Menu
The NFL season never fails to deliver thrilling moments, unexpected storylines, and fierce competition, and this year has been no exception. As the regular season concludes and the postseason drama unfolds, the buzz surrounding the annual AP NFL Awards has reached a fever pitch. These prestigious accolades celebrate the league’s best players and their contributions, sparking endless debates among fans and analysts alike. From standout quarterbacks to record-breaking performances, the finalists represent the pinnacle of football excellence.
This year’s MVP race is particularly electrifying, with a field of nominees boasting impressive resumes. Fans are weighing in on everything from jaw-dropping statistics to pivotal game-changing plays. Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow headline the discussion, with each making a compelling case for the coveted honor. Meanwhile, players like Saquon Barkley and Jared Goff have delivered standout seasons that further enrich the conversation. Who will walk away with the league’s most prestigious individual honor?
Beyond the MVP race, other key awards, such as Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year, highlight the NFL’s most exceptional talent across every position. From breakthrough performances to veteran consistency, these honors capture the essence of what makes the league so captivating. Let’s dive into the AP Awards finalists, analyze their seasons, and predict who will take home the hardware.
The Most Valuable Player award always garners the most attention, and this year’s race is no different. Five finalists were announced, and each brings a unique case for why they deserve the honor. Let’s rank the nominees from least to most likely to win.
Jared Goff had an impressive season, leading the Detroit Lions to their most successful campaign in franchise history. The Lions boasted a top-20 offense of all time, averaging 33 points per game, and Goff was at the helm of it all. While his performance was remarkable, it didn’t quite reach MVP-caliber, especially in such a competitive year. Nonetheless, his nomination is well-deserved, and he’s proven to be worth every penny of his offseason contract. The question now is whether Goff can maintain this level of play with a coaching staff that’s been heavily restructured.
Saquon Barkley had a historic season, narrowly missing the all-time single-season rushing record by just 101 yards. Despite sitting out the final game of the season, Barkley became one of only 19 players in NFL history to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a season. His dominance on the ground and ability to break franchise records for the Eagles are noteworthy. However, non-quarterbacks often face an uphill battle in the MVP race, and while Barkley’s achievements are monumental, they fall short of securing the top spot.
Joe Burrow’s season was nothing short of stellar. He led the league in passing yards (4,918) and passing touchdowns, while also setting a career-high completion percentage of 70.6%. Burrow’s precision and consistency solidify his status as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. However, the Bengals’ inability to secure a playoff spot ultimately hurt his MVP chances. Despite his individual brilliance, team success often plays a significant role in MVP voting.
Josh Allen continued to solidify his legacy as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in NFL history. With 4,200 total yards and 40 touchdowns, Allen broke several NFL records, including the most points, yards, and touchdowns in a player’s first six seasons. His dual-threat ability makes him a nightmare for defenses, but Allen’s numbers weren’t quite enough to edge out this year’s MVP frontrunner.
Lamar Jackson’s season was historic. He recorded 5,087 total yards, 44 touchdowns, and just four interceptions, achieving a passer rating of 119.6—the fourth-best in NFL history. Jackson’s dual-threat capability was on full display as he added 915 rushing yards to his impressive passing stats. Leading the Ravens to a division title, Jackson demonstrated why he’s one of the most electrifying players in the game. This marks his third MVP win, and it’s well-deserved.
This award often highlights skill position players, and Saquon Barkley is a strong contender. With over 2,000 rushing yards and a significant impact on the Eagles’ offense, Barkley could easily take home this award. Joe Burrow and Josh Allen are also in the mix, but Barkley’s dominance on the ground gives him the edge.
The league’s top defenders delivered incredible performances this season, but the frontrunner is undoubtedly Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys. Parsons consistently disrupted opposing offenses, leading the league in sacks and setting the tone for Dallas’ dominant defense. Nick Bosa and T.J. Watt also had strong seasons, but Parsons stands out as the clear choice.
In a year filled with promising rookies, Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons emerged as the standout. Robinson’s ability to impact both the running and passing game made him a critical piece of the Falcons’ offense. His versatility and production make him the favorite for this award.
Will Anderson Jr., the Houston Texans’ rookie pass rusher, made an immediate impact in his debut season. Anderson’s high motor and ability to pressure the quarterback earned him this recognition.
Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks had a career resurgence, leading the Seahawks to a surprising playoff berth. Smith’s journey from journeyman backup to Pro Bowl quarterback is one of the most inspiring stories of the season.
The NFL’s AP Awards provide a platform to celebrate the league’s best talent, and this year’s crop of nominees did not disappoint. From Lamar Jackson’s historic MVP season to Saquon Barkley’s record-breaking year, the 2023 NFL season was filled with unforgettable moments.
Want more in-depth sports coverage? Be sure to subscribe to GSMC’s Down by Contact Sports podcast for weekly insights, analysis, and interviews. Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to check out our blog at gsmcpodcast.com for more articles. You can also watch exclusive content on our YouTube channel, GSMC Sports Network. Join the conversation on social media using these hashtags:
