NFL training camps are underway, which means the 2024 regular season is soon approaching. As is tradition, this is the time of year when we start making our predictions for the upcoming season.
Today, we take a look around the league and predict each team’s best shot at winning an award in 2024. This includes Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Rookie of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, and Coach of the Year.
Every Team’s Best Shot at an Award This NFL Season
Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., Offensive Rookie of the Year
Equipped with a high ceiling and famous NFL bloodlines, Marvin Harrison Jr. has a strong chance of becoming the Arizona Cardinals’ first Offensive Rookie of the Year wide receiver since Anquan Boldin in 2003.
Harrison immediately catapults to the conversation of WR1 in Glendale, Ariz. His chances of claiming OROY will especially grow if quarterback Kyler Murray plays a full 17-game season.
Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, Offensive Player of the Year
New head coach Raheem Morris has brought in offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who’s implementing the Los Angeles Rams’ offense with the Atlanta Falcons. While that system is known for turning Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua into 1,000-yard receivers, it also helped lead to Kyren Williams’ Pro Bowl 2023 campaign, with the second-year back scoring 12 rushing touchdowns and racking up 1,350 total yards.
This bodes well for Bijan Robinson, especially with Morris making it expressly clear the No. 8 overall pick from the 2023 NFL Draft is getting the rock.
Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson, Most Valuable Player
Yes, indeed, Lamar Jackson is capable of winning back-to-back MVP awards — which would be a first for the Baltimore Ravens.
Here’s the reason behind Jackson’s high repeat MVP chances: Todd Monken, his offensive coordinator. Jackson improved his completion percentage and delivered a career-high in passing yards in Monken’s first season in Baltimore, and now he heads into his second year in the scheme.
Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen, Most Valuable Player
Josh Allen looks like the best NFL quarterback who’s yet to win the MVP award.
He’s come close three times — including earning second-place votes in 2020. But if he produces career-high numbers without Stefon Diggs in 2024, then he’s got to emerge as a frontrunner this time.
Carolina Panthers: Dave Canales, Coach of the Year
The rookie head coach has a tall task in Charlotte, N.C. He’s trying to boost the confidence of Bryce Young after a rough rookie start, all while operating with a young, questionable roster.
But if Dave Canales manages to turn Carolina into a playoff team in an annually winnable NFC South, then he’ll emerge as the leader for Coach of the Year.
Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, Offensive Rookie of the Year
The stars have lined up perfectly for the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and first-overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft to deliver an immediate impact.
Williams has two 1,000-yard WRs to throw to in DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. Cole Kmet is a 50-catch threat at tight end. Williams even has Shane Waldron as his offensive coordinator — who’s worked with Pro Bowlers Geno Smith and Jared Goff. The arrow points up for Williams’ OROY hopes.
Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, Comeback Player of the Year
This 2024 season could have a stacked lineup of candidates for the Comeback Player of the Year nod. Joe Burrow is among the names on this watch list following his injury-plagued ’23 campaign.
The league has already seen Burrow operate at an MVP level when healthy. If he’s anywhere near his past dominant form, he’ll be a good bet to swoop up either the MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, or CPOY. We’ll go with the latter.
Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, Defensive Player of the Year
Myles Garrett represents the new face of terrorizing quarterbacks. Since 2018, he’s never fallen below 10 sacks. No other defender has matched that production.
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But since he turned 26, he’s flipped a switch by producing two 16-sack seasons and last year’s 14-sack output. Garrett clearly looks like he’s hit his prime — which increases his chances to repeat as DPOY.
Dallas Cowboys: Micah Parsons, Defensive Player of the Year
This possibility obviously hinges on whether Dallas and Micah Parsons can work out a deal to avoid any more distractions ahead of training camp.
Parsons, though, is fresh off a career-high 14 sacks. Now, he gets Mike Zimmer as his defensive coordinator, the same Zimmer who once coached future Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware and perennial Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter. If this relationship works, count on a new career high in sacks and DPOY conversations for Parsons.
