NFL
By: Ryan Cooley
The 2021 NFL regular season is upon us. With fans back in the stands, hopefully, this will be a much more normal season. There are plenty of storylines to follow this year. Can Stafford lead the Rams to the promised land? Who will win the AFC North? Will Aaron Rodgers and the Packers be able to leave the past in the past?
Below are my award predictions for the 2021 NFL season.
MVP: Tom Brady
Brady put up some staggering numbers in 2020. He had a career-high Big Time Throws (56) while only managing 16 turnover-worthy plays through 20 games (via Pro Football Focus). His 93.3 grade was second in the league, only behind Aaron Rodgers. Tampa’s offense hit its stride after their bye week. In the final eight games, Brady threw for 2,400 yards, 22 TDs, and only 4 INTs.
Brady did all of this on a torn MCL. After a real offseason and being healthier, is it crazy to think Brady puts up even better numbers?[pickup_prop id=”5357″]
Offensive Player of the Year: Alvin Kamra
With Michael Thomas out for a while and Winston at quarterback, the Saints will rely heavily on Kamara. New Orleans released Latavious Murray earlier this week, meaning Kamara will get even more of the workload. He only received 270 touches in 2020, and I expect that number to skyrocket. I am predicting over 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards.
Defensive Player of the Year: Aaron Donald
This is a boring pick because Donald wins it every year. However, every year Donald is easily the best defender in the league. The only reason he won’t win this award again is if people simply want to see a new face hoisting the trophy.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Mac Jones
A couple of months ago, I would have said Trevor Lawrence is going to win OROY. However, Jones has been the most impressive rookie quarterback, beating out a former MVP for the starting gig in New England. Jones’ situation is a significant reason why he could win this award. He has a great offensive line, running game, defense, and a HOF coach. The Patriots, with Mac Jones under center, will win many games in 2021.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Micah Parsons
Parsons was extremely impressive in the preseason, tallying a 91 grade from PFF. It is difficult for most LBs to perform well in their first NFL season. Patrick Queen had an abysmal 29.7 grade in 2020, while Devin White barely managed a grade over 50 in his rookie campaign. However, Parsons has looked the part in his 41 preseason snaps, and I believe he can be the Cowboys saving grace on defense.
Comeback Player of the Year: Dak Prescott
I expect Dak to pick up where he left off in 2020. Through the first four games, Prescott was on pace to have 6,760 yards on the season. I still believe the Dallas defense will struggle, meaning the offense will need to produce a lot of points to win games. If Dak can stay healthy, I don’t see anyone else having a chance at this award.
Coach of the Year: Ron Rivera
The Washington Football Team went 7-9 in 2020. Its defense could be the best in the league, and the offense was much improved in the offseason. This is a team that could win 11-12 games and even make a run in the playoffs. The WFT is not a Super Bowl contender, but their success in 2021 could lead to Ron Rivera winning his third coach of the year award.
Super Bowl Champions: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I said last year the Buccaneers would win Super Bowl 55, and there is no reason they can’t repeat as champions. The Bucs averaged well over 30 points per game in their last eight games while facing three top 10 passing defenses in those matchups. We all saw what the defense is capable of in the Super Bowl. It is hard to imagine another team competing with Tampa Bay this year.[pickup_prop id=”4337″]
