MVP
- Josh Allen – Buffalo Bills
Allen’s blend of arm talent and rushing ability keeps him at the forefront of MVP conversations. With a retooled offensive line and a deeper receiving corps, he’s primed for a 45+ total touchdown season. If the Bills secure the AFC’s #1 seed, Allen’s narrative of finally getting Buffalo back to the Super Bowl stage will be impossible to ignore. - Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs
Even in what’s considered a “down” year for Mahomes, he’s still a top-three QB in the league. With Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy providing speed and separation, Mahomes could lead the NFL in passing yards while pushing Kansas City towards another championship — an MVP-friendly storyline. - Joe Burrow – Cincinnati Bengals
Burrow’s precision passing and stacked WR trio could lead to career highs in yards and touchdowns. If Cincinnati’s defense is good enough for the team to make the playoffs, Burrow’s steady excellence puts him squarely in the MVP race. - C.J. Stroud – Houston Texans
After back to back seasons with a playoff victory, and now with his best team yet, Stroud is poised to contend for the MVP. Houston’s offense could be one of the league’s most explosive, and a jump from playoff contender to AFC title threat makes Stroud a dark-horse MVP. - Baker Mayfield – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If Mayfield replicates that success from last season and the Bucs win 11+ games, he could put the numbers up necessary to put himself in the conversation.
Defensive Player of the Year
- Will Anderson – Houston Texans
Anderson’s first two years hinted at superstardom. In Year 3 under DeMeco Ryans, expect double-digit sacks and game-wrecking performances that anchor Houston’s projected #1 defense and rise into AFC elite territory. - Jared Verse – Los Angeles Rams
Verse enters the NFL with a rare mix of power and speed. If Verse can finish taking the QB to the ground this season his sack numbers should reflect a dominant season. - Derek Stingley Jr. – Houston Texans
Stingley’s elite ball skills and lockdown coverage could lead to 5–7 interceptions this season. If the Texans’ defense is as good as I think it will be, he’ll get recognition as the league’s best corner. - Myles Garrett – Cleveland Browns
The best defensive player in football is still at the peak of his powers. Cleveland’s lack of team success will keep him lower in the race, but Garrett’s consistent dominance keeps him in contention. - Maxx Crosby – Las Vegas Raiders
Crosby’s relentless motor and improved supporting cast could help him post a career-high sack total, putting him in the DPOY conversation yet again.
Offensive Player of the Year
- A.J. Brown – Philadelphia Eagles
Brown has been on the cusp of OPOY numbers for years. With 1,600+ yards and 12+ touchdowns within reach, he could finally claim the award. - Bijan Robinson – Atlanta Falcons
With Zac Robinson designing an offense tailored to his skill set, Bijan could become the NFL’s scrimmage yards leader, producing both highlight runs and massive volume. - Ja’Marr Chase – Cincinnati Bengals
Chase’s chemistry with Burrow is unmatched, and if the Bengals’ offense returns to top-tier status, he could put up record-breaking numbers. - Brock Bowers – Las Vegas Raiders
Tight Ends rarely enter award races — but Bowers is awesome. His versatility could make him the focal point of the Raiders’ offense. - Xavier Worthy – Kansas City Chiefs
Worthy’s blazing speed could unlock the Chiefs’ vertical game. If he continues his progress from last season, along with a more dynamic Chiefs offense, he could be a legitimate sleeper for OPOY.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
- Jihaad Campbell – Philadelphia Eagles
Campbell’s sideline-to-sideline range and ability to blitz make him an immediate difference-maker. A high tackle count plus being a splash play waiting to happen could win him DROY. - Jahdae Barron – Denver Broncos
Barron’s versatility to play slot corner or safety fits perfectly with Vance Joseph’s defense. He could fill the stat sheet with picks, sacks, and forced fumbles. - Mike Green – Baltimore Ravens
Green’s power and disruption on the interior could make him one of the Ravens’ most impactful defensive lineman from day one. - Abdul Carter – New York Giants
Carter’s athleticism and pass rush skills should translate quickly, especially with a heavy workload. Having to compete for numbers with a loaded defensive line in New York lowers him on the ballot. - Andrew Mukuba – Philadelphia Eagles
Mukuba’s coverage ability and knack for big hits give him a shot to lead all rookie safeties in turnovers.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
- Cam Ward – Tennessee Titans
Ward’s playmaking ability and live arm could spark a Titans offense that’s been searching for consistency. If he puts up 25+ total TDs, he’s the favorite. - Ashton Jeanty – Las Vegas Raiders
Jeanty’s speed and pass-catching ability fit perfectly in Vegas. Expect big plays in both the run and pass game. - Omarion Hampton – Los Angeles Chargers
Hampton could be the bell cow Harbaugh needs, racking up big yardage behind an elite O-line. - Colston Loveland – Chicago Bears
Loveland could thrive as a red-zone weapon in Ben Johnson’s offense, piling up TDs. - Matthew Golden – Green Bay Packers
Golden’s rapport with Jordan Love could develop quickly, giving him a shot at 1,000 yards as a rookie.
Coach of the Year
- Pete Carroll – Las Vegas Raiders
Carroll thrives when people underestimate him. If the Raiders compete for the playoffs, his mix of veteran savvy and player development earns him COTY. - Mike Vrabel – New England Patriots
Vrabel’s ability to get the most out of underdog rosters could shine again if New England surprises and makes a playoff push. - Sean McVay – Los Angeles Rams
McVay reinvented the Rams on the fly last year. Another playoff run with a young roster would cement his reputation. - Ben Johnson – Chicago Bears
Johnson steps into the head coaching ranks with a nice Bears roster. If they push for the playoffs, voters will love the story. - Dan Campbell – Detroit Lions
Campbell is the heart of Detroit’s resurgence. If the Lions compete for the division after losing both coordinators, he’ll deserve the love.
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