Awards season in the NFL is here, and with it comes the annual heated debates over who deserves to take home the hardware. The league has officially announced its finalists and the field is stacked with players and coaches who left their fingerprints all over this season. Some chased records, others carried their teams on their backs, and a few overcame adversity to remind everyone why they belong among the best.

MVP Finalists

The NFL MVP award is the crown jewel of individual honors. It’s the one that cements legacies and, more often than not, ends up in the hands of a quarterback. This year’s finalists brought a mix of elite arm talent, game-breaking athleticism, and historic production, making for one of the most compelling MVP races in recent memory.

Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)

Josh Allen continued to prove why he’s one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. He threw for 3,731 yards and 28 touchdowns while adding another 531 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. His ability to take over games as both a passer and runner played a massive role in securing another AFC East title for Buffalo. While turnovers have always been part of the package with Allen, he really flipped that narrative this year with 28 touchdowns to just six interceptions.

Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)

Joe Burrow led the league in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43), putting up career numbers despite Cincinnati finishing with a disappointing 9-8 record and missing the playoffs. Joe Burrow had a monster season by every metric you can find, there's no denying that. But fair or not, MVP voting has always leaned heavily on team success. As great as Burrow was, the Bengals missing the playoffs makes it tough for him to win this one. 

Jared Goff (Detroit Lions)

Jared Goff had the best season of his career, throwing for 4,629 yards and 37 touchdowns while guiding the Lions to the NFC’s No. 1 seed. He was efficient, smart with the football, and a steady leader for a team that hadn’t seen this level of success in decades. Goff’s ability to command Detroit’s offense, make big-time throws, and limit mistakes turned him from a solid starter into a legitimate MVP candidate.

Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)

Lamar Jackson played like a man on a mission. He put up 4,172 passing yards and 41 touchdowns while leading the league with a ridiculous 119.6 passer rating. That's the fourth-best season passer rating in NFL history. Oh, and he also rushed for 915 yards and four touchdowns, reminding everyone why he’s the most electrifying dual-threat QB in the game. Jackson has an uphill battle here. Historically, voters don’t like handing out a third MVP this early in a player’s career, especially when they haven’t won a Super Bowl yet. But his numbers this season might be too overwhelming to ignore.

Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles)

It’s rare to see a running back still firmly in the MVP conversation by the end of the regular season, but when you put up 2,005 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, you force your way into the discussion. Barkley was the engine of the Eagles’ offense, keeping defenses honest and giving Philly one of the most explosive ground games we've seen in some time. 

Offensive Player of the Year Finalists

The Offensive Player of the Year award is all about sheer dominance. While MVP typically goes to quarterbacks, this award gives credit to the guys who fill up the stat sheet on a weekly basis. 

Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles)

As mentioned, when you rush for over 2,000 yards, you’re going to turn heads. Barkley's ability to take over games was undeniable, whether he was breaking off long runs or consistently keeping Philly ahead of the chains. Even though he's a long shot to win the MVP award, his near-record-breaking season makes him a prime candidate to take home this trophy.

Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)

Much like with Saquon, the MVP seems out of reach for Joe Burrow because of his lack of team success. That being said, If you’re looking for a guy who fills up the stat sheet while making everything look effortless, Burrow’s case for Offensive Player of the Year is as strong as anyone’s. 

Ja'Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals)

You can’t talk about Burrow’s season without mentioning Ja'Marr Chase, his favorite target and one of the most dangerous receivers in the game. Chase finished with 127 receptions, 1,708 yards, and 17 touchdowns, proving once again that he’s one of the most unguardable receivers in football. 

Derrick Henry (Baltimore Ravens)

Derrick Henry might have switched teams, but he didn’t slow down one bit — and at his age, there was plenty of conversation about it heading into the season. In his first year with the Ravens, he racked up 1,921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, bringing his signature bruising style to an already electric offense. Henry’s ability to wear down defenses over four quarters was devastating for defenses. If you needed a tough yard, Henry was getting it. If you needed a home-run play, he could deliver that too.

Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)

Speaking of Baltimore, Jackson's historical season made him impossible to leave off this list. He did something no quarterback had ever done before — throwing over 40 touchdowns with less than five interceptions. That level of efficiency is unheard of, and it puts him in a class of his own.

Defensive Player of the Year Finalists

The Defensive Player of the Year award is reserved for the most disruptive, game-changing forces in football. These are the guys who wreck game plans, force quarterbacks into bad decisions, and make life miserable for opposing offenses. This year’s finalists bring a mix of elite pass rushers, lockdown coverage specialists, and all-around defensive playmakers who were nightmares for offenses in 2024.

Zack Baun (Philadelphia Eagles)

Zack Baun turned in a monster season for the Eagles, racking up 150 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and an interception. He was all over the field, proving to be one of the most versatile defenders in the league — seemingly out of nowhere. His impact was a major reason the Eagles had the league’s best defense.

Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns)

Myles Garrett once again proved why he’s one of the most dominant pass rushers in football. Despite Cleveland’s struggles, he racked up 14 sacks, 22 tackles for loss (a career high), and three forced fumbles. He constantly demanded double teams, yet still found ways to get home and disrupt quarterbacks.

Trey Hendrickson (Cincinnati Bengals)

Hendrickson had a career year, leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks; which is strange considering the Bengals' defense as a whole was one of the worst units in the league this year. Nevertheless, he took his game to another level in 2024, and his ability to disrupt the pocket was a major factor in giving Cincinnati a sliver of playoff hope to end the season.

Patrick Surtain II (Denver Broncos)

Lockdown corners don’t always get the love they deserve in award races, but Patrick Surtain II made sure people noticed him. He allowed just 35 receptions on 56 targets for 306 yards all season. He also snagged twice as many interceptions (4) as touchdowns he let up (2). His ability to erase top wideouts made the Broncos’ secondary one of the best in the league, and his ball-hawking skills just added to his already impressive resume.

T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers)

It feels like T.J. Watt being on this list is an annual tradition at this point, he's simply a game-wrecker. He finished the season with 11.5 sacks and led the league in forced fumbles with six, proving once again why he’s one of the most feared defenders in football. Even while dealing with injuries, Watt’s presence alone was enough to alter game plans.

Offensive Rookie of the Year Finalists

Brock Bowers (Las Vegas Raiders)

Rookie tight ends aren’t supposed to dominate right away, but Brock Bowers didn’t get the memo. He hauled in 112 receptions — a new Raiders franchise record — for 1,194 yards, which led all tight ends. Even in a struggling offense with inconsistency under center, Bowers was an incredibly reliable target.

Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders)

Jayden Daniels came into the league with high expectations, and he managed to far exceed them. He threw for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and added 891 yards on the ground, setting a new record for rushing yards by a rookie quarterback. Leading Washington to a 12-5 record and a deep playoff push, Daniels showed composure in the most high-pressure moments, making him a true franchise quarterback in the making. With potentially the best rookie season we've ever seen by a quarterback, Daniels seems like a shoo-in for this one.

Malik Nabers (New York Giants)

The Giants needed a spark in their passing game, and Malik Nabers provided it. He finished his rookie campaign with 109 catches, 1,204 yards, and seven touchdowns, quickly becoming the go-to guy in New York’s lackluster offense. With a new quarterback throwing him the ball, the sky's the limit for Nabers in the future.

Bo Nix (Denver Broncos)

In a lot of ways, Bo Nix didn't look like a typical rookie running an NFL offense this season. Throwing for 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns his college experience really showed in his first few starts, where he looked in complete control. He even played through injury, helping lead the Broncos to their first postseason appearance in years.

Brian Thomas Jr. (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Jacksonville’s offense really needed a dangerous weapon on the outside, and Brian Thomas Jr. delivered. With 87 receptions, 1,282 yards, and 10 touchdowns, he became a big-play machine. His combination of speed, route-running, and ability to stretch the field made him one of the most exciting young receivers in the league.

Defensive Rookie of the Year Finalists

This group of finalists should have the rest of the league on notice. The Eagles landed two standout rookies in their secondary, giving them a long-term foundation on the back end. Meanwhile, the Rams reloaded their defensive line with two emerging stars following Aaron Donald’s departure. Seeing both teams hit big on multiple players at the same position is rare — and a problem for everyone else. 

Cooper DeJean (Philadelphia Eagles)

Cooper DeJean wasted no time making an impact in the Eagles' secondary. He finished the year with 50 tackles, six passes defensed, and even added half a sack for good measure. Whether he was covering receivers, stepping up in the run game, or making plays on the ball, DeJean’s versatility was a major boost for Philly’s defense. In his 386 coverage snaps as a rookie, he didn't give up a single touchdown.

Braden Fiske (Los Angeles Rams)

If you like defensive linemen who live in the backfield, Braden Fiske is your guy. He recorded 8.5 sacks, 44 tackles, and an incredible 44 quarterback pressures, proving to be an absolute menace. His explosiveness off the snap and ability to disrupt both the run and pass made him a nightmare to block. The Rams have built their defense around guys who can get after the quarterback, and Fiske showed he’s going to be a key part of that plan moving forward.

Quinyon Mitchell (Philadelphia Eagles)

The Eagles struck gold in the secondary with Quinyon Mitchell. The rookie cornerback tallied 46 tackles and 12 passes defensed while regularly matching up with top receivers. Playing 95% of the defensive snaps this season, his ability to stay sticky in coverage and limit big plays made him a hug part of Philly’s defensive scheme.

Chop Robinson (Miami Dolphins)

Miami knew they were getting a dynamic pass rusher in Chop Robinson, and he lived up to the hype. He finished his rookie season with 26 tackles, six sacks, 56 additional quarterback pressures. Using his speed and explosiveness to get after quarterbacks, he created pressure off the edge and gave the Dolphins another weapon in their defensive arsenal. If he continues to develop, he’s got the tools to be one of the league’s premier pass rushers.

