MVP Watch Starts Early for One Viking
Is it too early? Yes. Does that matter for MVP consideration? No. Bleacher Report stepped up to the plate last week, naming Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray as a fringe contender for the NFL’s 2026 MVP award.
Murray’s first Vikings season now has a national longshot attached.
Murray signed with the Vikings in March, fresh off seven years with the Arizona Cardinals. His next chapter evidently already comes with possible MVP sizzle.
Vikings’ Passing Game Gives Murray an MVP Opening
Quite the prediction for Murray.
BR: Murray an Honorable Mention for MVP Candidates in 2026
BR’s Moe Moton sized up seven players who could snag the honor for the first time, and Murray got some love. Moton wrote, “Despite Kyler Murray’s recent struggles on the field and with injuries, he’s a talented two-time Pro Bowler who could be one of the league’s best in the right situation. Still in his prime, the 28-year-old could benefit from a change of scenery.”
“With the Minnesota Vikings, Murray will play with two-time All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson, a solid No. 2 receiver in Jordan Addison and reliable pass-catching tight end T.J. Hockenson. Moreover, head coach Kevin O’Connell has fielded a top-six passing offense in three of the previous four years. Murray could flourish with the Vikings’ supporting cast on a team that competes for the No. 1 seed in the NFC.”
Murray currently has +7500 odds to win the award, sandwiched between Jaxson Dart (+7000, NYG) and Cam Ward (+8,000, TEN).
What Murray Must Do to Win MVP
Realistically speaking, it’s a longshot for Murray to win the 2026 MVP award; no one quite knows if he’ll cleanly resonate in the Vikings’ offense, though fans are, of course, dreaming big.
For starters, Minnesota will need a winning record, plus a playoff appearance. In 2025, the club clawed its way to an “ugly” 9-8 record after a 4-8 start, missing the postseason and NFC North crown by one win, believe it or not. So, out of the gate for MVP contendership, Murray must take Minnesota to the postseason.
Winning in the playoffs does not matter for the MVP trophy; voters select the winner before postseason wins and losses. Statistically, Murray will probably have to deliver a stat line in this neighborhood:
- 3,800+ Passing Yards
- 35+ Total Touchdowns
- 15 or Fewer Interceptions
- A Team Record of 12-5 or Better
Vikings’ MVP History
The last guy to win an MVP for the Vikings? Adrian Peterson in 2012 — the last non-quarterback to bring home the league’s top individual hardware. Peterson singlehandedly took Minnesota to the postseason that year, just missing Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record and doing all his damage one season removed from a torn ACL. Peterson also made headlines this week when the Vikings surprised with his inclusion in U.S. Bank Stadium’s Ring of Honor. He’ll be formally inducted alongside 28 other Vikings legends at a home game in 2026.
Before Peterson, quarterback Fran Tarkenton won the award in 1975, and defensive tackle Alan Page started the party for Minnesota in 1971 — back in an era when the NFL entertained MVPs for defensive players.
Ironically, no player from the Cardinals, Murray’s former team, has ever won the award.
The First-Time Other Candidates in 2026
Moton revealed his full list, including these names in addition to Murray:
- Christian McCaffrey (RB, 49ers)
- Dak Prescott (QB, Cowboys)
- Caleb Williams (QB, Bears)
- Drake Maye (QB, Patriots)
- Justin Herbert (QB, Chargers)
- Joe Burrow (QB, Bengals)
Moton deemed the Burrow as the frontrunner from his first-time criteria, explaining, “He possesses MVP-caliber talent and has the supporting cast to rack up big numbers. In 2025, he led the league with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdown passes. Over the past several years, Burrow has built a strong rapport with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. In 2024, the former won the receiving triple crown, and the latter recorded double-digit touchdown receptions in the last two seasons.”
“Burrow’s MVP case comes down to two factors: staying healthy and the Bengals winning more games. In three out of six seasons, the 29-year-old has missed at least six outings. Cincinnati hasn’t qualified for the playoffs since the 2022 campaign. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, some believe Burrow’s future with the Bengals could be uncertain following another disappointing season. This team may play with more urgency in a make-or-break campaign.”
Two other Vikings players have MVP odds: quarterback J.J. McCarthy at +25,000 and wide receiver Justin Jefferson at +40,000. Jefferson’s odds are similar to rolling double sixes on a dice twice in a row.
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