The NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards have revealed finalists, including Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens), Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers), and Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys). The Associated Press announced the finalists for eight awards, and voting occurred before the regular season’s conclusion. The NFL Honors show will reveal the winners on Feb.8, just ahead of Super Bowl LVIII.
Lamar Jackson seems poised for the MVP, having received 45 out of 50 first-place votes for the AP’s NFL All-Pro team earlier this month. As the Ravens secured the top seed in the AFC with a 14-4 record, Jackson showcased his skills with 3,678 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, 821 rushing yards, and five rushing touchdowns.
The MVP race could see a challenge from Dak Prescott, who finished the season with 4,516 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and a career-best 105.9 passer rating, leading the Cowboys to the NFC East title. Initially a strong contender, Tyreek Hill faced challenges due to an ankle injury but still led the NFL in receiving yards (1,799) and shared the lead in touchdowns (13) with Mike Evans.
Christian McCaffrey, the NFL rushing leader with 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns, also contributed with 564 receiving yards and seven touchdowns for the 49ers.
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Despite the potential for Jackson to win MVP, historical trends suggest that the Offensive Player of the Year award is not guaranteed. Since 2003, both awards went to the same player only 10 times, with the last occurrence in 2018 (Patrick Mahomes).
Defensive Player of the Year could go to J.J. Watt based on sacks, as he led the NFL with 19. Stroud, the 2023 No. 2 overall draft pick, had an impressive rookie season, ranking eighth in passing yards (4,108), leading rookie quarterbacks with 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions.
An intriguing factor in the voting may be Nacua, the Rams’ wide receiver, who set rookie records with 105 receptions, 1,486 receiving yards, and six touchdowns, becoming a key target for Matthew Stafford.
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