The Reaction of NO with O₂ to Give Oxygen Is

The reaction of NO with O₂ to give oxygen is known to follow a third order rate law(rate = k[NO]²[O₂]) . Two possible mechanisms are shown below: Which of these two mechanisms is a more acceptable mechanism, based on the criteria given above?

A) Mechanism 1 because it is simpler
B) Mechanism 1 because its rate law is the same as the known rate law
C) Mechanism 2 because it only involves 2 steps
D) Mechanism 2 because only bimolecular processes are involved
E) Mechanism 1 because no unstable species are formed