.

Burrow went 24 of 29 for 271 yards and three touchdowns. The Bengals won, 34-17, and improved to 6-2. They will host the Pittsburgh Steelers, the other 6-2 team in the AFC North, next week, with a big chance to take the top of the standings.

Burrow has not won the MVP yet, and if he continues to play at this level and the Bengals collect more wins, he could take home the long-sought award. He ranks fourth in passing yards (2,115), first in touchdowns (20) and 22nd in interceptions (six). He has strong numbers ahead of the second half of the season.