2023 Preseason NFL Award Predictions

Entering this season, the talent level in the league just continues to impress us. That was the case when we looked at the top 100 players in the NFL and is the case as we try to predict who will win each of the main awards for this upcoming season. 

Offensive Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey

2022 was the rebound year that Christian McCaffrey was in need of after 2020 & 2021 both were cut short due to injuries. McCaffrey is on a NFC contender and the offense should run through getting him the ball. It’ll be exciting to see what he can do in his first full year in San Francisco. 

Defensive Player of the Year: Micah Parsons

Micah Parsons has only been in the league for two years and he’s been one of the best players in the league since entering. He won defensive rookie of the year in his first season and has made the pro bowl both seasons. He was a runner up this past year to Nick Bosa for defensive player of the year. This year we think Parsons is going to overtake Bosa for the award.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Bijan Robinson

Bijan Robinson is the most hyped up rookie running back since Saquon Barkley. Robinson was drafted 8th overall which is a change after the 2022 draft saw zero running backs selected in the first round. Robinson lands with a perfect fit for him to get a huge role right off the bat with Atlanta. Cordarrelle Patterson is older and Tyler Allgeier filled in well, but isn’t an every down back. Put Robinson into the mix and you got yourself someone who can excel from the onset. Robinson should be in store for a monster year. 

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jalen Carter

After a short slide in the NFL Draft, the Eagles grabbed Jalen Carter who is arguably the most talented defensive player of this draft class. Carter joins an Eagles defense that is practically the University of Georgia defense so Carter will fit right in. We have high hopes for what Jalen Carter can do as he should have instant chemistry with his teammates. 

Coach of the Year: Dan Campbell

In his second year as head coach for the Lions, Dan Campbell was an inspiration as he led them to their first winning record since 2017. This year, we think it’s definitely a possibility that the Lions can make the playoffs which they narrowly missed out on this past year. Campbell has built a new culture in Detroit that it feels like they have been missing for a long time. 

Comeback Player of the Year: Damar Hamlin

It’s a miracle that Damar Hamlin is even alive, but Damar Hamlin suited up for training camp this offseason. Even more incredible is that he made the active roster and should be getting some playing time this season. That alone warrants the comeback player of the year as nobody came back stronger than he did. 

MVP: Joe Burrow

The pride & joy of Cincinnati is Joe Sheisty, aka Joe Burrow, the man of many nicknames. Joe Burrow has been to two AFC Championships now and one Super Bowl. The Bengals upgraded their tight end situation to Irv Smith Jr and stole Orlando Brown Jr from their rivals in Kansas City through a big offseason addition. Both of these pieces should help protect Joe Burrow & give him another option at receiver. The 2023 season should be another good one for Bengals fans as they make another run at going for a Super Bowl ring and Joe Burrow should get the first MVP of his career and solidify his status as the future of football.