NFL Early Season Quarterly Award Winners

We are 4 weeks through the NFL Season and there has already been madness from 6 undefeated teams, rescheduling games due to Covid, the abundance of injuries and breakout performances from a variety of players. This NFL Season has been entertaining and full of players looking to step up their game to the next level. In this article, we’ll go through if the NFL season were to end right now and at the rate these players are playing who would win each respective award.

MVP: Russell Wilson

Through 4 weeks, Russell Wilson is the frontrunner in the MVP race. The surprising fact about this is that Russell Wilson has never received a single MVP vote throughout his entire career. Wilson in his age 32 season is on pace to shatter his career highs. Wilson has joined an elite club of quarterbacks who have been able to put up the numbers he has in such a short timeframe. These numbers include 16 touchdowns, 1,285 passing yards, 75% completion percentage, and a whopping 136.7 passer rating. Russell Wilson has led the Seahawks to an astounding 4-0 start and if the Seahawks can continue winning along with Wilson putting up these historic numbers, Wilson should have no problem securing the well-deserved MVP award this season.

Coach of Year: Sean McDermott

The Buffalo Bills are off to a hot start to the season with being one of 6 undefeated teams left in the entire league. The Bills have a young offensive core led by potential MVP Candidate Josh Allen at Quarterback, young running backs in Devin Singletary and Zack Moss, Pro Bowl Wide Receiver Stefon Diggs and a strong offensive line. Their defense is also a borderline top 10 units in the league with a tough core. The Buffalo Bills have played 2 teams below .500 and 2 teams at .500 or above this season. The 2 teams are division rivals and the Dolphins usually give the Buffalo Bills a tough matchup. Sean McDermott deserves this award for his wins against the Rams and Raiders on the road while leading the Bills to a 4-0 record with one of the best offenses in the NFL. McDermott has been able to transition Stefon Diggs smoothly into the Buffalo Bills passing attack with Diggs sharing the passing yardage title with 403 yards through 4 weeks along with DK Metcalf of the Seattle Seahawks.

Offensive Player of Year: Alvin Kamara

The Saints are off to a disappointing 2-2 start but that hasn’t stopped Kamara from being one of the top offensive weapons in the entire league. Kamara is the current #1 fantasy running back through 4 weeks in most leagues. Kamara has managed 557 total yards of offense along with 7 touchdowns. Kamara is on pace to put up career high numbers in almost every statistical category including rushing yards, receptions, receiving yards, and total touchdowns. Kamara is the early offensive player of the year.

Defensive Player of Year: Za’Darius Smith

The Green Bay Packers Defensive End has not made many national headlines and has quietly gone to the top of the statistical leaderboard in several categories. Za’Darius Smith has been a force to be reckoned with for opposing quarterbacks. Smith currently leads the NFL in sacks with 5 through 4 games. In addition to the pressure he’s had with sacks, he’s also in the top 5 in tackles for loss with 7 total. This pressure has also allowed Smith to secure one forced fumble and recovery. If Smith could continue this pressure and bolster his tackles number, Smith is definitely in the running for defensive player of the year.

Offensive Rookie of Year: Joe Burrow

The #1 overall pick has been off to a strong start for the Cincinnati Bengals. The rookie quarterback has thrown for over 300 yards in 3 straight weeks. In this same time frame, Burrow also has thrown for 6 touchdowns and only 1 interception with a passer rating consistently over 90. Burrow has some tough division matchups against the Steelers and Ravens looming ahead which will definitely be a true test for the rookie’s ability to perform in tough situations. Despite the Bengals record and the poor offensive line, the young quarterback has been playing well and deserving of the offensive rookie of the year award.

Defensive Rookie of Year: Chase Young

Despite playing only 2 games, Chase Young has still shown glimpses of being a veteran leader for the Washington Football Team. Young has battled with injuries early on which might be concerning for his future as a player but once he returns, we expect him to be in full force and continue the powerful start he was off to. Through 2 games, Young managed 8 total tackles, 2.5 sacks and 1 forced fumble. With 12 games left, Young can easily manage 10+ sacks this season playing at full health. If Young remains healthy, he is the favorite to win this award.

Comeback Player of Year: Matt Stafford

With unfortunately missing the latter half of the season last year due to a gruesome back injury, Stafford has been looking more and more like himself this season. Stafford is one of the most underappreciated quarterbacks in NFL history with only one Pro Bowl as he’s played for a losing team the majority of his career. Stafford is going through deja vu this season as it does not look promising for the Lions as they are off to a 1-3 start. Despite this record, Stafford has looked consistent and has bounced back from his injury. Stafford is on pace for yet another 4,000 yard season under his belt and on pace for over 30 touchdowns as well. With Golladay returning, Stafford will have his top offensive weapon back and can continue his bounce-back year with another strong season. Stafford is deserving of not only the comeback player of the year award so far but more recognition and praise as he’s been unfortunately gifted with being the quarterback on a team that’s struggled throughout his career due to poor defense, lack of offensive talent and an offensive line that’s able to protect Stafford from constant pressure.