The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots will meet in Super Bowl LX on Sunday. Before we crown a champion, NFL Honors takes place on Thursday evening from San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts. The NFL will officially announce its annual award winners, including MVP, Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, and Coach of the Year.
We’ve submitted our predictions for each winner set to be announced at NFL Honors.
MVP: Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford led the league in passing yards (4,707) and touchdowns (46) this season. The second-place quarterback, Jared Goff, had 12 fewer TD passes (34). Setting a career high in touchdowns at 37 years old is yet another unbelievable feat in Stafford's Hall of Fame career. He should win MVP by a unanimous landslide.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers
Saints quarterback Tyler Shough is a worthy contender, but Offensive Rookie of the Year honors should go to Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. McMillan led the Panthers in all receiving categories this season, recording 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns. The former Arizona standout continued the seven-year NFL streak of a rookie wideout producing 1,000-plus yards. With no obvious winner at QB this year, the honor should go to the focal point of the Panthers' passing offense.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns
Don't let the Browns' miserable season distract you from the rookie year linebacker Carson Schwesinger put together. Schwesinger started 16 games for Jim Schwartz's demanding defense, leading the team with 156 tackles, which was sixth-most in the league. Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori is in the Super Bowl, but the Defensive Rookie of the Year honor should go to the Browns' tackling machine.
Offensive Player of the Year: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba elevated to elite status this season. Smith-Njigba led the NFL in receiving yards with 1,793, finishing fourth in receptions with 119 and 10 touchdowns. His Seahawks are in the Super Bowl largely thanks to his dominance. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who fully unlocked him this year, will be named the new Las Vegas Raiders head coach next week.
Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett, EDGE, Cleveland Browns
The Defensive Player of the Year award is arguably the most straightforward decision. Browns EDGE Myles Garrett etched his name in the record books by registering 23.0 sacks, the most in NFL single-season history. Garrett is the unanimous winner after terrorizing opposing quarterbacks all campaign long.
Coach of the Year: Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots
The Patriots were 3-14 last season. They're playing for Super Bowl LX on Sunday. That essentially summarizes the historic turnaround Mike Vrabel oversaw in New England this year. Ben Johnson and Mike Macdonald are worthy alternatives, but no coach turned a team around like Vrabel did this season.
Comeback Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey was limited to four appearances last season due to recurring calf, knee, and Achilles injuries. The dual-threat monster returned to full health this year, compiling 2,126 yards from scrimmage as a runner and receiver, the second-highest total of his illustrious career. McCaffrey totaled 17 touchdowns and should run away with Comeback Player of the Year.
