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NFL MVP Race: Who Is the No. 1 Candidate After Week 8? 1
November 7, 2026 NFL, Buffalo Bills, Featured
Josh Allen remains the leading candidate in the NFL MVP race after Week 8, holding the No. 1 spot among the league’s top performers. The Buffalo Bills quarterback strengthened his case by overcoming a difficult first half and delivering another productive performance against Baltimore.
Allen finished with 316 passing yards and three touchdowns, helping Buffalo pull away after an uneven start. His first half was far from flawless, as he completed only 42.1% of his passes and threw a pass that was tipped into an interception. However, he responded after halftime and gave the Bills the efficiency they needed. The result reinforced his value to an offense that depends on his decision-making and ability to create explosive plays when the game demands a response.
Buffalo Bills, Josh Allen, NFL
Nov 30, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) scrambles during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Allen completed 13 of 15 passes in the second half, showing the ability to recover and adjust as the game developed. He was particularly effective downfield, completing six of 10 attempts traveling at least 10 air yards for 157 yards and two touchdowns. One of his biggest plays came on a 43-air-yard completion to DJ Moore in the third quarter.
That performance reflects the qualities keeping Allen ahead of other MVP contenders. Allen ranks first in the NFL in expected points added per dropback at 0.25, while his 60.1 passing expected points added places him fifth. His ability to contribute as both a passer and runner also makes him a difficult matchup, giving Buffalo multiple ways to generate offense.
Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen Emerges as Top NFL MVP Candidate After Week 8
Buffalo Bills, Josh Allen, NFL
Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) reacts after throwing an interception in the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Allen has emerged as the top player to win MVP during the 2026 NFL season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Kevin Patra for the league’s official website.
Week 8 started a little wobbly for Allen in the first half of Sunday’s win over Baltimore. He missed a few passes, including a ball behind tight end Jackson Hawes that was popped up for an INT. Allen completed 42.1% of his first-half passes. You don’t keep Allen down long, however. The QB hit 13 of his 15 second-half passes while divebombing the Ravens’ defense.
On throws of 10-plus air yards on Sunday, Allen was 6 of 10 for 157 yards and two touchdowns, including a season-high 43 air yards on a completion to DJ Moore in the third quarter, per Next Gen Stats. Allen’s ability to play through rough patches keeps him at the top of the standings. He remains first overall in EPA per dropback (0.25) and nudged up his pass EPA to 60.1 (fifth in the NFL).
Brock Purdy remains close behind, supported by a league-best 53% success rate and the second-best expected points added per dropback at 0.23. Joe Burrow has also strengthened his candidacy after throwing for 462 yards and five touchdowns and adding a rushing score in Week 8. Both quarterbacks present competition, but Allen’s consistency and response to adversity have kept him at the top.
The MVP race remains open, with several quarterbacks capable of making a push during the second half of the season, but Allen has the strongest position after another high-impact outing. Buffalo’s ability to keep winning will remain important to maintaining his lead this season.
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