Fox Sports ranks NFL’s top 10 players ahead of 2026 season
Reigning MVP Matthew Stafford heads a list that includes record-breaking defensive talent and elite quarterbacks, setting the stage for the upcoming National Football League campaign.
Fox Sports has released its ranking of the top 10 players in the National Football League ahead of the 2026 season, placing reigning MVP Matthew Stafford at the top of the list. The publication’s analysis identifies several candidates for the league’s best player, highlighting a competitive field that includes Stafford, Myles Garrett, Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes.
The ranking reflects the shifting dynamics of the league, with Stafford’s move to the Los Angeles Rams establishing him as the current standard-bearer. His new teammate, Myles Garrett, is also featured prominently after breaking the NFL’s single-season record for the most sacks. The inclusion of both players underscores the depth of talent available to the Rams as they enter the new season.
Other quarterbacks with strong claims to the top spot include Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen, who won the MVP award in 2024 and has maintained an elite level of play since the start of the decade. Patrick Mahomes, who has been widely regarded as the NFL’s best player for several years, also features in the top 10, continuing his long-standing presence in the league’s upper echelon.
Defensive prowess is well represented in the ranking, with Micah Parsons included despite an expected absence for the start of the 2026 season. Parsons is recovering from an ACL tear but remains a critical asset for the Green Bay Packers, having recorded 12.5 sacks and 81 pressures in his debut season with the team. His consistent performance, including at least 12 sacks in each of his five NFL seasons, cements his status as one of the league’s premier edge rushers.
Will Anderson Jr. of the Houston Texans is also highlighted for his rapid ascent, having recorded 30 sacks in his first three years. The Texans made a significant draft investment in Anderson, moving up from the 12th to the third pick in 2023 to secure his services. His improved playoff performance, including eight career sacks in six postseason games, suggests he may reach the 15-sack level in the upcoming season.
Offensive lineman Penei Sewell rounds out the notable mentions, with the ranking noting his attempt to shift from right tackle to left tackle. Sewell, who has earned four consecutive Pro Bowls and three first-team All-Pro nods, is considered a strong contender for the league’s top offensive lineman award. His inclusion in the overall top 10 reflects his significant impact on the field, despite the position often being overlooked in individual rankings.
