The competition for NFL MVP is intensifying as we wrap up the first month of the season, spotlighting two exceptional contenders leading the pack.

This past Week 4, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff shone brightly with an MVP-caliber performance, making history by completing all 18 of his passes and propelling his team to six touchdown drives in a commanding 42-29 victory against the Seattle Seahawks.

However, that impressive showing wasn’t quite enough to earn him a spot on our MVP leaderboard just yet.

The two quarterbacks currently at the top of our rankings have not only been pivotal in their teams’ unexpected successes but have also outshined several well-known MVP frontrunners.

Here’s a look at our MVP rankings following Week 4:

5. Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson – Stock Rising

Jackson contributed with a touchdown and threw two additional scores in the Ravens’ 35-10 triumph over the Buffalo Bills. He completed 13 of 18 passes for 156 yards and rushed for 54 yards during “Sunday Night Football.” While his performance wasn’t jaw-dropping, his running back Derrick Henry stole the spotlight with 199 rushing yards.

Though his stats may not align with what we’ve come to expect from a two-time MVP, leading the Ravens to a decisive victory on prime time certainly enhances his visibility in the MVP conversation.

4. Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes – Stock Steady

In the opening month of the season, Mahomes has heavily depended on his defense, including during the 17-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, who were held scoreless after the first quarter.

He engineered two touchdown drives, which were critical for the win, including a notable 54-yard touchdown to rookie Xavier Worthy. Mahomes also rekindled his connection with star tight end Travis Kelce, who tallied seven catches for 89 yards.

However, the injury to leading receiver Rashee Rice could impact how much Mahomes has to take charge of the offense as the Chiefs aim for another championship this season.

3. Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen – Stock Declining

Allen received our MVP nod in Week 3 after showcasing impressive performances against the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, and Jacksonville Jaguars, throwing 14 touchdowns. Unfortunately, in facing the Baltimore Ravens last week, the Bills could manage only one touchdown drive. Allen completed 16 of 29 passes for 180 yards and faced significant pressure, including a strip sack in Baltimore.

For Buffalo to pursue a deep playoff run this season, their key players must mature and prove their consistency. Allen and his squad need to bounce back quickly with a tough road game against C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans in Week 5.

2. Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels – Stock Rising

Daniels has experienced the most significant upward trajectory on our list, and based on his statistics, you could argue he deserves the top position as well. Nonetheless, for now, we have him at No. 2.

The Commanders have made history as the first team since at least 2000 to score on every offensive drive (excluding kneel downs) in their last two games.

Leading the Commanders, Daniels has directed more scoring drives (23) than he has recorded incompletions (19). Additionally, he has more touchdown contributions than star playmakers like Ja’Marr Chase, Breece Hall, Tyreek Hill, and CeeDee Lamb in the first month.

With an NFL-high 82.1 completion percentage, and fifth in QBR at 73.4, Daniels has also scored four of the team’s impressive 10 rushing touchdowns, leading the charge as the Commanders average 30.3 points per game, ranking third in the league.

1. Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold – Stock Rising

Leading the pack, Sam Darnold currently boasts the highest number of touchdown passes (11), an impressive 118.9 passer rating, and a perfect 4-0 record as the Vikings’ new starter after the first month of play.

Having steered his team to victories over strong contenders like the San Francisco 49ers and the Texans, Darnold further bolstered his MVP candidacy by guiding the Vikings to a critical NFC North win against the Green Bay Packers last week.

In that match, he orchestrated four touchdown drives in the first half, and despite the Packers’ impressive 22-point surge in the fourth quarter, the Vikings defense held firm to secure the victory.

Thanks to Darnold, the Vikings sit just behind the Bills and New Orleans Saints with 14 total touchdowns this season, and he is certainly a candidate for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year if he doesn’t clinch the MVP award.

This turnaround is remarkable for Darnold, once the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, who faced struggles with the New York Jets, then spent time with the Carolina Panthers and 49ers before finding a new home in Minnesota this NFL season.