NFL - The Athletic

Caleb Williams moved up in MVP odds following a strong Week 1 performance, positioning himself as a challenger to Josh Allen's favorite status.

Josh Allen remains the betting favorite to win NFL MVP after Week 1, indicating sustained confidence in his MVP candidacy despite competition from other rising candidates.

Lawrence was ranked too low entering the season; the source has now remedied his ranking upward following Week 1 performance.

Purdy was ranked too low entering the season; the source has now remedied his ranking upward following Week 1 performance.

Williams was ranked too low entering the season; the source has now remedied his ranking upward following Week 1 performance.

The source identifies Josh Allen as a quarterback who could reach new levels of performance in the 2026 season, suggesting upside potential beyond current expectations.

The source identifies Lamar Jackson as a quarterback who could reach new levels of performance in the 2026 season, suggesting upside potential beyond current expectations.

Patrick Mahomes returned from knee surgery in Week 1 against Denver; the source notes he was eased back into action with Kenneth Walker III handling the offensive load.

Kenneth Walker III resumed his Super Bowl MVP form as Kansas City's new feature back, taking the burden off of Patrick Mahomes in Mahomes' return from knee surgery; the source characterizes Walker as the primary offensive focal point in the game.

Wentz is positioned as the likely backup starter for the Vikings' Week 2 matchup against the Bears if Murray is not cleared from concussion protocol.

Murray remains in concussion protocol with uncertain status for Week 2 against the Bears; if not cleared, Carson Wentz would start.

Lamar Jackson is healthy again and described as a marvel whose sleight of hand will confuse defenses; the source emphasizes his elite playmaking ability and readiness to perform at his standard level.

Kirk Cousins guided the Raiders to a 27-13 victory over the Dolphins in Klint Kubiak's first game as head coach, showing early success in the new offensive system.

Jeanty was a key contributor in the Raiders' 27-13 victory over the Dolphins in Klint Kubiak's debut, demonstrating his importance to the offense under the new head coach.

Henry rushed for three touchdowns in Baltimore's season-opening 41-point rout of Indianapolis, establishing early-season scoring upside and workload in the Ravens' offense.

Jackson passed for over 300 yards in Baltimore's season-opening 41-point victory over Indianapolis, demonstrating early-season efficiency and offensive dominance.

Baker Mayfield faced a revamped Bengals defense in the season opener and was forced into 4 fumbles, indicating vulnerability against Cincinnati's defensive scheme and pressure.

Josh Allen was the decisive factor in the Bills' opening-day win despite a new coaching staff and defensive coordinator; his performance carried the team through defensive struggles, underscoring his continued role as the franchise's primary playmaker and closer in high-leverage moments.

Derrick Henry rushed for three touchdowns in the Ravens' season-opening rout of the Colts, signaling strong early-season production and goal-line usage in Baltimore's offense.

Lamar Jackson passed for over 300 yards in the season opener against Indianapolis, demonstrating strong early-season performance in the Ravens' dominant victory.

Trevor Lawrence carved up the Cleveland defense for four touchdown passes in Week 1, demonstrating strong early-season performance against a divisional opponent.

Patrick Mahomes returns for Week 1 after missing time, signaling his availability and readiness to lead his team in the new season.

Josh Allen was knocked out early in the playoffs last season and faces a huge season ahead; the source frames Week 1 as a critical juncture for him to break through and compete for deeper playoff success.

Lamar Jackson missed the playoffs last season and faces a huge season ahead; the source frames Week 1 as a critical juncture for him to break through and compete for playoff contention.

Joe Burrow missed the playoffs last season and faces a huge season ahead; the source frames Week 1 as a critical juncture for him to break through and compete for playoff contention.

Mayer is coming off his best season in 2025, in which he had 35 catches for 328 yards and a touchdown, establishing himself as a reliable target for the Raiders offense.

Tucker Kraft, a 2023 third-round pick, is returning to game action Sunday from a torn ACL suffered in Week 9 last season; his return coincides with a contract extension agreement with the Packers, signaling organizational confidence in his recovery and future role.

Josh Jacobs remains on the NFL commissioner's exempt list pending league decision on suspension following a misdemeanor battery conviction; his availability and playing time status are uncertain.

Purdy demonstrated he is no longer irrelevant with three touchdowns in the 49ers' season-opening win over the Rams in Melbourne, establishing his continued relevance as a starting quarterback.

Brissett is set to quarterback the Arizona Cardinals as the starter, marking the fourth time he will open a season in a starting role.

The source highlights Jahmyr Gibbs' potential as a key discussion point in 2026 predictions, suggesting emerging upside in his role and performance trajectory.

Rush is in line to start Atlanta's season opener against the Steelers in Pittsburgh if Tagovailoa can't play, positioning him as the backup quarterback ready to assume starting duties.

Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury and is uncertain for Atlanta's season opener against the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

With Sam Darnold's injury status uncertain for Week 2, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald indicated that Drew Lock is expected to start against Arizona, stating 'In my mind, I'm kind of thinking Drew (Lock) is going to play.'

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald indicated uncertainty about Darnold's availability for Week 2 against Arizona, stating 'I don't know yet' on his status. Macdonald added that he is 'kind of thinking Drew (Lock) is going to play,' suggesting the team is preparing for Darnold's absence and planning to start Lock in Week 2.

A.J. Brown suffered a high-ankle sprain in his Patriots debut against the Seahawks, leaving the game in the third quarter. He had recorded three catches for 26 yards before the injury occurred.

The source indicates Sam Darnold's injury status is critical to the Seahawks' Super Bowl repeat chances; if he can avoid missing significant time and return in a month or less, the team can survive the absence.

Nix has shifted his mindset entering his third season from a conservative approach focused on avoiding mistakes to an aggressive, play-making mentality. The source quotes Nix directly: during his first two seasons he "was trying to not mess up for the team," but now "I'm trying to make plays for the team." This mental evolution suggests increased confidence and a willingness to take calculated risks, which could translate to higher volume and more aggressive decision-making in the Broncos offense.

Drew Lock intervened in the fourth quarter to help the Seahawks salvage their celebratory night at Lumen Field after Sam Darnold's injury, stepping in as backup and leading the team to victory.

Sam Darnold suffered an injury that threatened to spoil the Seahawks' festivities at Lumen Field, forcing him out of the game.