by Jazz Ray
Saturday, Jun 13, 2026I've written a lot about the upcoming 2026/27 NFL season and my series continues with a look at three dark-horse candidates that offer longer odds and upside to win the Most Valuable Player of the Year award. Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are familiar front-runners, but these three players I'm about to highlight all have favorable situations, or bounce-back potential that could absolutely put them into the conversation at the end of the year. As of mid June 2026, here are three intriguing dark-hose picks, all who have the skills and experience to deliver an MVP-caliber season if different key variables align for them.
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (+2200 on DraftKings)
Now coming into his sixth season as the quarterback of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Trevor Lawrence benefits from continuity in the system. Last year he took a big step forward over the second half of the season under head coach Liam Cohem, throwing for over 4,000 yards. He also led the Jags to the Playoffs. He put together a late winning streak which consisted of minimal turnovers. The AFC South will be improved overall, but the Jaguars have a great opportunity to win the division again if Lawrence can stay healthy. And if he does, at +2200 odds (considering he was already top-5 in voting last season), Lawrence to win MVP makes an intriguing bet.
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (+2800 on DraftKings)
Following a mixed 2025/26 campaign, Jalen Hurts offers a lot of upside at +2800 for a bounce-back performance this season. Hurts is a former MVP runner-up and also a former Super Bowl MVP. His offense took a step back last year, but he thrives in designed runs and play-action. The NFC East will be a competitive division, but if Hurts is able to post 30-plus touchdowns and limit the turnovers, the dynamic Eagles' pivot, playing with a chip on his shoulder, could be rewarded at the end of the season. Hurts is an impact player and has confidence, experience and plenty of weapons around him to utilize. Additionally, if off-season offensive line improvements pan out like expected, then Hurts offers great value at +2800 to win the 2026/27 MVP.
Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings (+4000 on DraftKings)
Hear me out. Remember, this is an article about dark horses, and at +4000, I believe I can make a strong argument for Murray to win. Murray moves on to Minnesota where he pairs with offensive "guru" Kevin O'Connell, who has the potential to finally tap into Murray's dual-threat capability which saw him make the Pro Bowl while with the Cardinals. Murray will have to win the battle as starter over JJ McCarthy, but providing that happens, if Murray posts 4,500+ total yards and leads the Vikes into the Playoffs, then he'll generate a ton of attention. In a new environment, and with O'Connell recapturing the good old days with proper schemes to unlock his former potential, Murray could be poised for a big bounce-back campaign.
Am I suggesting that you run out and place these wagers in June?! Of course not! But, if you're comfortable tying up a small portion of your bankroll for several months, and if you're into long-shots, dark horses and underdogs, then I think that Trevor Lawrence, Jalen Hurts and Kyler Murray offer potential to win the MVP. History has shown that surprise contenders emerge from strong team performances (like Drake Maye for the Patriots last year), so if you're looking to add some extra excitement to your 2026 season, I think these three players are serious dark horse contenders.
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (+2200 on DraftKings)
Now coming into his sixth season as the quarterback of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Trevor Lawrence benefits from continuity in the system. Last year he took a big step forward over the second half of the season under head coach Liam Cohem, throwing for over 4,000 yards. He also led the Jags to the Playoffs. He put together a late winning streak which consisted of minimal turnovers. The AFC South will be improved overall, but the Jaguars have a great opportunity to win the division again if Lawrence can stay healthy. And if he does, at +2200 odds (considering he was already top-5 in voting last season), Lawrence to win MVP makes an intriguing bet.
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (+2800 on DraftKings)
Following a mixed 2025/26 campaign, Jalen Hurts offers a lot of upside at +2800 for a bounce-back performance this season. Hurts is a former MVP runner-up and also a former Super Bowl MVP. His offense took a step back last year, but he thrives in designed runs and play-action. The NFC East will be a competitive division, but if Hurts is able to post 30-plus touchdowns and limit the turnovers, the dynamic Eagles' pivot, playing with a chip on his shoulder, could be rewarded at the end of the season. Hurts is an impact player and has confidence, experience and plenty of weapons around him to utilize. Additionally, if off-season offensive line improvements pan out like expected, then Hurts offers great value at +2800 to win the 2026/27 MVP.
Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings (+4000 on DraftKings)
Hear me out. Remember, this is an article about dark horses, and at +4000, I believe I can make a strong argument for Murray to win. Murray moves on to Minnesota where he pairs with offensive "guru" Kevin O'Connell, who has the potential to finally tap into Murray's dual-threat capability which saw him make the Pro Bowl while with the Cardinals. Murray will have to win the battle as starter over JJ McCarthy, but providing that happens, if Murray posts 4,500+ total yards and leads the Vikes into the Playoffs, then he'll generate a ton of attention. In a new environment, and with O'Connell recapturing the good old days with proper schemes to unlock his former potential, Murray could be poised for a big bounce-back campaign.
Am I suggesting that you run out and place these wagers in June?! Of course not! But, if you're comfortable tying up a small portion of your bankroll for several months, and if you're into long-shots, dark horses and underdogs, then I think that Trevor Lawrence, Jalen Hurts and Kyler Murray offer potential to win the MVP. History has shown that surprise contenders emerge from strong team performances (like Drake Maye for the Patriots last year), so if you're looking to add some extra excitement to your 2026 season, I think these three players are serious dark horse contenders.
