Site icon American Football International

Way Too Early 2022 NFL Awards Predictions

AFI

By Mason Mesbah

With the NFL season about a month away it is time to look ahead to the end of the year awards and try to predict the winners and runners up for each NFL award. In a year where it seems to be the most competitive league all around that we have seen in some time and coming off of a year where so many star players missed time, these awards can be a complete toss up. So much can change throughout the year that can completely alter how these turn out, but regardless here are some way too early predictions heading into training camp.

MVP- Justin Herbert, QB Las Angeles Chargers

The third year superstar quarterback brings home the league’s biggest award following a very successful year with the upgraded Chargers squad. The Chargers are set up to be one of the best teams in the NFL next year and Justin Herbert’s stats will continue to be atop the league and look to improve with a better team around him. The upgraded offensive line, all weapons returning and gaining more experience, and now having a defense that should be able to stop losing games, are all going to back up Herbert on their way to a big year. His stats paired with some more wins and a potential top seed should give him the ability to take home the award.

Runner ups: Josh Allen, Tom Brady

OPOY- Travis Kelce, TE Kansas City Chiefs

With the Chiefs losing Tyreek Hill, it is going to take some time for Patrick Mahomes’ new weapons to gain his trust and be a reliable target like Hill was. However, the connection between Mahomes and Travis Kelce has never been stronger and will be relied on even more this year. Kelce’s ability to make big plays out of nothing and take over games against whoever is guarding him will have to be on another level after losing Hill, and will be. Kelce will have an opportunity to break more records, as well as match yards and touchdowns with the top receivers in the league on his way to leading the Chiefs to yet another successful season.

Runner ups: Jonathan Taylor, Lamar Jackson

DPOY- Nick Bosa, DE San Francisco 49ers

Bosa had maybe the quietest 15.5 sack season of all time. The 49ers having a slow start to the season took a lot of attention away from San Francisco, and therefore attention away from Bosa’s dominance. Bosa will only get better with another year back from injury and will lead them to not only a winning season, but potentially a top 5 defense that could make some noise in the playoffs. His explosiveness and speed, paired with unreal strength and finesse allows him to take over games. Bosa seems to be able to make the jump into elite company and lead the league in sacks and dominate.

Runner ups: Micah Parsons, Khalil Mack

OROY- Chris Olave, WR New Orleans Saints

In a loaded Receiver class, Olave may have the best opportunity to make an immediate impact. The Saints are getting Michael Thomas back, brought in Jarvis Landry, and drafted Olave, which will give him the chance to have the second or third corner facing him on a weekly basis that could give Olave the advantage in many situations by not being the main target. We all know Jameis Winston takes a lot of risks when throwing the ball, and as Winstons stats may show negatives as a result, Olave and the receivers stats will only be better with big plays and deep balls and take advantage of the risk taking.

Runner ups: Drake London, Jahan Dotson

DROY- Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE New York Giants

It is almost impossible to follow up Micah Parsons’ unanimous DROY from last season, but this year another NFC East rookie will be able to make a splash. Thibodeaux somehow became the third edge rusher drafted, despite being the most polished and potentially best all round pass rusher in the draft. Thibodeaux has a unique and loud personality that fits the New York market like a glove, and will be able to find himself in a system that will likely be formed around him. He will have free reign to do his thing and be a game wrecker and will have plenty of opportunities assuming the Giants have another disappointing season. With Azeez Ojulari on the other side, and Dexter Lawrence in the middle, Kayvon can be dangerous.

Runner ups: Derek Stingley, Kyle Hamilton

CPOY- Lamar Jackson, QB Baltimore Ravens

The hate on Lamar Jackson never seems to go away, and now coming off of an injury-filled season, he must prove everyone wrong again. This award is unfortunately very crowded this year with nominees. Christian Mccaffery, Saquan Barkley, Michael Thomas, Derrick Henry, Jameis Winston,the list goes on and on. Lamar needs to prove something again, and will do exactly that because not only is he coming back from injury, but so is half of the Baltimore Ravens. This puts Baltimore right back with the top teams in the NFL and behind a season where Lamar has his best stats as a passer as well as lighting it up on the ground will not only give him this very competitive award, but put him in the MVP conversation,

Runner ups: Christian Mccaffrey, Matt Ryan

COTY- Sean Mcdermott, Buffalo Bills

Buffalo seemed to fill the final holes that left them 13 seconds away from the AFC Championship this off season, meaning all sights are set on this being their year to bring home a championship. Mcdermott has been a big part of the turnaround in Buffalo with his creativity and great relationship with Josh Allen. After losing Brian Daboll to the Giants, Mcdermott will need to have an even bigger role with the offense, and assuming the Bills can be as successful as expected, Mcdermott could very well be looking at this prestigious award on his way to potentially leading a top seed Bills team.

Runners up: Brandon Staley, Todd Bowles

Exit mobile version