Now that we’ve crossed into the second half of the season, it’s clearer who might have a big impact come 2025. This year has, in many ways, been incredibly odd—offenses across the NFL seem to struggle week after week. It kind of makes everything feel unpredictable, doesn’t it?
Today, we’ll delve into the significant post-season awards and take a guess at who might walk away with honors from the 2025 season. But, let’s also think about who should get those awards if things were fair, which, well, isn’t always the case.
MVP
Matthew Stafford, QB — Los Angeles Rams
Should be: Jonathan Taylor, RB — Indianapolis Colts
We often link MVP with the top quarterback, and this year, Stafford is certainly in a prime position to claim it. With over 67% of his passes completed and more than 4,500 yards thrown, he’s having a standout season. What’s really impressive is his 25 touchdowns versus just two interceptions. At this rate, he could be throwing 47 touchdowns this season, the highest since Aaron Rodgers hit 48 back in 2020 when he won the MVP.
However, I doubt Jonathan Taylor will snag this award. Running backs often get overlooked for MVPs. If someone like Saquon Barkley couldn’t secure it last year, it’s hard to picture Taylor being recognized in 2025. It really is a shame, but running backs just don’t get their due. Taylor has been pivotal in what could be a breakout year for him, and he’s aiming for a projected 26 rushing touchdowns. He might even break LaDainian Tomlinson’s single-season record from 2006.
Offensive Player of the Year
Jonathan Taylor, RB — Indianapolis Colts
It should be: Drake Maye, QB — New England Patriots
It seems likely Taylor will be the runner-up here instead of taking home the top prize. If he can’t surpass the 2,000 rushing yards threshold or falls short of Tomlinson’s record, this award might end up as a consolation prize. That said, it’s still quite an accomplishment, though not one that pushes the Colts to the top tier of the NFL.
Rather than just swapping Stafford and Taylor, I’m leaning towards Drake Maye for the OPOY. While Stafford has had a solid season, Maye has been phenomenal, really pushing the ball downfield despite limited support from his offense. There’s definitely a gap between throwing for 4,500 yards to players like Davante Adams and Puka Nacua versus potentially finishing with 4,300 yards and 32 touchdowns throwing to Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boot.
Defensive Player of the Year
Myles Garrett, Delaware — Cleveland Browns
Should be: Myles Garrett, Delaware — Cleveland Browns
Myles Garrett is, without a doubt, one of a kind in the NFL this season. While there have been notable defensive performances, like those from Brian Burns and Jordyn Brooks, the focus circles back to Garrett. He’s on track to finish with an impressive 21 sacks and 19.5 runs allowed. He’s an absolute force on the field, distinguishing himself in both defensive aspects unlike anyone else. While some might overlook him because of the struggles of his team, it shouldn’t diminish his contributions. Cleveland’s defense has proven tough, but if the offense could just get it together, they’d be a playoff contender.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Emeka Egbuka, WR — Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Should be: Emeka Egbuka, WR — Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This award seems pretty clear-cut. Emeka Egbuka was the ideal addition for the Buccaneers’ passing game, especially after Mike Evans’ injury. He’s shown versatility as a receiver, combining speed and exceptional route running skills. Plus, he’s quickly built a strong rapport with quarterback Baker Mayfield. It’s quite surprising he lasted as long as he did in the draft given the lack of depth at receiver for the Buccaneers.
Currently, Egbuka is projected for 1,279 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, which could increase due to his growing involvement in the offense.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Abdul Carter, Delaware — New York Giants
Should be: Carson Schwezinger, LB — Cleveland Browns
Abdul Carter is set to be a significant player in the NFL. He’s shown promise in limited snaps, but unfortunately is behind players like Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeau on the depth chart. Ideally, he’d get more playing time to showcase his skills, but that hasn’t happened yet. I believe he could still manage five or six sacks, which might help elevate him in the conversation.
On the other hand, Schwezinger has showcased all-around excellence in this rookie class. The middle linebacker position often flies under the radar, but he’s proven to be an essential player for the Browns, making an impact against both the run and pass. He’s projected for around 140 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and 2 interceptions this season.
Comeback Player of the Year
Christian McCaffrey, RB — San Francisco 49ers
Should be: Daniel Jones, QB — Indianapolis Colts
It’s exciting to see Christian McCaffrey bounce back from injuries that kept him sidelined for much of last year, which really hurt the 49ers’ prospects. He’s aiming for over 2,000 all-purpose yards again, affirming his status as the top all-around running back in the league. There’s no doubt he’s made a remarkable recovery, and under the award’s new guidelines, he fits the criteria perfectly.
On the flip side, while Daniel Jones certainly deserves recognition for his comeback, he might not receive the award since he hasn’t fully returned from injury. He started this offseason looking for a new job, and now he’s the starting quarterback for one of the top teams in the AFC. His leadership and passing abilities have been crucial for the Colts, helping them become a formidable team.
Coach of the Year
Mike Vrabel — New England Patriots
Candidate: Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots
I think there is also a case for Shane Steichen of the Colts, but Vrabel’s impact in New England is truly impressive. He’s transformed a struggling team into a leader in the AFC East, which speaks volumes. It wasn’t just luck; it was his steady guidance that’s shaped a young team into a formidable competitor.
His trust in Drake Maye to direct the offense has been incredible, leading to many standout performances. The fact that he left a struggling Tennessee team only to lead New England to success reflects his true coaching skills. I’d say he’s my pick for the 2025 award.
