It is midway through the NFL 2023-2024 season and many players are playing exceptionally. Although these are subject to change, here are my front runners for this season’s awards.
Coach of the Year: Dan Campbell
The Lions this year are breaking all expectations. Last year they had the second pick in the draft, and now they are second in the NFC at 9-3. Campbell has coached this team to near perfection, only dropping one bad game to the Ravens. His draft choices, although questionable in the moment, have paid dividends. Rookie tight end Sam Laporta is already looking like a top 5 player in his position and rookie running back Jahymr Gibbs has also broken out as of late. Campbell has truly changed the culture in Detroit.
Most Valuable Player: Dak Prescott
How ‘bout them Cowboys? Dak Prescott has been the best quarterback in the league for the past 5 games. Prescott is top 3 in passing touchdowns and leads the league in completion percentage. He is the highest rated quarterback in the league with a 105.1 rating on a winning team. Prescott has led the Cowboys to a 6-3 record with an average rushing attack and keeping his offense alive with his legs.
Offensive Player of the Year: Tyreek Hill
This season from Hill has been nothing short of amazing. He has broken numerous records, including being the fastest player to break 1000 yards, doing it in an astounding eight games. He leads the NFL in receiving yards, receptions and touchdowns, and shows no signs of slowing down. In a high powered offense, he is still the biggest star on a winning team. Hill is on pace to break the single season receiving record, going over 2000 yards for the first time ever.
Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett
Coming as a big surprise, the Browns defense has been historic. Myles Garrett has led the charge, with 11 sacks this season. The Browns have allowed the least yards per game with only 245 yards. Garrett’s ability to disrupt the game while constantly being double teamed and schemed against is remarkable. His sheer physical ability opens up many opportunities for his teammates.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Puka Nacua
Someone no one had expected to be in the running for this award, Puka Nacua had put together one of the best rookie seasons from a wide receiver so far. Being drafted in the sixth round by the Los Angeles Rams, Nacua has 61 Receptions for 795 Yards and 2 touchdowns. He is 3rd in both receiving yards and receptions league wide. The Rams offense has been run through him, with his ability to make contested catches and his talent after the catch complementing their scheme to perfection.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jalen Carter
Jalen Carter has already shown why he shouldn’t have fallen in the draft. The Eagles defensive tackle has quietly had an amazing rookie campaign. With five sacks already, Carter has been one of the best pass rushing defensive tackles in the league. In the Eagles scheme, playing alongside longtime veteran Fletcher Cox, Carter has shown he has what it takes to keep up with the best in the league.
Comeback Player of the Year: Damar Hamlin
After the near tragedy that occurred on the field last year, Damar Hamlin even being on the field is a miracle. Hamlin played his first game of the season against the Dolphins, playing the first snap of the game in his limited role on the field. This award is not based on performance on the field, but the recovering from adversity, and no one in the league has gone through more adversity than Hamlin in the past year.
