MVP Award
Contenders: QB Tom Brady, QB Aaron Rodgers, QB Russell Wilson, RB Todd Gurley, RB Ezekiel Elliott
Sleeper: QB Deshaun Watson
Let’s be realistic this award is mostly likely going to a QB. Brady has won three, Rodgers has won two and Wilson had a great year last year even though the Seahawks didn’t follow suit. If he repeats his statistical season and the Seahawks are better he may pull off the win. As far as RBs go Gurley and Elliott offer the best chance if it’s not a QB. Gurley is the workhorse for one of the best teams in the league and if the Cowboys are going to be good it’s going to be on the shoulders of Elliott. Watson is the sleeper candidate because he could really reverse the fortunes of the Texans. If he plays well and they make the playoffs he’s going to get quite a few votes.
My pick: QB Aaron Rodgers
Coming back from an injury could be motivation for Rodgers. Doing it without his favorite target Jordy Nelson won’t be easy but he has Devante Adams and Jimmy Graham he can rely on. The Packers need him to play his best and I think he pulls off his third MVP trophy.
Offensive Player of the Year
The is basically the MVP consolation prize so it will be basically the same argument about the same guys but I think Gurley wins it.
Defensive Player of the Year
Contenders: DT Aaron Donald, LB Von Miller, DE Joey Bosa, DE/OLB Khalil Mack, LB Luke Kuechly, CB Jalen Ramsey
Sleeper: DE Myles Garrett
Pass rushers get the sexiest stats so Miller, Bosa and Mack have an advantage and Aaron Donald is the best interior pass rusher in the game. He’s also the defending DPOY so he has that going for him. Donald missed the preseason but he did that last year too and still won it. He did just get his big pay day so perhaps he’s not as motivated as last season. He also faces the burden of increased expectations. Miller and Bosa are primed for huge seasons and if the Broncos or Chargers make major regular season runs they will be in the conversation. Mack should be extra motivated this season even with his new contract in Chicago. Proving an organization wrong by being absolutely dominating is a good way to prove a point. Kuechly is the league’s most prolific tackling machine and I don’t think he’ll slow down as long as he stays healthy. Ramsey made headlines by bashing certain offensive players in the off season but when you back it up like he does it’s hard to argue with him. Garrett is the sleeper because he plays for a team that went 0-16 last year, however, he’s an extremely talented pass rusher and if he can push the Browns to substantial win total he will get some attention.
My pick: OLB/DE Khalil Mack
Changing teams is going to set him back a little as he learns the Bears defense. However, he can become a situational pass rusher rather quickly. Lining up Mack as an OLB in Vic Fangio’s defense has to be one of the most frightening thoughts for QBs around the league. Like I said his motivation is to shove it back in the Raiders’ face and I think he will do just that.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Contenders: RB Saquon Barkley, QB Sam Darnold, RB Royce Freeman, WR Michael Gallup, WR Christian Kirk
Sleeper: WR Anthony Miller
This is Barkley’s award to lose. He’ll be the most used rookie this season and that’s a pretty good start on winning this award. The other rookie RB that would have been used as much was Derrius Guice and he’s out for the year. Darnold is the one rookie QB to win his starting job in Week 1 so he’s in the conversation. Mayfield, Allen, Rosen and Jackson will all be backups to begin the season. Royce Freeman will get a lot of work but Denver still has a couple of other backs to use too. Michal Gallup may end up being the go-to WR on the Cowboys but I’m not sure that will be enough for him to win the award. Kirk should be a nice complement to Larry Fitzgerald but his QB situation could hold him back. Miller should be the starter opposite free agent Allen Robinson and he should get a lot of balls thrown his way, Taylor Gabriel was another free agent signing but Miller brings a more complete skill set. Miller should pub up some really nice stats.
My pick: RB Saquon Barkley
I’m not crazy, he’s going to run away with this award. I would have given Guice a fighting chance if he hadn’t gotten hurt. For now, I’m not sure any of them really threaten Barkley for the award although if Darnold could get the Jets to say 8 wins he might deserve it more.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Contenders: LB Roquan Smith, S Derwin James, DE Bradley Chubb, LB Tremaine Edmunds, CB Donte Jackson
Sleepers: CB Josh Jackson, LB Jerome Baker
Roquan Smith may have gotten a late start due to a holdout but he’s still going to lead all rookies in tackles and likely be one of the league leaders overall. Derwin James joins a very good secondary in LA that will allow him to play downhill and use his considerable skills. Chubb gets to line up opposite Von Miller meaning he should face a lot of one-on-one blocking and he could have a big sack total. Tremaine Edmunds will be the playmaker of the Bills defense but will they be good enough to get him the recognition. Donte Jackson was a second-round draft pick and while he is undersized he walked into training camp and took a starting job like a boss. He’s fast and he ups the talent level in the Panthers secondary. Josh Jackson hasn’t officially ascended up the Packers depth chart but he had a very good preseason and the one thing you have to do to win this award is make plays. Jackson is a natural ballhawk and whether he starts right away or not he will play plenty and make the most of his opportunities. Baker is a deep sleeper in this group because he’s a later pick than all of them. However, he did win a starting job in Miami and his skill set and speed make him a candidate to be highly productive.
My pick: LB Roquan Smith
I really want to go with Josh Jackson and I think he could win it but Smith is in a great situation. The Bears defense got a shot in the arm with Khalil Mack and there will be a lot of attention on the Bears defense. When Smith ends up in the top 5 in the league in tackles he’s going to win the award.
My Season Predictions
Playoffs Teams
NFC Division Winners
Minnesota
Philadelphia
Atlanta
LA Rams
NFC Wild Card Teams
Green Bay
New Orleans
AFC Division Winners
New England
Pittsburgh
Jacksonville
LA Chargers
AFC Wild Card Teams
Kansas City
Tennessee
NFC Championship Game: Minnesota vs. LA Rams
AFC Championship Game: New England vs. Jacksonville
Super Bowl Matchup: New England vs. Minnesota
Super Bowl Champion: New England Patriots (was there any ever doubt)
Oh and The Doggs win will another Fantasy Football Title (back-to-back!!!!!)
The Hott Read 