At a Glance
- 2025 NFL awards finalists announced.
- MVP race features Matthew Stafford vs. Drake Maye.
- Coach of the Year race includes three first-year coaches.
Why it matters: These finalists set the narrative for the league’s biggest night before Super Bowl LX.
The 2025 NFL awards finalists have been announced, giving fans a preview of the players and coaches who may take home the league’s most coveted honors. With the NFL Honors slated for Feb. 5, the ceremony will also celebrate the 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Most Valuable Player
The MVP award is often the most discussed accolade, and this year’s race has narrowed to five quarterbacks and a running back. The frontrunners are Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, both of whom could face off in Super Bowl LX if their teams reach the championship.
- Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills, QB
- Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars, QB
- Drake Maye, New England Patriots, QB
- Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers, RB
- Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams, QB
Offensive Player of the Year
The Offensive Player of the Year award has seen a fierce NFC West rivalry, with three teams represented among the finalists. Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey are all in the mix.
- Drake Maye, New England Patriots, QB
- Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers, RB
- Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams, WR
- Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons, RB
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks, WR
Defensive Player of the Year
Defensive dominance is highlighted by Cleveland Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett, who set the NFL single-season sack record last year. He leads a strong field of defensive standouts.
- Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans, DE
- Nik Bonitto, Denver Broncos, LB
- Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns, DE
- Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions, DE
- Micah Parsons, Green Bay Packers, DE
Offensive Rookie of the Year
The offensive rookie race showcases a mix of quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs who have made an immediate impact.
- Jaxson Dart, New York Giants, QB
- Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, WR
- TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots, RB
- Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers, WR
- Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints, QB
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Defensive newcomers are also turning heads, with linebackers and defensive backs stepping into key roles.
- Abdul Carter, New York Giants, LB
- Nick Emmanwori, Seattle Seahawks, DB
- James Pearce Jr., Atlanta Falcons, DE
- Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland Browns, LB
- Xavier Watts, Atlanta Falcons, S
Comeback Player of the Year
The Comeback Player award honors those who have overcome adversity, and this year’s finalists include a mix of veteran leaders and resilient performers.
- Stefon Diggs, New England Patriots, WR
- Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions, DE
- Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars, QB
- Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers, RB
- Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys, QB
Coach of the Year
The Coach of the Year race is notable for featuring three first-year head coaches, a rare scenario that underscores the league’s coaching churn.
- Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears
- Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks
- Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
- Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots
Assistant Coach of the Year
Assistant coaches who have shaped game plans and player development are also in the spotlight.
- Vic Fangio, Philadelphia Eagles, DC
- Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings, DC
- Vance Joseph, Denver Broncos, DC
- Klint Kubiak, Seattle Seahawks, OC
- Josh McDaniels, New England Patriots, OC
Key Takeaways
- The MVP race is a potential showdown between Stafford and Maye, both of whom could compete in Super Bowl LX.
- Defensive talent remains strong, with Garrett’s record-setting season keeping him front-and-center.
- Three first-year coaches-Coen, Johnson, and Macdonald-signal a coaching shakeup that could ripple through the league.
- The awards ceremony on Feb. 5 will also honor the Walter Payton Man of the Year and introduce the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees.
The stage is set: fans, analysts, and the players themselves are poised to watch the 2025 NFL awards unfold, a night that will cement careers and set narratives for the upcoming season.
