The 2024 NFL season is off to a great start with action packed games left and right. As the season unfolds, we are starting to see new teams emerge as playoff contenders while other big names are falling off. But, who is leading these teams to make them such great forces on the field? Being that we are halfway through the NFL season, here are my predictions for end of the year solo awards.
MVP
There are a few contestant’s that are in the mix, but I think one stands out, Lamar Jackson. Lamars impressive season has been a combination of efficient passing and elusive rushing. He is leading his team to one of the top offenses in the league with 24 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions. To make his resume even more impressive he has a passer rating of 123.2; the highest in the NFL. Ultimately, Jackson’s dual-threat versatility sets him apart from others in the race. However, with half the season still to come many players still have the opportunity to showcase their impact and achievements.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
I think this one’s obvious, Jayden Daniel’s. Before Jayden Daniel’s joined the team, the commanders were nowhere near a winning season. Now they are in playoff contention. His dual threat ability, completion rate percentage and touchdown to interception ratio (11:2) puts him atop of Caleb Williams and Bo Nix. However, Malik Nabers is in close contention as of right now, but with Daniel Jones at quarterback, I don’t see him being a threat to Jayden Daniels.
Rookie Defensive Player of the Year
As of right now I have Jared Verse (edge) of the Los Angeles Rams. Filling in the shoes of Aaron Donald, Verse has played a key role in the pass rush defense. Leading all rookies with sacks and tackles he is my frontrunner for DROY. Close behind I have Laitu Latu (edge) of the Colts. He had a great start and looks as if he will have a promising season.
Offensive Player of the Year
Derrick Henry is my frontrunner for OPOY. He has a total of twelve touchdowns and 1120 all purpose yards, leading the NFL in both categories. He averages an astounding 5.9 yards per carry, showing his strength and ability to breakaway from the defense. The ravens have benefited tremendously from Henry’s running game and will continue to use it to strengthen their dynamic offense. Nobody else is in close contention in my opinion, but it will be interesting to see if Derrick Henry can keep up his dominant performance.
Defensive Player of the Year
In my opinion, there are no clear frontrunners for defensive player of the year. As of right now, it is a tight race between TJ Watt and Dexter Lawrence. These two defensive lineman have created a name for themselves in the past, but this year they are more impactful than ever. Dexter is the clear leader in sacks with nine while TJ has six and a half, but TJ has more pressures and fumble recoveries. Another candidate coming in close behind is Trey Hendrickson as he is the rock of the Bengals defense with eleven sacks. This race will be exciting to watch as the season unfolds.
Comeback Player of the Year
Even though this isn’t possible because of the criteria of the award, I still have Sam Darnold is my comeback player of the year. Some say it will be Aaron Rodgers but with the recent struggles of the Jets offense I think his position for CPOY has dwindled. After Darnold’s ghostly season last year with the 49ers, many expected him to be the backup quarterback he always was. But he has excelled in so many ways with the Vikings. He has put them in play-off contention and among QBs he is ranked 10th overall. He has been more efficient and consistent than in his past years proving that he is back and ready to dominate with the Vikings.
Coach of the Year
Dan Quinn is my coach of the year. He has led the commanders into playoff contention and has transformed them into something nobody would’ve imagined. Additionally, his dominating defensive schemes have led them to be a top defense in the league.
