Predicting the NFL player of the year awards for 2022
The NFL finally returns after a seven month break following Super Bowl LVI, with plenty of talking points to discuss.
There is always excitement coming into a new season, particularly regarding which players are going to step up and make a name for themselves in the year ahead.
That said, we pick out our predictions for the main awards following the completion of the NFL season. Here are offGrid’s awards predictions heading into 2022:
MVP: Josh Allen – Quarterback, Buffalo Bills
After setting Bills records for single-season passing yards, touchdowns, and also leading the franchise to two division titles for the last two NFL seasons, it’s now time for Josh Allen to finally enter the conversation for all-time great QBs.
We’ve gone with Allen as the 2022-2023 NFL MVP. The 26-year-old has played absolute saviour in Buffalo with his incredible playmaking ability over the years.
When you achieve 14,114 passing yards and 103 passing touchdowns during in just four seasons in the National Football League, you deserve the praise around the entire league as Josh Allen expects to play lights out this season as well.
Offensive Player of the Year: Justin Jefferson – Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings
While his incredible dance moves has inspired a generation of football stars like Cincinnati Bengals rookie sensation Ja’Marr Chase and San Francisco 49ers star Deebo Samuel, we expect the Vikings superstar this season to dominate more than “the gritty” in the end zone.
The LSU product has dominated his first couple of years in the NFL with Back-to-back seasons posting 1,400+ receiving yards and 17 total touchdowns, and giving the Minnesota Vikings their closest resemblance of becoming their next Randy Moss.
Jefferson is a great prediction to win the NFL Offensive Player of the Year this year.
Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett – EDGE, Cleveland Browns
At 6-4, with an monstrous 272-pound frame, Myles Garrett is the exact definition of an absolute freak of nature.
During last year’s Defensive Player of The Year race, despite falling short against the eventual winner TJ Watt, Myles Garrett still dominated with a single-season record 16 sacks for the Browns franchise.
offGrid NFL predicts that this year’s choice will be definitely different as we select Garrett as the 2022-2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: George Pickens – Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers
George Pickens may have slipped out of the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. But he’s certainly not slipped the attention of many commentators from across the NFL during preseason.
Infact, Pickens is favoured with the bookies for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. And it’s the same story with our writers. The majority selection, despite injury concerns coming into the NFL.
But despite coming off a torn ACL in college, Pickens is a special talent. He’ll quickly become a top target in Pittsburgh.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Aidan Hutchinson – EDGE, Detroit Lions
The Lions are one of our one to watch teams in 2022. And a large reason for that is because of their #2 overall star from the NFL Draft. Aidan Hutchinson.
The Michigan powerhouse will bring plenty of power and athleticism to the NFL, mainly in the form of sacks. He’s already the face of the Lions franchise and ready to take the league by storm this year.
He’ll bring leadership, passion and hunger to the Detroit locker room, something that Dan Campbell will absolutely love.
Coach of the Year: Doug Pederson – Jacksonville Jaguars
A head coach looking for redemption. Doug Pederson comes to Jacksonville looking to prove a point in the NFL after a season out of the league.
The former Super Bowl winner has history in developing young quarterbacks, with the likes of Michael Vick, Alex Smith and Carson Wentz in past roles. But helping the Trevor Lawrence to progress into a franchise could be his most exciting challenge yet.
Jacksonville has had a busy offseason. A new number one pick in Travon Walker and a host of free agency additions have made their prospects look more positive in 2022.
Pederson is an intriguing fit for the Jaguars. And we’re looking for them to make a leap forward in 2022, helping Pederson win the Coach of the Year.
Comeback Player of the Year: Baker Mayfield – Quarterback, Carolina Panthers
It’s been a difficult offseason for Baker Mayfield. Rather than extending their former number one pick, Cleveland traded for Deshaun Watson, who now served a suspension for sexual misconduct, having been gifted one of the largest contracts in NFL history
But with a new home, and a new beginning in Charlotte with the Panthers, there is hope yet for Mayfield. Teaming up with a fully fit Christian McCaffrey could prove to be the perfect partnership for Mayfield.
An offense which includes weapons such as McCaffrey, DJ Moore and Robbie Anderson, whilst offering protection from a progressing offensive line with Ikem Ekwonu joining from the draft, is an appealing proposition for any quarterback.
The Panthers have a good roster. Poor quarterback play has kept them back. There are still doubts over Mayfield, but this could turn into a great move for both parties in 2022.
