NFL 2026 Surprises: Brock Purdy MVP and Raiders Competence 2026

As the NFL 2026 season unfolds, several unexpected storylines have captured fans' attention, from Brock Purdy's MVP-level performance to the Las Vegas Raiders' surprising competence. These early surprises are shaping the narrative of the season and keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Brock Purdy: From Mr. Irrelevant to MVP Frontrunner

Under an obscure Santa Clara bylaw, we are legally obliged to point out that Purdy has outplayed his status as the last pick in the 2022 draft. But last season, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback was caught up in his team's horrible injury luck (which continues unabated), missing eight games. Purdy still played well when healthy, but nobody was quite prepared for how good he has been in 2026. The 49ers are 3-0 despite all the injury hits, and Purdy is the primary reason. He has completed 60 of 83 passes (72.3%) for 789 yards (9.5 yards per attempt), nine touchdowns, one interception, no sacks, and a passer rating of 133.1, which leads the league quite comfortably.

Key Stats Behind Purdy's MVP Case

Las Vegas Raiders: Competence or Mirage?

The Raiders have long been a punchline, but early in 2026, they look... competent? At 2-1, they've shown a balanced offense and a defense that bends but doesn't break. Head coach Antonio Pierce has instilled discipline, and new quarterback Desmond Ridder has managed games effectively. Is this sustainable? Only time will tell, but for now, Raiders fans have reason to hope.

What's Behind the Raiders' Turnaround?

• Improved offensive line play: The Raiders have allowed just five sacks in three games.
• Ball control: They rank top-10 in time of possession.
• Defensive takeaways: Six takeaways in three games, tied for second in the league.

Other Surprises to Watch

Beyond Purdy and the Raiders, keep an eye on the Indianapolis Colts, who are riding the arm of 44-year-old Philip Rivers to an unexpected 2-1 start. The Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars, both rebounding from bad 2024 seasons, are also worth monitoring.

Key Takeaways

• Brock Purdy leads the NFL in passer rating and is a legitimate MVP candidate.
• The Raiders are 2-1 with a balanced attack and opportunistic defense.
• Veteran quarterbacks like Philip Rivers are proving age is just a number.
• Surprise teams often fade, but these early trends are worth tracking.

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