We are less than a week away from the kickoff of the 2025-2026 NFL season, and there is a lot to look forward to for this season. Let’s get into my award predictions.
Most Valuable Player: Jayden Daniels- Washington Commanders
After a historic rookie season, Jayden Daniels is back for more. The Commanders have reloaded and brought in some key pieces to a team that just made the NFC Championship with a rookie quarterback. Watch out for Daniels and the Commanders this year.
Offensive Player of The Year: Ja’Marr Chase- Cincinnati Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase is coming off the best season of his career, and if it weren’t for Saquon Barkley’s immaculate season, he would’ve been the clear pick for offensive player of the year. Paired with quarterback Joe Burrow, Chase is looking to repeat another amazing season.
Defensive Player of The Year: Micah Parsons- Green Bay Packers
Micah Parsons was just involved in one of the most surprising trades in NFL history. The Dallas Cowboys sent a stubborn Parsons to the Green Bay Packers for Kenny Clark and their next two first-round picks. Now, Parsons will be in a great scheme that will allow him to shine. Don’t be surprised if Parsons has his best season in a new environment.
Offensive Rookie of The Year: Ashton Jeanty- Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty is coming off his senior year at Boise State, where he rushed for 2,601 yards, the second-highest total in college football single-season history, only behind Hall of Famer Barry Sanders. Jeanty has been hyped up all summer, and if he can do anything like what he did in college, he will be the unanimous offensive rookie of the year.
Defensive Rookie of The Year: Abdul Carter- New York Giants
Abdul Carter was the third pick in the 2025 NFL draft and is the favorite to win this award. Carter was drafted into a good situation and will thrive in New York. Don’t be surprised if Carter gets his name into defensive player of the year talks by the end of the season. He’s the real deal.
Comeback Player of The Year: Aidan Hutchinson- Detroit Lions
After a great start to the 2024 season, Hutchinson was on pace to have one of the best seasons in NFL history. Hutchinson had 7.5 sacks through just 5 games, and was leading a dominating Lions team to a hot start. Then, the injury happened. Hutchinson suffered a broken tibia and fibula against the Cowboys in week 6. Hutchinson is back and better than ever now. Expect a great season from Hutchinson, and look out for his name on the defensive player of the year award list.
Coach of The Year: Ben Johnson- Chicago Bears
Ben Johnson was just hired as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, formally the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions (the best offense in the league). Johnson takes over the helm for one of the most interesting teams in the league. Led by 2023 #1 overall pick Caleb Williams, the Bears were disappointing last year, finishing 5-12. But the Bears have added some key pieces and brought back some star players. Don’t be surprised if Ben Johnson leads the Bears back to the playoffs in his first year coaching them.
Super Bowl Matchup: Kansas City Chiefs vs Detroit Lions (Chiefs W 28-24)
The Chiefs are inevitable. Patrick Mahomes is the best player in the league, and Travis Kelce is finally able to focus on football. The Chiefs have made the Super Bowl five out of the last six years, and are looking to make it six out of the last seven. The Lions, on the other hand, are a new team looking to start a dynasty. They are led by QB Jared Goff, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, WR Jameson Williams, and TE Sam LaPorta. Both teams are stacked, but the Lions are more talented. What will prevail? Talent or Experience? I’m taking the experience in this one.
