2017 NFL Picks & Predictions: Awards Picks and Predictions: Another NFL regular season is in the books, and while the playoffs are about to begin, let’s take a minute to look back on the top players from the 2016 campaign. There weren’t a lot of sure-fire choices for any of the major awards this year, including the MVP, but these are the players I expect to get the nod from voters when all is said and done.
2017 NFL Picks & Predictions: Awards Picks and Predictions
Most Valuable Player: Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons
Tom Brady is the driving force of the best team in the league, and Aaron Rodgers closed the year on an incredible run. However, Ryan’s numbers are impossible to ignore. He led the league in passer rating and yards per attempt by a sizeable margin, and he also ranked in the top three in completion percentage, passing yards and passing touchdowns. He was the driving force of an offense that ranked second in passing and first in points per game despite Julio Jones missing some time with an injury. Ryan was the best quarterback in the NFL from a production and consistency standpoint this season, and I think he will be reward with MVP honors.
Offensive Player of the Year: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
It is rare for the same player who wins the MVP Award to also be named Offensive Player of the Year, so with Matt Ryan taking home the biggest prize, I think Rodgers ends up with the de facto runner-up trophy. He ranked fourth in both passing yards and passer rating, and his 40 touchdowns led the NFL. As a bonus, he ran for a career-best 369 yards, helping to compensate for an atrocious running game. Rodgers threw 15 touchdowns and no interceptions during a six-game win streak to close the year that pushed the Packers into the postseason. The furious finish and strong overall numbers will earn him some hardware.
Defensive Player of the Year: Von Miller, OLB, Denver Broncos
My vote would go to Landon Collins of the New York Giants, but safeties rarely get much love when it comes to the DPOY Award. I think the safer bet is Von Miller. Not only is he a household name, but he is easily the most disruptive pass-rusher in the NFL. His 13.5 sacks were the second most in the league, and he puts consistent pressure on the pocket despite commanding constant double teams. Miller’s sack total could have been more impressive had Denver been better offensively, but his impact on every snap was still undeniable. He is a game-changer.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys
You could make a very compelling argument for Elliott’s teammate, Dak Prescott, but you can’t lead the NFL in rushing as a rookie by a wide margin and not be named Rookie of the Year. His 1,631 rushing yards were over 300 more than any other player, and he averaged an impressive 5.1 yards per carry. More importantly, Elliott was a workhorse for the Cowboys, leading the NFL in carries and yards after contact and finishing with 1,964 yards from scrimmage and 16 total scores.
Defensive Player of the Year: Joey Bosa, DE, San Diego Chargers
The start of his season was delayed by a holdout and an injury, but Bosa more than made up for lost time when he got on the field. He finished with 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss, recording at least half a sack in eight of the 12 games he played. Bosa’s production would be impressive for any player, let alone a rookie.
Comeback Player of the Year: Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay Packers
After missing all of last season with a torn ACL, Nelson returned with a bang in 2016, finishing with 97 catches for 1,257 yards and 14 scores. The 14 touchdowns led all receivers, and he also ranked in the top six in yards, receptions, and receptions of 20-plus yards. Talk about not missing a beat.
Coach of the Year: Jason Garrett, Dallas Cowboys
Last year, the Cowboys went 4-12 and appeared headed for a similar fate when Tony Romo went down with another injury. Instead, the Cowboys rode a pair of rookies to a division title and the best record in the NFC. Yes, the players themselves deserve a lot of credit, but Garrett will get his share of credit for leading “America’s Team” back to prominence.
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