{
  "id": 15809546,
  "title": "Week 7 NFL MVP Power Rankings: Smith-Njigba, Walker III leap upward",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/week-7-nfl-mvp-power-rankings-smith-njigba-walker-iii-leap-upward",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-20T22:17:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/week-7-nfl-mvp-power-221724143.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "After six weeks of NFL play, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has ascended to the top spot in the race for the year-end MVP Award. The Seattle Seahawks wide receiver was targeted 16 times against the Broncos, catching 12 passes for 134 yards. If any wideout can win MVP, Smith-Njigba is on track to do so, leading the league in receptions (49), receiving yards (717) and receiving touchdowns (7) through six games.\n\nBrock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers remains second in our power rankings, but his performance continues to impress. Last week, Purdy went 21-for-29 for 264 yards and one touchdown while maintaining the 49ers' perfect record. He is currently tied for the most passing touchdowns in the NFL (14).\n\nKenneth Walker III of the Kansas City Chiefs, who returned from a bye week, has proven his worth with an impressive 6.7 yards per carry, leading the NFL in rushing yards (665) and yards per carry (6.3). Walker III also has six rushing touchdowns and is a key contributor to the Chiefs' undefeated season.\n\nJosh Allen of the Buffalo Bills had another stellar performance, throwing for 255 yards and two touchdowns against the Raiders. Allen now has 1,504 passing yards, 240 rushing yards, and 17 total offensive touchdowns, propelling the Bills to a 5-1 record and first place in the AFC East.\n\nTrevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars, despite their loss to the Texans, has moved into the Top 5 of these rankings for the first time this season. Lawrence threw for 306 yards and four touchdowns against the Texans. He has now passed for 1,480 yards and 14 touchdowns, tying Brock Purdy for the league lead. The Jaguars are 4-2 overall.\n\nJadin Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs round out the Top 10 power rankings. Mahomes, however, has not played this week. The Detroit Lions' Bijan Robinson and Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers complete the final two spots.",
  "summary": "Who's at the top of the NFL MVP race with one-third of the season complete?",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}