As the NFL season kicks off, it's time to gaze into the crystal ball and make predictions for the major awards that will be handed out at the end of the year. From Offensive Rookie of the Year to Most Valuable Player, we've got our top contenders lined up and a few thoughts on each.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Our top pick for Offensive Rookie of the Year is Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts. Unlike the MVP, quarterbacks haven't historically dominated this award but we believe that might change this season. Richardson, a phenomenal athlete, could shift the conversation toward what he can achieve with an elite supporting cast, even if the Colts aren't competitive like last year.
Anthony Richardson, often compared to the likes of Cam Newton due to his impressive size, speed, and arm strength, brings an exciting dynamic to the Colts' offense. He's set to benefit from an upgraded offensive line and a talented group of playmakers, including star receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and versatile running back Jonathan Taylor. If Richardson can stay healthy and adapt quickly to the NFL, he has the potential to make a significant impact from day one.
Other Contenders:
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons: Robinson, drafted 8th overall, was considered arguably the best offensive weapon in this draft after having a dominant college career at Texas. Head Coach Arthur Smith showed he's not away to feed his running backs 25+ touches a game, but the Falcons have invested the 2020 4th overall pick on Kyle Pitts and 2021 8th Overall pick on Drake London, taking away some potential touches from the rookie running back.
Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers: The Panthers play in the worst division in football and realistically Bryce Young can lead them to the playoffs with the support of a solid defense and offensive line. The Panthers also hired Frank Reich to be the head coach and traded up to draft Bryce Young showing they are committed to him and he will start every game this season if healthy.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Will Anderson, Edge, Houston Texans
Our pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year is Will Anderson, an edge rusher for the Houston Texans. Anderson, a dominant force in both run defense and pass-rushing, could excel in a scheme built around him by new head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Will Anderson's ability to impact both the running and passing games at a high level sets him apart as a rookie. He would've been the first pick in last year's draft, even ahead of Aidan Hutchinson who had an impressive rookie season, if he was eligible. With no significant competition on the Texans' defense and a coach who will likely scheme up one-on-one opportunities for him, Anderson has the potential to make an immediate and substantial impact.
Other Contenders:
Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles: Carter's off-field issues caused him to fall in the draft, but his athleticism and ability to rush the passer made him arguably the best overall player in this draft. After helping lead Georgia to back-to-back NCAA championships, the Eagles selected the DT with the 10th overall pick. However, the Eagles are an extremely deep pass-rushing unit and Jalen Carter will be rotating in with franchise legend Fletcher Cox limiting his potential stats.
Cornerbacks: We don't believe any cornerbacks will win this award, as they will likely be compared to the exceptional season of Sauce Gardner from last year on top of the better edge rushers in this year's rookie class.
Offensive Player of the Year: Christian McCaffery, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Our pick for Offensive Player of the Year is Christian McCaffery of the San Francisco 49ers. In the limited games he played for the 49ers last year, he managed to accumulate over 1,200 total yards and 11 touchdowns, including one passing touchdown. Over the course of a 17-game season this would account for 2057 yards which would make him lock up the award.
With a complete offseason to master the complex Shanahan offense, McCaffery could even surpass these numbers and re-establish himself as the top running back in the NFL
Other Contenders:
Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings: Jefferson, the reigning winner, faces a tough challenge to repeat his incredible 2022 season as the Vikings drafted USC WR Jordan Addison this year and will have Tight End and red zone target TJ Hockenson for an entire season.
Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets: Wilson, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, now has Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback, which could boost his chances. Wilson managed to put up 1100 receiving yards with the combination of Mike White, Joe Flacco, and Zach Wilson throwing him the ball last
Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs: Kelce, the primary target for the best quarterback in the league and one of the best tight ends of all time, is always a threat for this award.
Defensive Player of the Year: Micah Parsons, Edge, Dallas Cowboys
Micah Parsons takes our top spot for Defensive Player of the Year. As a full-time pass rusher, he has the potential to reach 20+ sacks and is also the face of one of the most prominent football franchises globally, which could boost his case.
Micah Parsons, with his exceptional pass-rushing skills and versatility, is set to have a career-defining season. His potential contract extension next offseason could top Nick Bosa's record-breaking deal, highlighting his importance to the Cowboys. As the key figure in their defense and the face of the franchise, Parsons is poised to make a significant impact on the field and in the awards race.
Other Contenders:
TJ Watt, Edge, Pittsburgh Steelers: Watt is consistently in contention for this award, especially if he stays healthy. The younger brother of 3 time DPOY winner JJ Watt is a better pass rusher than his older brother, and is believed to have the best chance at breaking the sack record of all the pass rushers in the league.
Nick Bosa, Edge, San Francisco 49ers: Bosa's record-breaking contract reflects his importance to the 49ers' defense. 9ers fans will look for him to prove he's worth every penny of that contract by competing for this award
Most Valuable Player: Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Our prediction for the Most Valuable Player award goes to Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles. With a dominant supporting cast and a potential storyline of the Eagles securing the top seed, Hurts has a chance to make a compelling case for MVP.
Jalen Hurts, who came tantalizingly close to challenging Patrick Mahomes for MVP last season before an injury sidelined him, has a unique opportunity in 2023. If the Eagles can maintain their dominance and secure the top seed, it could provide the captivating narrative behind Hurts's MVP bid. However, questions about how much his success is a product of the Eagles' elite supporting cast linger, given their exceptional offensive line, talented tight end, and strong wide receiver corps.
Other Contenders:
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs: Mahomes is always a frontrunner if he can stay healthy, given he is the best QB in the league and will consistently lead the Chiefs to a top seed. However, given he just won the MVP it will be tough for him to win back-to-back and his third overall.
Other Elite QBs: Several elite quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence, and Lamar Jackson could contend for the MVP if they have standout seasons and get the media pushing for them.
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
Don't forget to check out our latest article, where we provided our preseason power rankings for the upcoming NFL season. Also, be sure to visit our baseball blog for the latest post analyzing the homestretch of the MLB Awards race.
Stay tuned for an exciting NFL season ahead, and let the award races begin!
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