Prior to the start of the 2016 NFL regular season, we made some award predictions. Now, it’s time to update those based on what actually happened the last 17 weeks.
MVP: Aaron Rodgers, Packers — We wrote in September that this could be his best season yet, and we were wrong. But that’s why Rodgers is MVP, not offensive player of the year. Wouldn’t be shocked if Tom Brady or Matt Ryan won this, but Rodgers gets an edge for his incredible second half, leading the Packers on a six-game winning streak to close the season. That came after he wondered out loud if they could “run the table,” right when the whole football world was counting them out. With 18 touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 120.0 passer rating during that stretch (plus a game), Rodgers has earned his third MVP.
Offensive player of the year: Matt Ryan, Falcons — Still, Ryan can’t be denied. The man posted the fifth-highest passer rating (117.1) in NFL history and the highest yards-per-attempt average (9.3) this century while leading the NFL’s most potent offense. Unfortunately for Tom Brady, who set a new record with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 28-to-2, that four-game suspension probably cost him both of these awards.
Defensive player of the year: Vic Beasley, Falcons — I know this is wide open with J.J. Watt out, and I know Khalil Mack, Von Miller, Aaron Donald and Landon Collins are getting more attention than Beasley, but the second-year outside linebacker led the NFL in sacks with 15.5 and forced fumbles with six. As with Ryan, the sheer numbers are hard to deny. The guy was a monster from Week 5 forward, which could be enough to edge out those other four strong candidates.
Offensive rookie of the year: Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys — Uh, yeah. This was easy futures money back in August and September. Dude led the NFL in rushing by a 318-yard margin despite sitting out Week 17. Any other year, Dak Prescott would have wrapped this up before Thanksgiving. But this has been a special season, especially in Dallas.
Defensive rookie of the year: Joey Bosa, Chargers — Even after getting a late start as a result of a contract dispute, Bosa was often unstoppable in 2016. The No. 3 overall pick had 10.5 sacks in just 12 games and somehow made that defense better despite losing three key defensive backs to free agency and/or injury.
Coach of the year: Bill Belichick, Patriots — No Chandler Jones or Jamie Collins on defense? No Rob Gronkowski on offense? No Tom Brady for the first four weeks? Doesn’t matter, Belichick’s Pats still finished with the best record in the NFL.
