Brock Purdy's MVP Case Hyped by NFL Execs as 49ers Push for NFC West Title

NFL executives believe San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy may have the best case to win the 2026 AP NFL Most Valuable Player award, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

"He's playing a position at a high level," an NFC executive told Fowler. "He's putting it all together."

Another league executive said Purdy could win because the MVP is "a narrative-driven award" and San Francisco "looks like the best team in the NFC" despite dealing with an injury-riddled roster. The 49ers sit atop the conference with a 7-1 record, and they currently rank as the league's third-best scoring offense and sixth-best scoring defense.

Heading into the 2026 season, much of the preseason buzz surrounding the NFC West revolved around the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and the revamped Los Angeles Rams. Yet, San Francisco has jumped out to a comfortable lead over its division rivals.

Purdy isn't unfamiliar with being overlooked. The fifth-year quarterback became the last selection of the 2022 NFL Draft when he was selected with the No. 262 pick. Since then, he has led the 49ers to two division titles, two NFC championship games and one Super Bowl appearance.

Purdy has 1,980 passing yards with 17 touchdowns and five interceptions through eight games. He's also added 201 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.