It doesn't take a pro scout to tell you who the best player is on the Atlanta Falcons' roster going into the 2026 NFL season.
Superstar running back Bijan Robinson is fresh off signing a new contract that made him the highest-paid running back in NFL history (for about two days), and he should be the centerpiece of Kevin Stefanski's offense.
Robinson has been named the Falcons' non-quarterback MVP by Jared Dubin at CBS Sports, who warns that if Robinson doesn't take that title, it'll be because something went very wrong.
"Robinson finished last season with 1,478 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, and he led the NFL with 2,298 yards from scrimmage. He just signed a monster contract and he is again going to be the centerpiece of the Atlanta offense.
With major question marks at quarterback, the Falcons are going to depend on him to carry the load. If he's not the team's MVP, something has probably gone very wrong in Atlanta."
Robinson has already proved to be a dynamic force, regardless of who starts at quarterback. With better QB play in 2026, the former top-10 pick could take his game to another level. Aside from Robinson's elite rushing ability, he is one of the best pass-catching backs in the NFL.
If either Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix can shed the negative narratives that have accumulated over the last two years and prove they can be a true franchise quarterback, then Atlanta will be in great shape looking ahead to compete with a young, solid roster core.
The team will play its first preseason game against the Denver Broncos this Friday evening at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta will likely play the majority of its starters, but we wouldn't be surprised if the coaches hold Robinson out just to be safe.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: CBS Sports names Falcons' non-QB MVP for 2026 NFL season
