2018 NFL Preview – Awards

With the general preview in our rearview, let’s take a look at the NFL Honors predictions for 2018.  As with much of this preview, it is mostly wild guesses in the dark from 20 feet away. People can dissect my predictions and I may pretend to care, but this is mostly for fun. Once again, I take no responsibility for anyone who bets for any of these picks based on my take.

On to the predictions:

Rookie of the Year

New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley

The Giants will likely run a lot this season in an attempt to extend Eli’s career or something like that.  In all honesty, Saquon Barkley is a strong name, to the victor go the spoils.

Air and Ground Players of the Year: 

Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers

I have a gut feeling (honestly has nothing to do with the contract) that this is going to be a showcase year for Rodgers – if he can stay healthy for the majority of the year.

Los Angeles Rams RB Todd Gurley

I mean, again not really about the contract, Gurley is a beast.  I don’t imagine he will be slowed down much.

Defensive Player of the Year: 

Denver Broncos LB Von Miller

I will accept all criticism that this is a homer pick – sue me.  I am picking with my heart on this one.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB, Ronald Jones

Because I wanted to pick someone who wasn’t necessarily a clear cut choice, but also reasonable to consider.

Offensive Player of the Year: 

New England Patriots QB, Tom Brady

Because if he wins this, he won’t win MVP.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: 

Chicago Bears LB, Roquan Smith

There is something about the symmetry of Saquon and Roquan.  Besides that, with Money Mack in the fold in Chicago, this guy has a chance to have fun tormenting opposing offenses.  Let’s call this a rising Mack floats all boats.  (Pause.)

Comeback Player of the Year: 

Indianapolis Colts QB, Andrew Luck

For the Colts sake. For the NFL’s sake.  For Andrew Luck’s sake.  For Fridays with Andrew’s sake, I hope that Luck is healthy enough to have a bounce back season and snag this award.  As a QB of his supposed caliber, he should be the top candidate for this award this year.

Coach of the Year:

San Francisco 49ers HC, Kyle Shanahan

Because Sean McVay got it last year.  Because Jimmy G might be legit.  And if Jimmy is not legit and they do well anyway, then it’s the coach’s doing.

Most Valuable Player: 

Green Bay Packers QB, Aaron Rodgers

I’m here for a big Aaron Rodgers season. I admire Rodgers and would have no problem with the Packers steamrolling the league (checks schedule to make sure the Broncos don’t play them) on the way to the playoffs. As I think I explained in yesterday’s preview, the league is more fun the more peak Aaron Rodgers we get.

Wrap Up

All in all, I think we may see a split of new and familiar faces across the NFL awards by the end of this season.  I will make this one suggestion, move NFL Honors so that it takes place at the end of the regular season and before the playoffs.  By the time we get to hearing who won what, it barely even feels like it matters anymore.

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