Brock Purdy emerges as the 2026 NFL MVP frontrunner

The 2026 NFL season is only five weeks old, but a frontrunner for the coveted MVP award is beginning to emerge. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has played impressive football across the first month of the season, leading his team to an undefeated start. If Purdy maintains this level of play, the former "Mr. Irrelevant" in the 2022 NFL Draft can become the first 49ers player to win the award since Steve Young in 1994.

Why Brock Purdy is the MVP Frontrunner

As mentioned prior, Purdy and the 49ers are 5-0 alongside the Kansas City Chiefs and the Minnesota Vikings. The former Iowa State quarterback is fresh off an awe-inspiring 32-29 victory against the reigning champion Seattle Seahawks on the road. Purdy tossed for 189 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception. However, Purdy led the offense on a clutch fourth quarter drive when he found Brandin Cooks for a 7-yard touchdown and converted a two-point conversion soon after.

It is worth mentioning that Purdy was pressured on 50% of his passes throughout the game. The last time the 49ers and the Seahawks played was in the 2025 NFC Divisional Round, when Seattle dismantled San Francisco 41-6. With Sunday's 32-29 victory, the 49ers finally got their revenge on their division rival.

Overall, Purdy has thrown for 1,196 yards, 13 touchdowns (1st in NFL), two interceptions and a QBR of 85.5 (1st in NFL). Moreover, the 49ers quarterback is ranked second in the NFL in passer rating (119.3), respectively.

At this juncture, it is fair to say Purdy has shaken off the narrative that he is a "System Quarterback". 

How Brock Purdy can maintain his lead in the MVP race

The MVP race is crowded with premier athletes such as Falcons halfback Bijan Robinson, Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Robinson has accumulated 580 rushing yards while keeping the Falcons' offense afloat. Allen had a prolific 121-yard rushing output in a thrilling 37-34 OT win over the Los Angeles Rams last Monday night. Meanwhile, Mahomes has guided Kansas City to a 5-0 start and will look to maintain that momentum coming out of the Chiefs' bye week. 

Unfortunately for Purdy, the 49ers offense will be without star wideout Deebo Samuel and fullback Kyle Juszczyk for several weeks due to injuries. Moreover, San Francisco is set to face a strong gauntlet of opponents such as the Commanders, Falcons, Raiders, Cowboys and the Vikings over the following weeks.

If Purdy can consistently rise to the occasion in critical moments (vs. Seattle) and can continue to protect the football, the 2026 NFL MVP award could very well be within reach for the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.