by The NFL awards seem to change drastically from year to year, whether it’s how they determine Comeback Player of the Year or who deserves MVP. Although some awards seem unpredictable, some feel like it is only a matter of time before a particular player wins it.
Nonetheless, it is to predict whose names will be etched into NFL history.
Most Valuable Player: Lamar Jackson
Jackson, who had a robust case for MVP last year, is looking for his third MVP in eight years. The Baltimore Ravens have made another re-tooling this offseason, adding veterans DeAndre Hopkins and Jaire Alexander. With them, now the AFC favorites, Jackson’s chances of winning the award drastically increase.
The stats will never be a problem for Jackson. He is consistently getting electric rushing numbers. In his first seven seasons in the NFL, he has 6,173 rushing yards along with 199 total touchdowns. Few players can match his stats yearly, and with the Ravens seemingly on a revenge tour this season, nothing is stopping Jackson from getting back to the top of the MVP ladder.
Offensive Player of the Year: Bijan Robinson
Bijan is just two years into his NFL career, but he is already one of the must-see players. His combination of explosiveness and agility is something very few players have. Besides his sparkling play style, he is also one of the most productive players in the league. He had 1,887 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns last year.
(Bijan 2024 highlights here)
Although there are plenty of worthy candidates for this award, such as Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan is behind a phenomenal Atlanta Falcons interior offensive line and a team that is considered a rising force.
Defensive Player of the Year: Micah Parsons
Parsons is the definition of someone who is “due” for an award. Since the moment he stepped onto the NFL field, Parsons has been one of the league’s dominant defensive forces. In his first four seasons, he had 52.5 sacks and nine forced fumbles.
After a forgettable 2024 season for the Dallas Cowboys, they are looking to be one of the league’s best once more. Since Parsons is the only premier defensive player currently without a DPOY, it seems only a matter of time before he is crowned with the award.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ashton Jeanty
One of the best running back prospects ever, Jeanty, is getting the keys to the offense Day One. Out of all the offensive rookies, there is nobody in a better position to get top-of-the-league touches, along with the ability to capitalize on them.
Jeanty will have high expectations, but he is such a gifted runner that it is easy to imagine him being a top-10 running back in his first season. Although there are other great offensive rookies, such as Cam Ward and Travis Hunter, Ward is in a less-than-ideal situation, and there is no guarantee how many offensive snaps Hunter will see.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Abdul Carter
The third-overall pick is in one of the best rookie situations in the league. Carter is lining up opposite the established edge rusher Brian Burns, and in the middle of the d-line, one of the best defenders in the NFL, Dexter Lawrence. Because he is a part of this stacked line, Carter is likely to face one lineman at all times.
Carter’s unbelievable bend and athleticism make his game very translatable. He will be a candidate for double-digit sacks immediately. The other exceptional defenders in this draft, Hunter and Mason Graham, have major questions, such as Hunter’s defensive snap count and Graham’s poor team around him, along with skills that may take a while for Graham to develop.
Coach of the Year: Dan Quinn
After shocking the world and taking the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship Game last season, all eyes are on Quinn and the Commanders. Washington made a big move this offseason, trading for star left tackle Laremy Tunsil. This move removes one of their major weaknesses on their team, the offensive line.
Washington appears to be one of the top teams in the NFC, alongside the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. If Washington can remain one of the top teams in the NFC and the league, Quinn would solidify himself as an elite coach and be a favorite for the year he has surprisingly never won: Coach of the Year.
Comeback Player of the Year: Aidan Hutchinson
Hutchinson had a devastating leg injury last season, ruining his historic start to the season. In the five games he played, he had 7.5 sacks and 27 pressures. After one of the scarier injuries in NFL history, Hutchinson coming back and playing like his Pro Bowl self again will automatically make him the top candidate for Comeback Player of the Year.
