Rookie of the year? Coach of the year? MVP? Aaron Rose has put pen to paper to give his thoughts on the NFL Awards.
With over three-quarters of the 2024-25 NFL season in the books, the league’s most prestigious awards are coming into focus. Players and coaches have made compelling cases for recognition as the best in their respective roles. From MVP to Coach of the Year, these standout performers have defined the season with their excellence on the field and on the sidelines. And as the playoffs loom, one team has emerged as perhaps the most dangerous contender of them all.
MVP: The Case for Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson isn’t just a player — he’s a paradigm shift. He’s not your typical quarterback, and that’s exactly why he deserves to be this year’s MVP. Forget traditional stat lines. Forget fitting players into neat positional boxes. Lamar operates in a space only he occupies — a singularity of speed, precision, and chaos, all at once.
Statistically, he’s near flawless. Jackson has accounted for 34 passing touchdowns this season, second only to Joe Burrow. He’s thrown just three interceptions, and all three hit his receivers in the hands. If that’s not precision, what is? The Ravens lead the NFL in offensive Expected Points Added (EPA) — a metric that defines offensive efficiency. Translation: nobody moves the ball more effectively than Baltimore, and nobody moves Baltimore more than Lamar. He tops Josh Allen in virtually every major category: touchdowns, interceptions, passer rating, completion percentage — you name it, Lamar’s ahead.
Of course, the MVP debate loves to nitpick, and Lamar’s critics will point to the Ravens’ 9-5 record. But let’s be real — that record has more to do with Baltimore’s defensive lapses and an unusually shaky year from Justin Tucker than anything Jackson has done. If you’re looking for a player who is his team’s highlight reel, who carries them every week, and who turns broken plays into symphonies, you’re looking for Lamar Jackson. He’s the most valuable player in the league this season.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: The Case for Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels didn’t just meet rookie expectations — he shattered them. From Week 1, he played with the poise of a veteran, and by Week 15, it was clear he was the class of the rookie field. Daniels leads all rookie quarterbacks in passing yards and trails only Bo Nix in passing touchdowns. On the ground, only Lamar Jackson has more rushing yards among quarterbacks, and Daniels has used his dual-threat ability to turn broken plays into game-breaking moments.
He’s done more than rack up stats. Daniels has solidified the Commanders as a playoff team, elevating them from fringe contenders to a legitimate threat. No rookie quarterback is asked to do more for his team, and no rookie quarterback has delivered like Daniels. If Rookie of the Year is about production, impact, and winning, Daniels checks every box. The future may be his, but this season already belongs to him.
Offensive Player of the Year: The Case for Saquon Barkley
The Offensive Player of the Year award has quietly morphed into a “best non-quarterback” honor, and by that standard, Saquon Barkley deserves the nod. He leads all running backs in rushing yards and is the driving force behind the league’s top-ranked rushing offense. His blend of power, agility, and breakaway speed makes him a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
Barkley’s season has been filled with highlight plays, but none were more jaw-dropping than his backward hurdle over a Jaguars defender — a move that defied logic and left teammates in awe. Plays like that aren’t just flash; they define his value. Without Barkley, the offense’s identity changes. He’s producing chunk plays, converting third downs, and closing out wins. It’s not just about being productive — it’s about being essential.
There’s always debate about what Offensive Player of the Year should mean. But if it’s about being the most impactful non-quarterback, Barkley checks every box. This season, no offensive weapon has been more essential.
Coach of the Year: The Case for Kevin O’Connell
Kevin O’Connell has quietly put together one of the most impressive coaching performances of the 2024 season. After entering the year with a projected win total of 6.5, the Minnesota Vikings are on pace to double that number. With a 12-2 record, O’Connell has guided a team that many expected to hover near mediocrity into Super Bowl contention.
A key part of O’Connell’s case is his ability to get the most out of his roster. Under his leadership, quarterback Sam Darnold has experienced a career resurgence, turning in one of the most efficient seasons of his career. The Vikings have consistently found ways to win close games — often a sign of strong coaching.
In a crowded Coach of the Year field, O’Connell’s ability to exceed expectations and develop talent makes him one of the season’s most compelling candidates.
Super Bowl Favourites: The Case for the Buffalo Bills
This NFL season hasn’t given us an obvious Super Bowl favourite, but the Buffalo Bills are making their case at the perfect time. In a year defined by parity, the Bills are peaking when it matters most. At the center of it all is Josh Allen, leading the charge like only he can. Few quarterbacks affect the game quite like him. His Week 15 masterclass against the Lions — 362 passing yards, two passing TDs, 68 rushing yards, and two more touchdowns on the ground — was a reminder of how much he can take over. But Allen isn’t doing it alone. James Cook has emerged as the leader of Buffalo’s top-tier run game, while Allen is spreading the ball to multiple playmakers instead of relying on one star. In a season without a clear favorite, Buffalo might be the team nobody wants to face in February.