The NFL Honors are coming up, and nothing is more fun than attempting to predict the winners of any award show correctly. Just before the Super Bowl, the NFL recognizes its stand-out stars at the NFL Honors. Here are my predictions for each award. 

AP Most Valuable Player of the Year: Lamar Jackson, quarterback, Baltimore Ravens

Most people have said this is one of the closest races in a while for MVP. To me, this award is clear as day. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had an outstanding season this year. What is crazy is that he was much better than his MVP season last year. 

As the league’s reigning MVP, there shouldn’t be any question about whether he will win the award. Jackson threw for over 4,000 yards for the first time in his career. He almost doubled his passing touchdowns from last season and did all this while only throwing four interceptions.

Jackson was also as dangerous on the ground as he was through the air. Jackson rushed for over 900 yards for the third time in his career. 

Everything Jackson did this season was an improvement on his MVP season from 2023, so it is without question that Jackson deserves this year’s award.

Backup winner: Joe Burrow, quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals

AP Offensive Player of the Year: Saquon Barkley, running back, Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles made the signing of the offseason when they brought in former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley immediately elevated the Eagles, but I don’t think anyone expected this historic season.

Barkley rushed for over 2,000 yards, almost breaking the league record for most rushing yards in a season. He currently is at 2,447 rushing yards and is 32 yards away from breaking the most rushing yards in a season, including playoff statistics.

Barkley will play in the Super Bowl this week, so the record is obtainable, and all eyes will be on him. If Barkley is not winning MVP, there is no doubt that he is the Offensive Player of the Year.

Backup winner: Ja’Marr Chase, wide receiver, Cincinnati Bengals

AP Defensive Player of the Year: T.J. Watt, linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers

This is a tough award to predict because the winner of this category could be anyone. However, looking at the overall performance of the Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt, he proved once again that he is a force to be reckoned with. Watt recorded 56 total tackles and almost 11.5 sacks on the season. He anchored the Steelers’ defense and carried them to the playoffs. 

Backup winner: Zach Baun, linebacker, Philadelphia Eagles 

AP Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jayden Daniels, quarterback, Washington Commanders

There is nothing more an athlete could want than a season that everyone will remember. Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels did just that in his historic rookie season. 

When he was drafted, Daniels was overshadowed by other players even though he was the second overall pick. Daniels was able to solidify himself as the franchise QB and an instant threat to the rest of the league. 

Daniels had 3,568 total yards and 25 touchdowns with only nine turnovers. What propelled Daniels’ rookie campaign even further was his ability to win games. He was only one win away from being the first-ever rookie quarterback to make a Super Bowl appearance.

Although he came up short, it was the definition of a memorable season for Daniels and the Commanders’ organization.

Backup winner: Brian Thomas Jr., wide receiver, Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jared Verse, linebacker, Los Angeles Rams

When former Defensive Player of the Year and defensive end Aaron Donald announced his retirement, the question in Los Angeles was who would fill his shoes. It seems like the Rams do not have to worry about that anymore. 

Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse has made his name known across the league. There is a tight race for this award, but with how Verse has played in his first year, it is hard to ignore what he has done. 

How he plays impacts how the offense plays, and he shows it on the biggest stage. In two playoff games, Verse recorded two sacks, one fumble recovery and a touchdown, causing chaos on multiple plays. That stellar run added to a tremendous season where he totaled 66 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, which earned him an NFL Pro Bowl bid in his rookie season. 

Backup winner: Quinyon Mitchell, cornerback, Philadelphia Eagles

AP Comeback Player of the Year: Sam Darnold, quarterback, Minnesota Vikings

Many people wrote off Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. He was seen as a backup quarterback to most franchises. 

Darnold put up an amazing season by the numbers, setting a career-high in passing yards (4,319) and passing touchdowns (35). These stats were good enough to put Darnold in the top five of the league. 

The Comeback Player Award is about recognizing a player who has experienced adversity. Even though Darnold didn’t have any physical injuries, he faced the most adversity an athlete can face. After struggling for most of his career, Darnold deserves to win this award for how he played this season. 

Backup winner: Joe Burrow, quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals

AP Coach of the Year: Dan Quinn, head coach, Washington Commanders

This season for the Commanders was not supposed to be the Cinderella story that it turned out to be. That is a testament to the leadership of Commanders head coach Dan Quinn. He was hired to help develop and turn around the team to be a threat in the NFC East, but no one expected that in year one.  

Quinn had a rookie quarterback to develop and a defense to mold after coming from a divisional rival. He was previously the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. The knowledge that the Commanders coach had of the game propelled them to a surprising 12-win season and a conference championship appearance. 

Backup winner: Kevin O’Connell, head coach, Minnesota Vikings

AP Assistant Coach of the Year: Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator, Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was nothing short of incredible this season. Johnson led his team to the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the first time in franchise history. Through his creative and high-flying offense, Johnson continued his offensive success, leading him to get hired as the new head coach of the Chicago Bears.

Through his command, Johnson created a stifling offense that every player wishes they could be a part of, and he will continue to torment the NFC North in future years. 

Backup winner: Vic Fangio, defensive coordinator, Philadelphia Eagles

That’s all folks

If anyone dares to place bets on this based on what I said, that is your risk to take. But I am pretty confident and will be looking back to see the results of this prediction list after the NFL Honors show. 

You can watch it on FOX or the NFL Network on Thursday at 8 p.m. The Super Bowl will kick off on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. on FOX. 

@Jon_Mathew23

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