Jared Verse (Los Angeles Rams)

Jared Verse was everywhere for the Rams, filling up the stat sheet with 66 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions. Whether he was stuffing the run, dropping into coverage, or getting after the quarterback, Verse showcased that he could do it all at a very high level. With the growth he showed from his first game to his last, it’s clear he’s just scratching the surface.

Comeback Player of the Year Finalists

Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)

Joe Burrow’s season was the definition of a comeback. After suffering a wrist injury in 2023, there were plenty of questions about how he’d respond. He answered them all by leading the league in just about every important quarterback metric. He didn’t just bounce back — he played some of the best football of his career.

Sam Darnold (Minnesota Vikings)

Sam Darnold’s NFL journey has been anything but smooth, bouncing around teams and struggling to find consistency. But in 2024, he finally put it all together, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, and had the Vikings in position to land the NFC's top seed in the final week of the season. He played with confidence, cut down on mistakes, and made big-time throws in key moments. 

It's worth noting that the NFL sent out the following memo prior to the start of the 2024 season:

COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR: The spirit of the award is to honor a player who has demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity by overcoming illness, physical injury, or other circumstances that led him to miss playing time the previous season.

They've also now said that they will officially count ballots that vote for Sam Darnold — going directly against the defined spirit of the award. Darnold, who was active for 17 games last season, had a stellar year — but he's not coming back from anything. 

J.K. Dobbins (Los Angeles Chargers)

Few players have dealt with more injury setbacks than J.K. Dobbins, but he never stopped grinding. After missing most of the previous two seasons with multiple injuries, he returned in 2024 and made an immediate impact. Seeing Dobbins back on the field, making defenders miss, and playing at a high level was a reminder of how dangerous he can be when healthy.

Christian Gonzalez (New England Patriots)

Gonzalez came into the league as a highly touted cornerback, but injuries kept him from shining in his rookie season. This year, he got that chance. He locked down receivers, broke up key passes, and gave the Patriots’ secondary a much-needed boost. He only allowed 46 of the 86 passes sent his way to be completed this year, letting quarterbacks know that they shouldn't try testing him.

Damar Hamlin (Buffalo Bills)

Damar Hamlin’s one of the best stories the NFL has ever seen. His comeback wasn’t just about football — it was about life. After suffering a terrifying cardiac arrest on the field in 2023, just stepping back onto the field was incredible. But Hamlin didn’t stop there — he produced for that defense. His journey is bigger than football, but his impact on the game and his team can’t be overlooked.

Coach of the Year Finalists

Dan Campbell (Detroit Lions)

Dan Campbell has completely changed the narrative in Detroit. The Lions finished with a franchise-best 15-2 record and secured the NFC’s No. 1 seed. His aggressive, no-nonsense approach made the Lions a force on both sides of the ball, leading to a league-best 33.2 points per game and a top-10 defense despite seemingly insurmountable injuries to that side of the ball. Even though their postseason run didn’t end as planned, Campbell’s leadership has put Detroit in a position to contend for years to come.

Kevin O'Connell (Minnesota Vikings)

Kevin O’Connell checked all the boxes for what voters look for in a Coach of the Year. Leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record — the second-most wins in franchise history — he navigated adversity, including the loss of their first-round pick and presumed starter, while playing a pivotal role in Sam Darnold’s career resurgence. On top of that, the Vikings far exceeded preseason expectations for a team many didn’t think would even make the postseason.

Sean Payton (Denver Broncos)

Sean Payton came into a tough situation in Denver, but he wasted no time making his mark. Leading the Broncos to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth, Payton exceeded expectations and helped develop rookie quarterback Bo Nix into a key contributor. Being able to have that type of success with a rookie quarterback and a $53 million dead-cap hit from the previous quarterback was a quick way for him to end up on this list.

Dan Quinn (Washington Commanders)

Dan Quinn decided to give being a head coach another shot, and the transition was seamless. Leading the Commanders to a playoff berth in his first season, Quinn oversaw the rapid development of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels while also developing a reputation as one of the most aggressive coaches in the league. 

Andy Reid (Kansas City Chiefs)

At this point, Andy Reid might be running out of space for trophies. The Chiefs finished with an AFC-best 15-2 record and locked up the No. 1 seed once again. Reid’s ability to adjust his offense — even with defenses constantly game-planning to slow them down — keeps Kansas City at the top of the league. 

Assistant Coach of the Year Finalists: The Unsung Heroes

This year’s Assistant Coach of the Year finalists showed exactly why coordinators can be just as important as the head coaches they work under. All five led highly successful units that helped shape their teams’ seasons, and it’s no surprise they all ended up in conversations for head coaching jobs. In fact, two of them are already making that jump for the upcoming season.

Joe Brady (Buffalo Bills, Offensive Coordinator)

Vic Fangio (Philadelphia Eagles, Defensive Coordinator)

Brian Flores (Minnesota Vikings, Defensive Coordinator)

Aaron Glenn (Detroit Lions, Defensive Coordinator)

Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions, Offensive Coordinator)

All stats courtesy of NFL Pro.