One. More. Day. That is all that stands between us and the 2019-20 NFL season. Today, to celebrate that, we will be trying to predict all of the major NFL awards, including MVP, Coach of the Year, along with some other awards that aren't actually presented at the NFL Honors show.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
There are a couple candidates that could potentially win this award. My pick here will be Bears running back David Montgomery. Head coach Matt Nagy has been raving about Montgomery all summer, and it looks like he will take lots of snaps away from Tarik Cohen and fellow rookie Mike Davis. In Chicago's run heavy scheme, Montgomery will be feasting on defenses this season. Some other potential candidates include Cardinals QB Kyler Murray, who has an excellent chance if he thrives in Kliff Kingsbury's Air Raid offense, and Raiders RB Josh Jacobs, who should also see a high volume this season.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Steelers rookie line backer Devin Bush has the best shot at this award. He will fill in a gaping hole that Pittsburgh has needed since Ryan Shazier's spine injury, and will likely be the leader of that defense. He will certainly rack up a ton of tackles, sacks, and interceptions. Jets lineman Quinnen Williams or 49ers end Nick Bosa both have good shots at this award too, but will probably have to get at least double digit sacks to be considered serious contenders.
Offensive Player of the Year
Given the exorbitant amount of volume he is set to receive, Saquon Barkley will be the offensive player of the year this season. He has a real chance at eclipsing 2,000 rushing yards, and in an unsteady offense where he is the only real talent, Saquon will be a beast this year. Of course, there is a chance that opponents completely disregard anyone else on the Giants offense and decide to stack the box against Saquon every play. If Barkley falters in such a defensive scheme, other candidates for OPOY include Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and Browns receiver Odell Beckham, who could explode in his first season with a competent quarterback.
Defensive Player of the Year
This race will probably be extremely tight this year, and will go to one of either Aaron Donald or Khalil Mack. Both players are complete game changers on the defensive end and can make an argument saying that they are the best defensive player in the game. I believe that Khalil Mack will edge out Donald for the award, as Mack has lots of other forces alongside him. Defenses will not be able to triple team him every play as they might be able to do with Donald.
Coach of the Year:
This will be another tight race, and I believe new Browns coach Freddie Kitchens will be the winner. Kitchens, who excelled as the offensive coordinator last season, has an armada of weapons on both his offense and defense. As long as Cleveland is winning, he will be the favorite for this award. One competitor could be new Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, who could get some votes if he successfully orchestrates a turnaround in Green bay. An extremely dark horse person to watch is Jets coach Adam Gase, who will be thrust into competition if Gang Green makes a playoff run.
Comeback Player of the Year
It doesn't seem right to give this award to Le'veon Bell, who sat the season out under his own will, so we will give it to Cowboys center Travis Frederick, who missed the bulk of last year after suffering Guillain-Barre syndrome, which is disease where the body's immune system attacks its own nerves. Now fully recovered, Frederick will remain instrumental to Dallas' success, and with Ezekiel Elliot finally back from his holdout, will also clear big holes for a top player in the league. Other candidates include Bell and Ravens safety Earl Thomas, who broke his leg in a game last season.
Receiving Yards/Touchdowns Title
This award will go the the player who amasses the most receiving yards this year. As I mentioned earlier, Odell Beckham Jr. is set for a monster season. He has potential to break 1,600 yards this year, and that should be enough to give him this title. Other contenders will be the ever consistent Julio Jones and the Steelers' JuJu Smith-Schuster. As for the touchdowns, Odell is also in the running for that, but don't be surprised if the Texans' DeAndre Hopkins takes home that title.
Rushing Yards/Touchdowns Title
Giants running back Saquon Barkley has a very clear path to the rushing title(see OPOY). However, for the most touchdowns, it seems like Ezekiel Elliot is the frontrunner. He has the best offensive line in the league, will get more volume than players like Christian McCaffery and Alvin Kamara, and also has nobody to vulture goal line scores from him.
Passing Yards/Touchdowns Title
Both of these awards look like they will be going to Patrick Mahomes. He is in one of the most explosive offenses in the league, and seemingly every player is a threat to score and any given time. While it will be very hard for him to duplicate his 5,000/50 season last year, something in the 4,500/35 range is very doable and will give him the title.
Most Valuable Player
There are many candidates that can get the most valuable player award. Patrick Mahomes is the favorite in preseason predictions, but regression is expected and he could be out performed. Eagles QB Carson Wentz is also a favorite, and if he leads Philly to a top two seed in the NFC, he will certainly be considered. However, I believe that Chargers QB Phillip Rivers will take home his first MVP award this year. He is in the perfect offense, has the best weapons he's ever had, and with competition constantly dropping out of the AFC, he will lead LA to a top seed and take home this award. In fact, I have Rivers winning this award en route to his first Super Bowl ring, as this Chargers team is stacked in all areas.
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