Football season is in full swing. I already wrote my predictions article for each team’s record, but I have yet to discuss individual awards and my pick to win it all. This is the article where I let it all out. This season is definitely my most anticipated ever in my life due to the Patriots additions in the offseason, fans returning to stadiums, and big time generational talents like Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields taking the field for the first time. You want to see some awards predictions, I want to tell you mine, let’s waste no more time. Let’s get into it.
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MVP: QB Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
There’s a reason Patrick Mahomes is a $500 million man. He’s very good at what he does. In his three years as a NFL starting quarterback Mahomes has thrown for 114 touchdowns and only 24 interceptions. The last two years the Chiefs, led by Mahomes & Co., have made the Super Bowl. In the Super Bowl last year against the Buccaneers the one thing that was holding the Chiefs back from succeeding was the offensive line. The front office in Kansas City went straight to work and made several transactions to ensure that Mahomes would never have to run for his life like that again. They traded for Ravens tackle Orlando Brown Jr., signed Patriots guard Joe Thuney, and drafted Oklahoma center Creed Humphrey. With offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy back for yet another year, an upgraded offensive line, and Mahomes’ supporting cast still around, expect the former Red Raider to go for another 45+ touchdown season. I think that Mahomes will win his second MVP this year, but we shall see.
Honorable Mentions: QB Aaron Rodgers, QB Josh Allen, QB Lamar Jackson, QB Tom Brady
Sleeper Pick: QB Kyler Murray
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Offensive Player of the Year: RB Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
Look at the picture. Just look at it. Why would I pick anyone else? A man who can just throw around other GROWN men like that for fun is one dangerous human being. Derrick Henry is now a two-time rushing champion capping off last year with a insane 2,027 yards, making him one of eight players all time to achieve such feat. With the Titans acquiring first-ballot hall of fame wideout Julio Jones this offseason, this just opens up the running game even more for Henry. Alongside pro bowl wideout A.J. Brown, this Titans offense is definitely going to be a hard one to deal with. Don’t be surprised if Henry goes for 1,700+ rushing yards and 15+ touchdowns.
Honorable Mentions: QB Josh Allen, RB Alvin Kamara, QB Kyler Murray, QB Lamar Jackson
Sleeper Pick: WR Stefon Diggs
Defensive Player of the Year: DL Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams
Just like my Derrick Henry pick, is it really that surprising? This man is a three time DPOY winner and arguably one of the best defensive players of all time. Donald is coming off of a year where his team was the #1 defense in the league, racking in 13.5 sacks and four forced fumbles himself. Although defensive coordinator Brandon Staley left to become the head coach of the crosstown Los Angeles Chargers, it’s just so hard to pick against the machine that is Aaron Donald. Man is a defensive tackle with a six-pack. That’s all that needs to be said.
Honorable Mentions: EDGE T.J. Watt, DE Myles Garrett, EDGE Khalil Mack, CB Jalen Ramsey
Sleeper Pick: LB Darius Leonard
Offensive Rookie of the Year: TE Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
One of the most intriguing offensive prospects in the last decade is destined to have a great season. Standing at 6’6″ 240 pounds, Kyle Pitts is my pick to win this year’s offensive rookie of the year. I know that it is a little unlikely considering the fact that this award has been known to favor the quarterback position, six going to quarterbacks in the last decade, but Pitts is a different situation. With Julio Jones gone, Matt Ryan turns to both Calvin Ridley an Pitts as his main targets for this year. The main reason I’m selecting Pitts is because of the matchup problems he creates everywhere on the field. If he lines up down on a three-point stance there are very few linebackers or safeties that can cover his height and athleticism. And same goes for if he lines up outside at receiver. Imagine a 5’9″ Nickell Robey-Coleman trying or Adoree’ Jackson trying to guard Pitts in the red-zone. Matchup nightmare. His versatility is scary and I can’t wait to watch him play on Sundays.
Honorable Mentions: QB Trey Lance, WR DeVonta Smith, QB Trevor Lawerence, RB Najee Harris
Sleeper Pick: WR Elijah Moore
Defensive Rookie of the Year: LB Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys
A linebacker that runs a 4.39 40-yard dash, stands at 6’3″ 245 pounds, and is an absolute ball hawk on the field (four forced fumbles for Penn State in 2019). His name is Micah Parsons. Him teaming up alongside Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch will give him a lot of room to become a big-time playmaker for the Cowboys. If he stays healthy I think he becomes a pro-bowler, and I’m not even a Cowboys fan. You heard it here first.
Honorable Mention: LB Jamin Davis, CB Jaycee Horn, CB Patrick Surtain II, EDGE Kwity Paye
Sleeper Pick: EDGE Gregory Rousseau or CB Asante Samuel Jr
Comeback Player of the Year: S Derwin James Jr
I just want my man Derwin to play a full season man. Everyone can see the talent, everyone knows that he is the literal definition of an “X-Factor” on that Chargers defense. You pair him with Joey Bosa, Kenneth Murray Jr., and Chris Harris Jr., you’re looking at a dangerous defense. Especially with the fact that new head coach Brandon Staley led the Rams to become the #1 defense in the league last year. Since there were so many injuries it is going to definitely be a close race this year and I can’t wait to see it all unfold.
Honorable Mentions: RB Christian McCaffrey, DE Nick Bosa, WR Odell Beckham Jr, RB Saquon Barkley, QB Dak Prescott
Sleeper Pick: WR Courtland Sutton
Coach of the Year: Kliff Kingsbury, Arizona Cardinals
This is definitely a “reach for the stars” type of pick here, but with the roster that the Cardinals have developed, there is no way that they don’t see success. Kingsbury would have to mess it up so bad that it would warrant a mid-season firing. They have an all-around great squad with a lot of depth at key positions. This is Kyler Murray’s time to make the “big jump” from good to elite-level quarterback. If all goes well for them, I predicted the Cardinals to sneak in to the playoffs with an 11-6 record. Either I’ll look like a genius at the end of the year or a complete idiot. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Honorable Mentions: Brandon Staley (Chargers), Matt LaFleur (Packers), Bill Belichick (Patriots), Bruce Arians (Buccaneers)
Sleeper Pick: Mike McCarthy (Cowboys)
Super Bowl Champion: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Like I said in my seasons predictions article, this team won a super bowl and brought back all 22 starters. They got better on both sides of the ball and they even have a whole off-season to develop even more chemistry, unlike last year. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, if you still bet against Tom Brady, it’s time to give that up. Man is 44 years old still throwing for 40+ touchdown and winning championships. We will probably never see a reign like this ever again. Until this team gets eliminated from the playoffs, they are my pick to win it all.
Honorable Mentions: Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams
Sleeper Pick: New England Patriots
There we are. My off-season articles for this football season have come to an end. I’m planning to write a weekly recap of each week with five things that stood out each week. Hopefully I don’t get too busy with school but I know that I’ll always be watching on Sundays. Thank you for tuning in and until next time, this is YSN, signing out.
