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Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills ended the 2025 season in heartbreak once again, but the team — and quarterback Josh Allen — could be getting a good sign as they turn the page to 2026.
The Bills overhauled their coaching staff after the divisional-round loss to the Denver Broncos, firing head coach Sean McDermott and elevating offensive coordinator Joe Brady to the top post. Though the massive changes have left some uncertainty about the prospects for the coming season, some experts believe Allen will bounce back in a big way.
Josh Allen Predicted to Top NFL in 2026
Though Allen fell out of contention early in his bid to repeat as NFL MVP, oddsmakers believe he will have a strong chance in 2026 to win his second title. As SI.com’s Alex Brasky noted, Allen tops the list of early odds for the MVP race.
“According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Bills’ QB is the favorite to win the 2026 MVP, with his odds currently at +600,” Brasky wrote. “Trailing Allen is two-time MVP Lamar Jackson, who sits at +750, while Maye is next up at +850. Stafford is a long shot at +1400, while Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow (+1000), Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert (+1100) and Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (+1100) round out the top six.”
The odds could also be a good sign for Buffalo’s hopes of regaining control over their division. The Bills were surpassed by the New England Patriots midway through the 2025 season and couldn’t surpass them, ultimately winning 12 games but going into the playoffs as a wild card.
The early prediction showing Patriots quarterback Drake Maye trailing Allen in MVP odds could be a sign that oddsmakers also believe the Bills will top the division once again.
Making Moves With Josh Allen in Mind
After Brady was elevated to head coach, many insiders expect the Bills to make more moves on offense to help Allen and alleviate the pressure he faced in 2025. The team’s wide receiving corps struggled to get separation for much of the season, allowing opposing defenses to put increasing pressure on Allen and force the Bills quarterback into mistakes.
That led many to predict the Bills will overhaul their pass-catching group for next season, even taking some big swings. Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has been pegged as a potential home-run swing option, especially after he expressed some discontent with the direction of his team.
The Bills could also bring back some help for Allen in the quarterback room. Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News believes the Bills will bring back quarterback Mitch Trubisky, a backup who has developed a close relationship with Allen and served as a coach of sorts for the starter.
Skurski noted that Trubisky works with Allen more often than the coaching staff during games.
“While his contributions on the field have been minimal, Trubisky is a trusted sounding board for Allen, both during the practice week and on the sideline during games,” Skurski wrote. “After every offensive drive, Allen takes a seat on the bench directly next to Trubisky, and the two break down the previous possession.”
Nathan Dougherty is a sports reporter covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. Previously he wrote for the Rochester Business Journal and served as the assistant editor of athletic trade magazines Coaching Management, Athletic Management and Training & Conditioning. He is based out of Rochester, New York, and loves everything football. More about Nathan Dougherty
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