By admin 
Tom Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion and three-time NFL MVP himself during his illustrious tenure with the New England Patriots, has transitioned seamlessly into his role as an NFL broadcaster. Leveraging his unparalleled experience and insight, Brady recently shared his early assessments for the 2026 NFL Most Valuable Player award on FOX Sports’ "Ask Tom." While his selections for the quarterback position are largely predictable, Brady has notably injected a running back into the conversation, a rarity in an era dominated by signal-callers for the league’s most prestigious individual honor. The last non-quarterback to claim the MVP trophy was Adrian Peterson in 2012, underscoring the significant achievement it would be for a running back to break that streak.
Brady’s top four MVP candidates, along with their current odds as provided by FanDuel, paint a compelling picture of the early season landscape. The selection of these players reflects not only individual statistical dominance but also their profound impact on their respective team’s success.
Josh Allen: The Established Favorite Leading the Charge
At the forefront of Brady’s list is Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who also holds the distinction of being the FanDuel MVP favorite at +165. Brady’s endorsement highlights Allen’s dual-threat capabilities, stating, "Josh Allen is playing great football. And that quarterback position we know impacts Josh is throwing it in, running it in. He’s doing a great job." This assessment is backed by Allen’s impressive statistical output through the first seven games of the 2026 season. He has amassed 1,793 passing yards, throwing for 11 touchdowns against just five interceptions, resulting in a strong passer rating of 101.1. Beyond his aerial prowess, Allen has been a force on the ground, accumulating 270 rushing yards and scoring nine touchdowns. His 20 total touchdowns are tied for the second-most in the league, showcasing his consistent ability to find the end zone through both passing and rushing.
Allen’s journey to this point has been marked by steady improvement and a relentless drive to elevate the Bills. His powerful arm, combined with his willingness to run through tackles, makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. The Bills, under Allen’s leadership, have consistently been contenders in the AFC East, and his individual performance is often the catalyst for their victories. Brady’s recognition of Allen’s impact is a testament to his understanding of what it takes to be a truly dominant force in the NFL. The quarterback position has long been considered the most crucial in professional football, and Allen embodies the archetype of the modern, game-changing signal-caller. His ability to consistently deliver in high-pressure situations and carry his team on his shoulders is precisely what MVP voters often seek.
Brock Purdy: The Steady Hand Guiding the 49ers’ Dominance
Next on Brady’s list is San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, whose steady and dependable play has been instrumental in the team’s strong 6-1 start. Brady emphasizes Purdy’s consistency, remarking, "The 6-1 49ers – I don’t think they would be in that position without Brock’s steady, dependable, consistent play. He’s done so many great things." Purdy’s statistics through seven games further validate this assessment: 1,748 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and only four interceptions, boasting an impressive 110.1 passer rating, which ranks third in the league. His efficiency and decision-making have been hallmarks of his play, enabling the potent 49ers offense to operate at a high level.
Purdy’s ascent has been a remarkable story, transforming from a relatively unknown late-round draft pick into a legitimate MVP candidate. His ability to execute Kyle Shanahan’s complex offensive scheme with precision and poise has earned him the respect of coaches, teammates, and analysts alike. Brady, having played quarterback at the highest level for two decades, understands the value of a quarterback who can consistently make the right reads and deliver the ball accurately. Purdy’s calm demeanor under pressure and his knack for making clutch plays have become defining characteristics of his game. His inclusion on Brady’s list signals that his impact extends beyond mere statistics; it’s about his leadership and his ability to elevate the entire team. The 49ers, with their loaded roster, are a formidable opponent, and Purdy’s role in orchestrating their success cannot be overstated. His third-place odds at +500 reflect the growing consensus that he is a serious contender for the MVP award.
Jared Goff: The Resurgent Lion Roaring Back to Elite Form
Brady also gives significant credit to Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who has experienced a career resurgence under Coach Dan Campbell. Brady’s observations after watching Goff play in consecutive weeks highlight his command of the offense: "Jared Goff. I’ve covered him now in back-to-back weeks. Total command of the offense. Doing such a great job distributing the ball, deep to Jameson Williams, to Amon-Ra [St. Brown]. He’s got it all going." Goff’s statistical profile through seven games is exceptional: 1,964 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and a mere one interception, resulting in a stellar 110.0 passer rating. His remarkable touchdown-to-interception ratio of 15-to-1 is a testament to his accuracy and decision-making.
Goff’s journey has been one of resilience. After a period of perceived stagnation, he has rediscovered his elite form in Detroit, leading the Lions to become one of the NFC’s most exciting teams. His ability to consistently deliver the ball to his playmakers, including the dynamic duo of Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown, has been a key factor in the Lions’ offensive success. Brady’s recognition of Goff’s distributed attack, targeting multiple receivers effectively, speaks to his understanding of offensive flow and quarterback management. Goff’s current odds of +2700 place him seventh on the MVP board, but his trajectory suggests he could climb higher. He is on pace for a career-high 4,770 passing yards, a significant indicator of his sustained impact. This season marks a potential career-defining campaign for Goff, as he continues to prove his doubters wrong and solidify his status as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks.
Jahmyr Gibbs: The Ground-Gaining Maverick Disrupting the MVP Narrative
Perhaps the most intriguing selection on Brady’s list is Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs. The inclusion of a running back in the MVP conversation is noteworthy, given the historical rarity of non-quarterbacks winning the award. Brady highlights Gibbs’ explosive performance, particularly his recent outing: "Jahmyr Gibbs. 150-plus yards last week against the Vikings defense. He takes up like 92% of the rushing yards for Detroit. He’s a threat to go the distance on any play." This endorsement comes as Gibbs leads the league in scrimmage yards with 1,058 and scrimmage touchdowns with 10 through seven games. His impressive stats include 773 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns, complemented by 34 catches for 285 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.
Gibbs’ ability to contribute significantly in both the running and receiving game makes him a unique and dangerous weapon. His breakaway speed and agility allow him to turn short gains into long touchdowns, keeping opposing defenses on their toes. Brady’s acknowledgment of Gibbs’ nearly singular impact on the Lions’ rushing attack underscores his importance to the team’s offensive identity. For a running back to even be considered for MVP in the modern NFL, they must demonstrate an extraordinary level of production and influence. Gibbs is doing just that. His odds of +6000, placing him 10th on the board, reflect the uphill battle running backs face in this award race. However, his current pace suggests he could finish with an astounding 1,880 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns, numbers that are undeniably MVP-caliber. If Gibbs continues his dominant performance and the Lions maintain their winning ways, he could very well challenge the long-standing quarterback monopoly on the MVP award, echoing the legendary feats of Adrian Peterson.
Brady’s insights provide a valuable snapshot of the emerging MVP race, showcasing a blend of established stars and emerging talents. His willingness to champion a running back like Jahmyr Gibbs signals a potential shift in the narrative, emphasizing that exceptional individual performance, regardless of position, can command league-wide recognition. As the 2026 NFL season progresses, the performances of Allen, Purdy, Goff, and Gibbs will undoubtedly be closely watched, and Tom Brady’s early predictions offer a compelling framework for understanding the unfolding drama.