Denver Broncos: Patrick Surtain II, Defensive Player of the Year
Patrick Surtain II has been everything the Denver Broncos envisioned when they drafted him ninth overall in 2021.
But he tightened up his coverage following the 70-20 debacle against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3, surrendering no more than 65 receiving yards on his side during the final 13 games. Increased production will mean increased chances to win the league’s top individual defensive honor.
Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, Defensive Player of the Year
Judging by his ’23 production, it won’t be long before Aidan Hutchinson takes to the podium and accepts his NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
He also already has 21 career sacks and is yet to miss a single regular-season game. He’s in a great position to snatch DPOY in his third season.
Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love, Most Valuable Player
Was last season a glimpse of things to come from Jordan Love?
Now fully entrenched as the franchise QB moving forward, a continued upward trajectory for Love will allow him to join franchise legends Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre as MVP winners.
Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, Most Valuable Player
C.J. Stroud had analysts thinking MVP during his stellar rookie season.
But with Diggs on board, Tank Dell healthy, plus Joe Mixon now in his backfield, Stroud’s MVP chances have lifted off like a NASA rocket.
Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, Comeback Player of the Year
Anthony Richardson will enter the year with CPOY thoughts or even aim to join the MVP conversation if he stays healthy.
With Gardner Minshew II off to the Las Vegas Raiders, Richardson won’t have to worry about having an established veteran behind him with Joe Flacco joining Indy as a backup. Again, a healthy ’24 raises Richardson’s chances of CPOY.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, Most Valuable Player
Now armed with a blockbuster $275 million deal, best believe Trevor Lawrence will raise his game to another level.
The only knock is that he won’t have Calvin Ridley to throw to this time. But the presence of the explosive rookie addition Brian Thomas Jr. can help catapult Lawrence’s MVP chances.
Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes, Most Valuable Player
As long as he’s on the field, Patrick Mahomes will always be in the conversation for Most Valuable Player.
This year, the two-time MVP will be feeding the ball to a WR with a 4.21-second time in the 40-yard dash in Xavier Worthy — fueling new excitement for the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense. Of course, Travis Kelce makes life on the field even better for Mahomes and helps his annual MVP chances.
Las Vegas Raiders: Maxx Crosby, Defensive Player of the Year
The three-time Pro Bowler has gotten better every season, increasing his sack numbers in each campaign since 2020.
But now he’s walking into a Las Vegas Raiders facility with renewed fire and energy, courtesy of head coach Antonio Pierce. Look for Crosby to play a new inspired brand of football through Pierce, which also gives the Raiders their best chance at finally producing the franchise’s first DPOY.
Los Angeles Chargers: Derwin James Jr., Defensive Player of the Year
New defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is likely going to have a blast working with the All-Pro safety.
Minter’s scheme was based on the versatility of the defensive players he coached in Ann Arbor, Mich., during his days with the Wolverines. His scheme also calls for plenty of disguised coverages, meaning the talented Derwin James Jr. could be a seamless fit for his system.
Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse, Defensive Rookie of the Year
I have a strong feeling last season’s top defensive rookies Byron Young and Kobie Turner will draw the most attention in the trenches … which only swings the door open for Jared Verse to wreak havoc.
Here’s what also helps Verse: Promoted defensive coordinator Chris Shula has a linebackers-coach background, giving him an advantage in knowing how to utilize Verse. With his snap explosion and tenacity, Verse is due to become a new Von Miller in L.A.
Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, Most Valuable Player
When Tua Tagovailoa is healthy, he’s an MVP contender.
And his numbers have risen since the arrival of Mike McDaniel in 2022. Tagovailoa should be even more immersed into his offense in his third season — which could mean a 5,000-yard campaign and his first 30-touchdown tally.
Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson, Comeback Player of the Year
This prediction will hinge on who becomes the full-time starter between Sam Darnold or rookie J.J. McCarthy.
But regardless of who’s behind center, it’ll be considered a cardinal sin to ignore the All-Pro wideout as he returns from an injury-plagued ’23. Jefferson joins a deep list of CPOY candidates.
