1. Most Valuable Player: Aaron Rodgers– I was so back and forth on this award. I made a strong case for the recently retired Tom Brady. However, I think we will have a repeat winner for the first time since Peyton Manning in 2008 and a year later in 2009. Aaron finished the year with a passer rating of 111.9 and led the Packers to another one seed in the NFC. It was his play down the stretch that is leading him to his fourth league MVP award. Over the final seven games of the regular season, Aaron completed 72 percent of his passes, averaged 275 yards passing per contest, and threw a total of 20 touchdown passes without a single interception. He seems to be getting better as he ages. I have a feeling this award is staying in Wisconsin for another year.
2. Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ja’Marr Chase– What a year this kid had. He put together the best rookie season for a wide receiver that I’ve seen since Randy Moss back in 1998. It also helped that Ja’Marr had the same quarterback throwing the ball to him that he did in college. When he got his chance to shine, he became a huge piece of the puzzle for this offense. Ja’Marr is also a huge reason why the Bengals are playing on Super Bowl Sunday. He already broke the Bengals record for the most receiving yards in a single season and has the most receiving yards in a single season and the playoffs by a rookie. This kid has already looked like one of the best wide receivers and he will be awarded for it for a stellar season.
3. Defensive Rookie of the Year: Micah Parsons– I didn’t even have to think twice about this one. I was high on this guy when he was at Penn State and the same energy he played with then transferred over to the Cowboys and he was a key part of a much improved Dallas defense this season. Micah did everything for this team. He stopped the run, rushed the passer, dropped back in coverage and I even saw him defend wide receivers in coverage. He has great range and versatility. Micah finished his rookie year with 84 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and 30 quarterback hits. He’s just scratching the surface right now. I can’t wait to see what he does as he continues to further develop in his career. What a year for this guy.
4. Offensive Player of the Year: Cooper Kupp– This was another no-brainer for me. For a game or maybe even two of them, Jonathan Taylor was getting some love. However, can we really go against a wide receiver who just won the triple crown (he led the league in three major statistical categories amongst wide receivers)? Cooper became Matthew Stafford’s top target and the number one receiver for the Los Angeles Rams. I remember when he was just a slot specialist. He’s transitioned nicely to being that outside threat. His strong play has also continued in the playoffs. In the Rams’ three postseason games, Cooper has averaged 128 receiving yards per game. I’m not surprised his consistent play has continued in the playoffs. From the get-go, he’s been the top wide receiver in the league this season.
5. Defensive Player of the Year– T.J. Watt: Okay, so we’re about to try this again. Over a year ago, I made the case for him to win the award. I’m not mad Aaron Donald won it last year, but numbers also don’t lie. Last year, T.J. posted the popular meme from Michael Jordan’s documentary, “The Last Dance” saying he took it personally. There’s no other way to look at this. This was T.J.‘s award for the taking after the season he put together. He tied Hall of Famer Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record with 22.5 sacks. T.J was dominant altogether this year and the Steelers defense is different without him. He led the league in tackles for loss with 21 on the year. He’s done more than enough for this award.
6. Coach of the Year– Mike Vrabel: This is always one of those awards that you can hand out to several people. You can make a really good case for Zac Taylor. In his second year, he has the Cincinnati Bengals in the Super Bowl. I like Vrabel to win this award. Remember, it’s a regular-season award and when he lost Derrick Henry, many thought the Tennessee Titans would fold after their best player was out for the remainder of the regular season. The fact the Titans were able to win 12 games, clinch the division and lock up the top seed in the AFC says a lot. Mike kept the Titans afloat without an MVP-caliber player. This is the best year of Vrabel’s young coaching career.
7. Comeback Player of the Year: Joe Burrow– Dak Prescott makes a strong case for this award. I won’t be mad if he won it. I’m giving it to Burrow here. After tearing his ACL and MCL in his rookie season, Joe came back and put together a strong sophomore season. He threw 36 touchdown passes and threw for over 3,600 yards passing. Joe also led the Bengals to this first playoff win in 31 years. Since week 13, he’s thrown 13 touchdown passes and no interceptions.
