2015-2016 NFL Picks and Predictions: Regular Season Award Favorites

2015-2016 NFL Picks and Predictions: Regular Season Award Favorites: The 2015 NFL regular season is in the books, and while 12 teams still have plenty to play for with the playoffs set to begin, the top players in the league have already done all they can to state their case for the top individual honors in the game. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the players I expect will walk away with the major awards for the 2015 NFL season.

2015-2016 NFL Picks and Predictions: Regular Season Award Favorites

Most Valuable Player: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

While Arizona QB Carson Palmer, New England QB Tom Brady and Seattle QB Russell Wilson were all irreplaceable for their respective teams, this is Newton’s award, and he is going to win by a wide margin. He was literally a one-man show on offense for the 15-1 Panthers, throwing for 35 touchdowns and almost 4,000 yards and running for 636 yards and 10 more scores. Newton was just one touchdown off the league lead in both categories, and his passing numbers become even more impressive when you consider that he was throwing to Ted Ginn Jr. and Corey Brown. They Panthers aren’t in the playoffs without Newton, and they don’t have the best record in the NFL unless he has an MVP-worthy season.

Defensive Player of the Year: J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans

Expect Carolina CB Josh Norman to make a strong challenge for this award, but look for Watt to come out on top. After all, he led the NFL in sacks and tackles for loss yet again, and he manages to be incredibly productive and disruptive despite playing in a 3-4 base defense that allows opponents to constantly double and triple team him. Watt also knocked down eight passes, and he was the anchor of a defensive unit that became the best in football over the second half of the season and helped the Texans win the AFC South despite using four different quarterbacks.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Todd Gurley, RB, St. Louis Rams

There were several worthy candidates, including Tampa Bay QB Jameis Winston, Oakland WR Amari Cooper and Arizona RB David Johnson. However, Gurley piled up 1,106 yards in just 13 games, finishing third in the entire NFL in rushing. He also ranked fifth in the league with 10 rushing touchdowns, one off the league lead. His 4.8 yards per carry were more than respectable, especially for a team that couldn’t really throw the ball. By the way, Gurley did all this while coming off knee surgery. Despite tough competition, Gurley should win this award comfortably.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Marcus Peters, CB, Kansas City Chiefs

Although linebackers usually have the advantage when it comes to winning DROY honors, Peters should cruise to the honor this year. After all, his eight interceptions tied for the league lead, and he led the NFL with 26 passes defensed. Meanwhile, his 60 tackles were proof that he isn’t just a one-dimensional corner. Part of the reason the Chiefs went from one of the league’s worst defenses in the first half of the year to one of the best in the second half was the development of Peters, and you simply can’t argue with his playmaking ability.

Coach of the Year: Ron Rivera, Carolina Panthers

You could make a strong argument for Kansas City head coach Andy Reid after he led the Chiefs to the playoffs after a 1-5 start, but the voters will likely go with the no-brainer option for this award, and that option is Rivera. The Panthers finished with the best record in football and just missed out on an undefeated regular season.

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