The NFL Honors consists of six different awards to be given to players on both the offensive and defensive side. Each award highlights a player’s accomplishments and their season. Some of the award candidates — including Joe Burrow, Saquon Barkley, and Lamar Jackson — are nominated for two or more awards. Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, and Buffalo Bills have three or more representatives up for various awards. Along with the six player awards, there are two awards to be given to coaches. Debates over who should win what awards are widely discussed among fanbases, but in the end, there can only be one winner.
The race for NFL MVP is tight between two quarterbacks, Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. This year, Allen threw for almost 4,000 yards and had a completion percentage of 63.6. Allen is looking to receive his first MVP award, a stark contrast to Lamar Jackson’s two awards. Jackson threw for over 4,000 yards and had a competition percentage of 119.6. While Jackson’s stats may look better, Allen leads the quarterbacks in the league with a total quarterback ranking (QBR) of 77.3. Josh Allen is also favored heavily to win the award.
“It’s the best statistical season of his career, he led his team to the AFC championship game, and we lost because of the refs, but he definitely deserves the MVP award,” Nathaniel Herrmann, sophomore Bills fan said.
Saquon Barkley signed with the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this year, leaving the New York Giants after six seasons. Barkley had three seasons where he rushed for over 1,000 yards. In his first season as an Eagle, he rushed for over 2,000 yards, something that only eight other running backs have accomplished. Barkley’s outstanding performance has cemented him as one of the best running backs in the league, and in NFL history. His stats have put him in the conversation of offensive player of the year and MVP, a category where quarterbacks usually win. The last running back to win MVP was Adrian Peterson in 2012, over a decade ago.
“He’s got the second most rushing yards in a single season in NFL history, so he obviously deserves to win,” Ms. Lutzker, Math teacher and Eagles fan said.
Nominees for defensive player of the year are filled with veterans and new arrivals in the NFL. Some have played for many seasons, while others are just getting their career started. Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker, T.J Watt, has been a finalist for defensive player of the year five times, and has won the award once. Pat Surtain II, Denver Broncos Cornerback, was drafted back in 2021. While only being in the NFL for four seasons, he has already made three pro bowls and is looking to obtain his first defensive player of the year. Linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, Zack Baun, signed with the team earlier this year, and has already made a huge impact. Baun is tied second for forced fumbles and is looking to get his first defensive player of the year award. The fan favorite to win the award is Pat Surtain II, followed by T.J Watt.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, had made his case for offensive rookie of the year. His stats stand out from other rookie quarterbacks and rookie nominees. Daniels threw for 3,568 yards and had 25 touchdowns. He was also able to extend plays with his legs rushing for almost 1,000 yards. Daniels was able to come into Washington and turn the team around. He won 12 regular season games and only lost five. This was a massive turn around from the previous season where the Commanders ended 4-13. Bo Nix, another rookie quarterback, threw for 3,775 yards and rushed for 430 yards. He threw 29 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. Both quarterbacks led their team into the playoffs, but Daniels got to the NFC championships. Jayden Daniels is heavily favored to win the offensive rookie of the year award.
“Jayden Daniels should win offensive rookie of the year. I mean, he’s proven time and time again that he’s consistent, I say he’s awesome,” Alex Stachyra said.
