NFL Honors Predictions

The National Football League’s annual award show is tonight. NFL Honors. Unlike other award shows, Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmys, etc., NFL Honors doesn’t air live to all time zones. Here on the west coast, the show doesn’t air until 9:00 pm. It’s a rather stupid practice as the awards are announced in some fashion LIVE. The only reason to watch the show at 9:00 pm is to see Steve Harvey have fun with some players. The big awards are given out by so many people that there are few surprises come NFL Honors time. So, what difference does it make when each geographical section of the population “sees” the results? I’d sure like to see it live. I’d also prefer to see it at 6:00 rather than 9:00. I’m most interested in the Hall of Fame Class of 2021 and the Walter Payton Man of the Year reveals. Those reveals are always best received live. That’s enough bitching about NFL programming. Here’s a guess as to which players take home some hardware this evening. 

Most Valuable Player

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

Offensive Player of the Year

Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans

Defensive Player of the Year

Aaron Donald, DL, Los Angeles Rams

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings

I actually think that Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert takes home this award. He shouldn’t. Herbert had a great rookie season. Jefferson had a great season. No rookie designation is necessary. Jefferson’s season was a great season if he’d been a five-year vet. He played the receiver position like he’d been in the league a while. Perhaps that disqualifies him. Herbert often looked like a rookie. The baseline for a quarterback taking home any award is lower than it is for any other position. It’s all about the quarterback.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Chase Young, DE, Washington

Comeback Player of the Year

Alex Smith, QB, Washington

Coach of the Year

Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns

Walter Payton Man of the Year

Eric Kendricks, LB, Minnesota Vikings

I hope that Eric Kendricks wins. All 32 nominees are deserving of the award. There are probably a dozen players on each team that are deserving. 

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2021

Peyton Manning

Charles Woodson

Tony Boselli

Richard Seymour

Alan Faneca

Drew Pearson

Bill Nunn

Tom Flores

I think this is the first time that I’ve had Richard Seymour in the Class. He was one of the league’s best and most versatile defensive linemen in the 2000s. If he makes it, perhaps it opens the Hall door for Kevin Williams. He was also one of the best defensive linemen of the 2000s.