It's that time of year again when necks are placed on chopping blocks and bold (or stupid) predictions have to be made. I have traditionally erred on the side of caution when it comes to making predictions and some of my choices have been a little obvious, I would agree. But this time around, I have taken a bit of a chance on a few players who I think will come good during the 2024 season.
Read quickly because this story will self-destruct by mid-season so none of these predictions can come back to haunt me!
Most Valuable Player | Brock Purdy | QB | San Francisco 49ers
It's time for the disrespect to end. Brock Purdy has statistically been the best quarterback in the NFL over the past two seasons. He is overdue an MVP crown and once he has led the 49ers to Super Bowl glory in February (spoiler alert), Mr Irrelevant will be THE most relevant man in the NFL. Purdy still has his doubters, but this is the year he ends all that talk and gets paid accordingly.
Offensive Player of the Year | Breece Hall | RB | New York Jets
The Jets' offense is going to enjoy much greater balance in 2024 as Aaron Rodgers returns to full health at quarterback. And that is going to get some attention off an explosive third-year talent intent on becoming the best running back in the game. Breece Hall is the complete package and is capable of putting up Christian McCaffrey-type numbers on the ground and through the air.
Defensive Player of the Year | Maxx Crosby | Edge | Las Vegas Raiders
If he played on a better team, Maxx Crosby could already have one of these awards sitting proudly on his shelf. There have been times when the energetic rusher has played one-man defense for the Raiders but that has not stopped him recording 27 sacks over the past two seasons. With the addition of Christian Wilkins to the D-line, Crosby could register a 20-sack campaign in 2024.
Offensive Rookie of the Year | Caleb Williams | QB | Chicago Bears
This one is obvious, I know! But I think the hype is very real when it comes to the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. In brief preseason showings, Williams has displayed the 'wow' moments that made his arrival in the league so eagerly awaited. The Bears have never had a QB throw for 4,000 yards or 30 touchdowns in a season. That barren run ends with Williams, quite likely this year.
Defensive Rookie of the Year | Laiatu Latu | Edge | Indianapolis Colts
UCLA's edge rusher was the first defender taken in the 2024 NFL Draft (15th overall) and he arrives in the league pro ready when it comes to hunting quarterbacks. The bar has been set pretty high for the slippery pass rusher who is tough to block. Colts owner Jim Irsay is predicting a 15-sack campaign and future All-Pro status for his young defender. The talent is certainly there with Latu.
Coach of the Year | DeMeco Ryans | HC | Houston Texans
This could be considered a make-up award because there are many who felt DeMeco Ryans should have won this prize in 2023 as he led the Texans to 11 victories (including the playoffs) and an AFC South crown. But this would be deserved and legitimate this year because Houston are likely to be even better. They are good enough to reach the AFC title game at the very least.
Comeback Player of the Year | Sam Darnold | QB | Minnesota Vikings
This selection does not fill me with confidence when Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins are also going to be making returns from significant injuries in 2024. But there is a nagging sense that it might not work out perfectly for either guy. Rodgers turns 41 this season and Cousins has to hold off Michael Penix Jr. Sam Darnold will surprise the NFL once he gets rolling with Justin Jefferson.
CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
AFC | Baltimore Ravens over Houston Texans
The Ravens were raided when it came to their veteran talent in the offseason, but they are built deep and tough and Lamar Jackson – who now teams with Derrick Henry in a bruising and dangerous backfield – will finally get to a Super Bowl. He and his Baltimore teammates will end a dream season for C.J. Stroud and the Texans one game short of the ultimate stage.
NFC | San Francisco 49ers over Detroit Lions
In a repeat of last year's NFC Championship Game, I expect a similarly-tough performance from the Lions and another late rally from San Francisco. Detroit are right there and could very well represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, but I feel that recent failings are going to be the driving force for a Niners team that remains one of the most talented in the league.
SUPER BOWL 59
San Francisco 49ers over Baltimore Ravens
The last time a Super Bowl was played in New Orleans (at the end of the 2012 season), the Superdome lights went out for 34 minutes. San Francisco produced a furious comeback in that contest, but Baltimore held on to take the title. This time around, the 49ers will turn the tables on the Ravens and secure their first Super Bowl success since the 1994 season. Kyle Shanahan and his team will be driven by those failures on the biggest of stages having lost Super Bowls in the 2019 and 2023 seasons, as well as NFC Championship Games in the 2021 and 2022 campaigns. Finally, the coach and his talented group of players will stand atop the NFL mountain.
