Today’s post is going to look at the best-of-the-best in the NFL. I see some incredible young players taking huge steps and cleaning up during awards season. But first, let’s look at the bosses that guide these careers.
Coaches of the Year Candidates:
NFC – Kevin O’Connell – Vikings
Rookie head coach leads a top 5 offence that takes them to the playoffs. O’Connell’s wide-zone schemes unlock Jefferson as the best WR in the league, and Dalvin Cook will lead the league in rushing. The narrative of the first year coach and the exciting offence should allow him to win but…
AFC – Brandon Staley – Chargers (Winner)
The hype is real as Staley leads the Chargers to the best record in the NFL. His defence figures out the run game, and navigates the ridiculously loaded QB class in the AFC West to his first coach of the year award.
Offensive Player of the Year is often given to the player with the most eye-popping statistics. This will be no different this year. The candidates:
NFC – Justin Jefferson – Vikings (Winner)
O’Connell brings the Rams offense to Minnesota, and Jefferson plays the Cooper Kupp role to perfection. I can see a 1900 yard, 15 TD year for him, and MVP votes to go along with the ridiculous production.
AFC – Patrick Mahomes – Chiefs
The magician will have to find some new tricks as the offensive skill group is re-worked. No matter for Mahomes as he racks up big-time yardage and 40+ TDs, just missing out on the award.
Often, the Defensive Player of the Year award goes to the big-time pass-rushers that put up the big-time sack totals. My choices:
NFC – Micah Parsons – Cowboys (Winner)
No player has dominated on the defensive side of the ball so young since Laurence Taylor. I can see a Taylor-esque year, with the Cowboys using Parsons as a more traditional stand-up pass rusher and racking up big-sack totals.
AFC – Derwin James – Chargers
Finally healthy, I can see James being a menace in the AFC. He could potentially be the only player in the league that can rack up 5 picks and 10 sacks playing anywhere Staley wants him and being the best at it.
The rookie class always brings a lot of anticipation, and we have a couple of good ones this year. First up, the Offensive candidates:
NFC - Jahan Dotson - Commanders
Dotson has been flying under the radar compared to more high profile rookies, but he will play a big part in the plans in Washington. When combined with Scary Terry, and the team having to play from behind a lot this year, I expect a lot of volume from Dotson, which will translate to an excellent rookie campaign.
AFC - George Pickens - Steelers (Winner)
Sometimes, when you know, you know. And Pickens looks like a superstar in the making already. The Steelers offence will be much improved, and they will look at getting their rangy rookie involved in the intermediate passing game and the red zone, leading to the ROY.
Now, the defensive ROY candidates:
NFC - Aiden Hutchison - Lions
The dude can ball, with a great combination of instinct and athleticism. He has shown to be crafty with his pass rushing moves, and holds up well against the run. I can see him rack up the TFLs but may struggle piling up the sacks as I see teams being able to run on the Lions' sub-par defence.
AFC - Sauce Gardner - Jets (Winner)
The supremely talented and confident DB will get opportunities to be the man in NY, with teams looking to challenge the rookie unlike in college where teams avoided him like the plague. I can see him pile up some early interceptions until teams figure out he is the shutdown man that the Gang Green have been looking for since they left Revis Island.
Comeback player of the year can be a bit of a grey area in terms of criteria. I think this will go to the players that bounce back from injury to stardom.
NFC – Christian McCaffery – Panthers
If Carolina can manage his touches, Run CMC can still be elite. I can see him and Baker building some early chemistry and a bounce-back for both players. It won’t translate to a lot of wins, but may keep McCaffery in the Panthers uniform for a little longer.
AFC – JK Dobbins – Ravens (Winner)
Dobbins’ injury robbed the Ravens of a complete back; something they haven’t had since Jamal Lewis. I can see him as the feature back, helping the Ravens back to the playoffs and taking some of the pressure off of Lamar Jackson.
Last but not least – MVP!
Candidates:
NFC – Tom Brady – Tampa Bay
In what is feeling more and more like his last year, the NFL will give its greatest ever player his just dues – an MVP award. Or they would, if not for a record-breaking Justin Herbert season!
AFC – Justin Herbert – Chargers (Winner)
Mark my words: Herbert will break the yardage and TD records this year. Yes, it will be with an extra game, but I think the perfect formula of an ascendant, athletic freak QB gaining confidence plus an exciting skill group and an improved offensive line will see the first of many MVPs for big Justin.
What do you think? See you tomorrow for the Bills vs Rams preview!
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