Commanders QB Jayden Daniels - Emilee Fails/Washington Commanders
With just three weeks remaining in the NFL regular season, it’s time to predict who will walk away with this year’s major individual awards. Some award races will come down to the final day, while others seem to have been wrapped up for weeks already. These awards are all career-defining honors that will help shape the legacy of each winner. So, here are my final NFL award predictions:
Coach of the Year: Kevin O’Connell
Before the start of the season, ESPN BET set the Vikings over/under win total at just 6.5 wins. With an injured J.J. McCarthy and a sparse defensive depth chart, Minnesota was not expected to sniff the playoffs. Through fifteen weeks, the Vikings are tied for first place in the NFC at 12-2. Kevin O’Connell has taken a cast-out Sam Darnold and turned him into an above-average quarterback. O’Connell has long deserved recognition as one of the top coaches in football. He should finally receive it with this award.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jayden Daniels
In a draft class loaded with quarterback talent, Jayden Daniels has clearly been the best of the bunch. His dual-threat ability has carried the Commanders to a 9-5 record with a good chance to make the playoffs. Daniels has posted a passer rating of 101.2, easily the best among rookies this season. While Daniels and the Commanders have cooled off in recent weeks, he’s still the frontrunner for this award.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jared Verse
The 2024 NFL draft was unique in that no defensive player was selected until the Colts took Laiatu Latu with the 15th overall pick. Four picks later, the Rams drafted Jared Verse to bolster a defensive front that was already full of young talent. Verse has adjusted quickly to the NFL game, producing six sacks and 44 quarterback hurries so far this season.
Offensive Player of the Year: Saquon Barkley
After years of suffering behind weak offensive lines in New York, Saquon Barkley deserved the opportunity to play behind this Eagles’ front. He’s taken full advantage of that opportunity. Heading into Week 16, Barkley is on pace to eclipse 2,000 yards rushing. He leads the NFL in both yards per attempt and carries of ten or more yards. Barkley has transformed the Eagles’ offense into one of the most dangerous units in the league.
Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Surtain II
The Defensive Player of the Year award rarely goes to a defensive back. In fact, the award has gone to a defensive lineman in each of the last four seasons. Patrick Surtain II has made a compelling case to change that trend. The Broncos defense has been one of the most surprising units of 2024, and Surtain deserves much of the credit. Surtain leads all cornerbacks in PFF’s coverage grade this season. He’s posted four interceptions and five pass deflections.
MVP: Josh Allen
Josh Allen is running away with the MVP race. As much as I would love to pick Saquon Barkley here, the NFL MVP is a quarterback award. Over the last 18 years, Adrian Peterson has been the only non-QB to win the award. Allen has led a Bills team that was expected to take a step back to an 11-3 record so far this season, with statement wins over the Chiefs and Lions. Allen has 36 total touchdowns this season, with a long list of highlight-worthy plays.
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