What happened: Caleb Williams ran second on the list, followed by Lamar Jackson, Kenneth Walker III and Jaxson Dart. Four quarterbacks made the five, with Walker III the only player listed without QB next to his name.
Why it matters: Allen's placement arrives with Buffalo at 4-0 and averaging 31.0 points per game. It also extends a run of MVP chatter around the Bills after The Athletic staff picked him for the 2026 award.
By the numbers: Buffalo carries a four-game winning streak, scores 31.0 points per game and allows 19.8. Wire Report also logged Allen at 11% in early 2026 MVP odds on Sept. 7.
What to watch: Buffalo's scheduled game against Detroit is Allen's next chance to build on that case. Further shuffling will depend on how Williams, Jackson, Walker III and Dart answer this week.