The greatest time of the year is here. With the NFL season underway, attention shifts to the names who will define it. Every fall brings breakout stars, resurgent veterans and coaches with something to prove, and the awards race is where those stories take shape.
Most Valuable Player: Lamar Jackson
Jackson enters 2025 with an opportunity to join rare company by earning a third MVP. He continues to blend elite production through the air with unmatched impact on the ground, and last season proved he has fully matured as a passer. Baltimore surrounds him with a roster that allows him to thrive without overextending himself. With a team capable of winning 13 or 14 games, he will have both the numbers and team success that voters demand. Durability questions will linger, but if he maintains his health, his statistical profile and the Ravens’ win total should position him to take home the award.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ashton Jeanty
The Raiders running back arrives with one of the most complete skill sets at the position in years. Explosive, physical and capable of contributing as both a runner and receiver, Jeanty should immediately become a focal point of the Raiders’ offense. Las Vegas may not have the most dominant O-line, but it has enough building blocks up front to give him room to operate. His workload will be significant, and his efficiency is too good to ignore, making him the safest bet among rookie playmakers to post numbers that jump off the page.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Abdul Carter
New York’s defense already has cornerstones in place, and now Carter adds another dynamic element off the edge. With his quickness, bend and strength, he profiles as the type of pass rusher who can contribute double-digit sacks right away. Playing alongside an established front seven that includes Dexter Lawrence II and Brian Burns will also free him up for one-on-one opportunities. History shows this award often goes to edge rushers who start fast, and Carter checks every box to be that kind of immediate difference-maker.
Offensive Player of the Year: Bijan Robinson
Atlanta leans heavily on Robinson, and that usage paired with his all-around ability sets him up for a monster campaign. He’s not only an exceptional runner but also a weapon in the passing game, and the Falcons’ offensive identity revolves around getting him touches in every way possible. Already among the league’s most productive young backs, he looks poised to elevate further with a second year of consistency behind a physical run-blocking front.
Defensive Player of the Year: Micah Parsons
The Packers filled their biggest defensive need by acquiring Parsons, who immediately became the game-wrecker they lacked. His pressure numbers have been elite since entering the league, and even while facing constant attention, he still produces at a level few can match. Green Bay already had a strong run defense and opportunistic secondary, but Parsons adds the kind of talent who can tilt games by himself and elevate those around him.
Protector of the Year: Lane Johnson
Philadelphia’s offensive line remains among the best in the league, and Johnson is the tone-setter. His combination of strength, technique and consistency has been unmatched for years. While this is a new award, the expectation is it will honor the player regarded as the league’s premier lineman, and Johnson fits that description as well as anyone.
Comeback Player of the Year: Aidan Hutchinson
Hutchinson’s dominant start last season was cut short by a devastating leg injury, but he now has the chance to reclaim his place as one of the most disruptive defenders in the NFL. If he picks up where he left off — piling up sacks and pressures — Detroit’s defense becomes a different unit. His return to form would not only be impactful but one of the season’s defining comeback stories.
