This week marks the third of the 2024 NFL season. After five games, some players and teams have exceeded expectations, while others have struggled. The reigning champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, are undefeated at 5-0, just like the Minnesota Vikings. Conversely, teams like the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams, once favorites for the playoffs, have each started with a disappointing record of 1-4.

As we head into Week 6, the race for the NFL MVP is heating up. Some initial favorites are slipping while younger stars are moving up in the rankings. Here’s a look at the top five MVP candidates, according to odds from BetMGM, ahead of Week 6.

NFL MVP Rankings by Odds: Week 6

Odds as of Friday.

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5. QB Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (+1000)

Currently, Daniels is a top contender for the NFL Rookie of the Year and has now entered the MVP conversation. He ranks first in completion percentage (77.1%) and has scored eight touchdowns (four rushing, four passing) against two interceptions. He’s not sticking to short passes either, posting an average throw depth of 7.1 yards, which is tied for 16th among starting quarterbacks.

This week presents a significant challenge as he faces the formidable Baltimore Ravens defense. A strong performance that leads to a victory on Sunday could enhance his MVP chances.

4. QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (+750)

Allen began the season as a leading MVP candidate following a strong 3-0 start for Buffalo. However, since two losses to Baltimore (35-10) and Houston (23-20), he has slipped to fourth place.

The Bills struggled offensively without their top wide receiver, Khalil Shakir, during those games. Although Allen has navigated without throwing any interceptions—making him the sole full-time starting quarterback without one this season—his offense needs Shakir back to succeed; otherwise, he may face challenging throws ahead.

T-2. QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (+650)

Jackson’s performance and the Ravens’ offense have drastically improved since Week 2. Over the past three games, Baltimore has averaged 467 offensive yards and 36 points per game, establishing themselves as the top rushing team and the second-highest scoring unit in the league, supported by Jackson and Derrick Henry’s dual-threat capabilities.

Jackson’s passing game is also on the rise in 2024, aiming for a career best in net yards per attempt and a career low in sack percentage. The Ravens will have an opportunity to rack up more yards and points this week against Washington. A standout performance might propel Jackson further up the MVP rankings.

T-2. QB C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (+650)

Stroud led the Texans to victory last week despite being without star receiver Nico Collins for most of the game. Collins is set to miss at least four weeks due to a hamstring issue, but Stroud is still supported by strong receivers like Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell.

His completion percentage and passing yards per game have improved since his Offensive Rookie of the Year season. With upcoming road games, including one against New England, two wins could further narrow the gap atop the MVP rankings.

1. QB Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (+240)

At the start of this season, it seemed probable for Mahomes to lead the MVP race with the Chiefs at 5-0. However, it is surprising he leads in interceptions with six and is on track for career lows in yards per game and quarterback ratings, along with a career-high in sack percentage.

Nonetheless, Mahomes is enjoying a career-best in completion percentage at 69.4%, and the Chiefs’ offense continues to deliver in crucial situations. They have a bye this week but will face the 49ers in Week 7, a rematch of the Super Bowl. A victory likely won’t shift his odds much; however, a loss could significantly impact his standing.

Next five contenders: QB Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (+1300); QB Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (+1500); QB Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers (+1600); QB Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (+2000); QB Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (+2800)