New England Patriots: Jerod Mayo, Coach of the Year
If (and it’s a big if) the New England Patriots manage to worm their way into the playoffs, Jerod Mayo will have to be the frontrunner for Coach of the Year.
He’s taking over a complete rebuild in Foxborough, Mass., featuring a new QB and younger receivers while replacing an NFL legend in Bill Belichick. But his youthful energy is expected to rub off on the Pats players, with the potential of making them more competitive than what many across the league are projecting.
New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, Offensive Player of the Year
The New Orleans Saints continue to churn out stellar wide receiver play, and Chris Olave took over as the WR1 even while sharing the field with one-time Pro Bowler Michael Thomas.
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Olave, though, improved his receptions, yards, and touchdowns while playing with multiple quarterbacks in 2024. A full season with Derek Carr, especially if he hits 100 catches or more, could make Olave OPOY.
New York Giants: Dexter Lawrence, Defensive Player of the Year
Some around the New York Giants believe Brian Burns will be a top pass rusher, given his Pro Bowl past with the Carolina Panthers.
But Burns’ presence will only free up Lawrence to wreak havoc and likely command fewer double teams. Lawrence is already the biggest cog in the middle for the Giants and their top defensive player. But Burns next to him could mean fewer double teams, leading to DPOY conversations for the two-time Pro Bowl nose tackle.
New York Jets: Aaron Rodgers, Comeback Player of the Year
Again, the list of CPOY possibilities is a loaded group that will include Aaron Rodgers.
But the QB coming back from a torn Achilles could even spark MVP conversations if he proves he’s still got dominance left in his 40-year-old arm. The New York Jets’ success rides off the play of the NFL legend.
Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts, Most Valuable Player
Most fans will remember how the 2023 season ended for Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles. Few, however, recall that Hurts delivered career highs in yards (3,858) and touchdowns (23).
Hurts has proven to get better each season. The 2024 campaign presents his latest chance to claim his first MVP nod with continuous improvement.
Pittsburgh Steelers: T.J. Watt, Defensive Player of the Year
He may be in a division where Myles Garrett grabs the sacks and attention. But we can’t ever rule out T.J. Watt as a DPOY contender.
Watt proved he was still a 19-20 sack threat when he was given a full regular season, hitting 19 sacks as a 29-year-old defender in ’23.
San Francisco 49ers: Talanoa Hufanga, Comeback Player of the Year
The 2022 Pro Bowler is our final candidate for CPOY.
Talanoa Hufanga was on his way to matching his interception numbers from that ’22 season before tearing his ACL on Nov. 19. But when he’s on the field, he gives the San Francisco 49ers an instinctive defender in coverage who can additionally blow up plays near the line of scrimmage.
Seattle Seahawks: Mike Macdonald, Coach of the Year
The new head coach is taking over a playoff roster featuring Pro Bowlers at quarterback and wide receiver.
Mike Macdonald will have his hand on the defense. But if he produces a playoff run or even a division title, he’s the favorite for COY.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Antoine Winfield Jr., Defensive Player of the Year
While Baker Mayfield could spark MVP or OPOY talk, Antoine Winfield Jr. is emerging as a threat to end the league’s current streak of edge rushers winning the top defensive honor.
Winfield is fresh off a league-high six-interception season while proving his worth on blitzes by snatching three sacks and six tackles behind the line. He could be the first safety since Troy Polamalu in 2010 to win DPOY.
Tennessee Titans: Brian Callahan, Coach of the Year
Brian Callahan brings an AFC Championship ring from his Cincinnati Bengals days over to Nashville, Tenn.
If the Tennessee Titans offense is anywhere near the explosive production of his past Cincy offenses — and particularly if young quarterback Will Levis takes a big leap forward in his second season — Callahan will have a playoff team on his hands and earn COY talk.
Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, Offensive Rookie of the Year
Jayden Daniels is the most intriguing rookie QB to walk into Washington, D.C., since Robert Griffin III.
If the 2023 Heisman winner is anything like RG3 or shatters his rookie marks in ’24, the Washington Commanders will have the OROY on their hands … or even an early contender for MVP.