The 2021 Awards were fairly predictable but, we did see a few twists and turns. Next season I don’t think will be any different so, here are my predictions along with a dark horse for each category.
MVP: Pat Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback
Mahomes had a good year last season but, Aaron Rodgers had a great one. I think next season a guy like Rodgers will regress and give Mahomes the window to win his second MVP. He has weapons on weapons from Tyreek Hill out wide, Kelce at tight end, and CEH at running back. There is no reason he cannot win the MVP.
Dark Horse MVP: Matt Stafford, Los Angeles Rams Quarterback
Matt Stafford is tough as nails and with a coach like Sean McVay calling the plays he can play at an MVP level. He has a three headed monster in the backfield along with Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp at receiver. If I were a betting man, I would place some money on Stafford winning the MVP.
OPOY: Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings Running Back
The Vikings will make offensive line a priority this offseason and hopefully target an elite guard like Joe Thuney or Brandon Scherff to aid Dalvin Cook. He is an absolute threat in the rushing game and the passing game which makes him very difficult to game plan against. The only issue with Cook is he needs to stay healthy. Injuries have plagued his career and held him from winning awards.
Dark Horse OPOY: Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver
While Offensive Player of the Year is usually given to a running back, Ridley has the chance to break the trend. He is a shifty route runner and if he has a new quarterback slinging the rock, he could have a bigger season than the one he just had this past season.
DPOY: Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams Defensive Tackle
I really think that Donald could notch his fourth DPOY of his career which would edge him into the greatest defensive player ever category. He is the most dominant player in the whole league. He recorded 13.5 sacks last season and on 70% of his snaps played, he faced double teams.
Dark Horse DPOY: Trey Hendrickson, New Orleans Saints Edge Rusher
Hendrickson broke out this past season and is set to become a free agent. His best bet is staying in New Orleans to play on the other side of Cam Jordan. This past year he recorded 13.5 sacks and was a silent leader for the Saints defense. Definitely keep an eye out for Hendrickson next year.
COY: Brian Flores, Miami Dolphins Head Coach
Flores was the front runner for COY last season but, not making the playoffs hurt his chances. This next season, if he pulls off a solid draft class and wins the AFC East, he should be the recipient. He has a solid young core with a boat load of potential.
Dark Horse COY: Kliff Kingsbury, Arizona Cardinals Head Coach
I do believe this is a make or break season for Kingsbury but, with the talent on his squad, he should make the playoffs as a wild card. If Kyler throws for 4,000 plus and has a top 5 QB season, a lot of that will be attributed to Kingsbury. Like Hendrickson, keep an eye out on this guy.
CPOY: Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys Quarterback
Before he went down he led the league in passing and even the week after he broke his ankle, he led the league in passing. He has awesome weapons around him and could lead Dallas to the playoffs. Dak will win Comeback Player of the Year and could even be a sneaky contender for the MVP.
Dark Horse CPOY: Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers Defensive End
Bosa suffered a torn ACL early last season but, I don’t think that will stop him from having an elite performance next year. He faces subpar offensive tackles in his division so he could have a huge season. The 49ers also, have a good d-line that will cause coordinators to leave linemen in 1v1 situations.
OROY: Trevor Lawrence, Clemson Quarterback
It’s looking like TLaw to the Jags is a lock and the unique aspect of Jacksonville is they have lots of young weapons and have a new coach who has been extremely successful at the college level. I realize the college level is different than the NFL because, Saban didn’t pan out in the league but, I like Urban Meyer’s chances. Lawrence as a Jag could be a scary sight.
Dark Horse OROY: Penei Sewell, Oregon Offensive Tackle
We need to normalize offensive linemen winning awards. Sewell is the best player in this draft and who ever gets him will have a monster that can lock down their quarterbacks blindside. I can see Sewell going to the Jets and moving him to right tackle because they already have Mekhi Becton but, he would be just as dominant on the right side.
DROY: Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech Cornerback
Farley is a big cornerback that will add physical bump and run coverage to whatever team he lands on. He opted out this past season and has had time to prepare for the draft. I can see Farley going between 7-11 in the draft but, whoever lands him gets a gem.
Dark Horse DROY: Christian Barmore, Alabama Defensive Tackle
A big and physical interior lineman that has quick feet is a defensive coordinators dream and that is Christian Barmore. He could land anywhere from 14-27 in the draft but, whatever franchise takes him will not be disappointed. He balled out in the college post season which made his draft stock sky rocket.