Josh Allen set to challenge Tom Brady’s MVP voting record in 2026

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is on track to tie Tom Brady’s record for the most consecutive seasons finishing in the top five of NFL MVP voting during the 2026 campaign. Allen has secured a top-five placement in each of the past four seasons, a streak that currently matches the four-year run achieved by Peyton Manning between 2003 and 2006. Brady holds the league record with five consecutive top-five finishes from 2013 to 2017.

The Bills’ institutional strategy for the upcoming season centres on continuity in offensive leadership. The franchise has promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach for 2026, replacing Sean McDermott. This internal appointment follows a period where the Bills have not reached the NFL title game in over 30 years, intensifying the pressure on the front office to secure their first Super Bowl title.

ESPN’s recent ranking of the top 100 players in the NFL placed Allen second, behind Los Angeles Rams pass rusher Myles Garrett. The ranking underscores Allen’s status as a central figure in the league’s competitive landscape. His voting history includes a third-place finish in 2022, fifth in 2023, the MVP award in 2024, and another third-place finish in the most recent season.

Defensively, the Bills retain Jim Leonhard as coordinator, providing stability on that side of the ball. The coaching transition is viewed as an effort to leverage the offensive scheme that has contributed to Allen’s recent success. With Allen at 30 years old, the organisation is betting on sustained high performance to break their long-standing title drought.

The 2026 season will determine whether Allen extends his current four-season streak to five, thereby tying Brady’s mark. The outcome will reflect not only individual performance but also the effectiveness of the Bills’ new leadership structure in navigating the AFC playoffs.