Predicting the 2022-23 NFL Awards

As we enter week seven of the NFL season, over a third of this season is in the books, so it’s time to start looking at the favorites to win the NFL Awards in February. Here are my picks:

MVP:

Josh Allen, quarterback, Buffalo Bills

This should come to no surprise as Allen has been the best player on the best team in football so far this season. Allen was a popular preseason pick for MVP, and it’s looking like that’s gonna be the case so far. Allen has led the Bills to a 5-1 record including impressive wins against the Rams, Chiefs, and Ravens. Allen leads the league in passing yards with 1980 and touchdowns with 19 (17 pass, 2 rush). Allen should continue to put up video game numbers, and lead the Bills far in the playoffs while taking home the MVP trophy.

Honorable Mention: Jalen Hurts, quarterback, Philadelphia

Offensive Player of the Year: Jalen Hurts, quarterback, Philadephia Eagles

Jalen Hurts could very well be the first quarterback to win this award Hurts has lead the Eagles to a perfect 6-0 start, he does not look like he can overtake Allen in the MVP standings, so he can settle for the OPOY. Hurts has 12 total TDs (6 passing, 6 rushing) to only two interceptions. Hurts is electric on the ground and has developed into a quality passer with the addition of receiver A.J. Brown. If the Eagles continue to dominate their schedule, and Hurts continues to produce this award should be his.

Honorable Mention: Saquon Barkley, running back, New York Giants

Defensive Player of the Year: Micah Parsons, linebacker, Dallas Cowboys

Micah Parsons has shown ability to take over games already just in his second professional season. The linebacker out of Penn State is second in the league with six sacks to go with 26 tackles and a forced fumble. Parsons also leads the NFL with 24 total pressures through just six games. Parsons has played all over the field, edge, middle linebacker, dropping back in coverage, and he has been dominant in all aspects of the game.

Honorable Mention: Nick Bosa, defensive end, San Francisco 49ers

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Breece Hall, running back, New York Jets

There are many solid options for this award, with a talented rookie class, but Hall has gotten better every week and is a difference maker for the 4-2 Jets. Hall has gotten better each week, clearly surpassing Michael Carter as the top back in the Jets backfield. Even with the split backfield the first couple of weeks (only received 21 carries total for the first three weeks) Hall ranks 10th in the NFL total scrimmage leaders with 609 yards. He also has four touchdowns this season. Hall should continue to see 20 plus touches the rest of the season which makes him a great choice for this award.

Honorable Mention: Chris Olave, wide receiver, New Orleans Saints

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Sauce Gardner, cornerback, New York Jets

The second Jets rookie to get an award is Sauce Gardner. The fourth overall pick in last year’s draft out of Cincinnati was selected to be a lockdown corner, and he’s been every bit of that so far this season. Gardner has an interception, nine pass deflections and a forced safety so far. His numbers may not be mind-blowing, but he passes the eye test and has really been a shutdown corner which is difficult to do as a rookie. He has yet to give up a touchdown this year, just like he did in his entire college career. Gardner’s rare combination of size, speed, and technical skills have him poised to be a top corner for a very long time.

Honorable Mention: Tariq Woolen, cornerback, Seattle Seahawks

Comeback Player of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants

Saquon Barkley has battled back from numerous injuries throughout his career, as he struggled to make an impact last season returning from an ACL tear. This season, Barkley looks the best he has since his rookie year as he leads the NFL in scrimmage yards with 771. Barkley is a huge reason the Giants have been the biggest surprise in the NFL at 5-1. While the Giants have struggled with injuries to their receivers, they have relied on Barkley to carry a huge workload, and he has exceeded expectations so far. It is great to have Saquon healthy and playing elite football again after multiple injury-riddled seasons.

Honorable Mention: Geno Smith, quarterback, Seattle Seahawks

Coach of the Year:

Brian Daboll, Giants

Brian Daboll is an obvious choice for this award due to his unexpected success in his first season as Giants head coach. The Giants were expected to be starting a massive rebuild, but they have the second best record in the league at 5-1. A lot of this success can be attributed to Daboll’s aggressive, enthusiastic coaching style. The Giants have struggled to find a competent coach in the past few years and it appears they finally have their guy in Daboll.

Honorable Mention: Nick Sirianni, Philadephia Eagles