Predicting NFL Awards for the 2018 Season

On Thursday, September 6, 2018, the NFL season kicks off once again. We did it. We all survived the long offseason. Before we are able to get underway, I will be giving you my predictions for how the season shakes out.

MVP: Drew Brees

Coming off an impressive 11-5 season in which he threw for 4,334 yards and 23 touchdowns with a whopping 72 percent completion rate, Brees has a tough act to follow. But Brees will be leading the league's best offense in 2018 and will continue to put up big numbers as he always has. The 39-year-old quarterback will be leading his team to the Super Bowl in 2018 and picking up an MVP for himself on the way.

Runner-up: Aaron Rodgers

Coming off an injury in 2017, Rodgers will be back with a vengeance. Any time Rodgers can stay healthy for a full season, he is at the top of the list for MVP, and 2018 won't be any different.

Offensive Player of the Year: Ezekiel Elliott

A six-game suspension in during the 2017 season allowed Elliott to only be on the field for 10 games. Despite on playing those ten games last season, Elliott still rushed for 983 yards, the tenth most in the league, and seven touchdowns. With their second-round pick, the Cowboys selected guard Connor Williams from the University of Texas. With a bolstered offensive line to run behind, expect the motivated Elliott to have a monster year.

Runner-up: Todd Gurley

Gurley is coming off a monster year, finishing with 2,093 total yards and 19 total touchdowns. Expect him to do more of the same in his 2018 campaign.

Defensive Player of the Year: Joey Bosa

Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram make up the league's most terrifying pass-rushing duo. Opposing teams have to gameplan for the both of them, allowing Bosa to get 1 on 1s with tackles that don't stand a chance. In his first two years in the league, Bosa has racked up 23 sacks and 28 tackles for loss. Impressive numbers, but Bosa is capable of much more. In 2018, Bosa will have his first 15+ sack season and will lead one of the league's best defenses.

Runner-up: Aaron Donald

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year and the best defensive player in the league, Donald should probably win this award for the foreseeable future, but that's not how the voters typically think. Expect a dominant performance from Donald again in 2018.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Sam Darnold

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is the popular choice for this award and the heavy Vegas favorite, but after USC product Sam Darnold was officially named the week one starter by head coach Todd Bowles, my selection became Darnold. Both players play in big markets, immediately giving the advantage over other rookies in their class. As long as Darnold can manage to bring the Jets to a record around 7-9, 8-8, or 9-7, he should win this award. Barkley is likely going to have a monster season, but in the NFL, quarterback reigns supreme.

Runner-up: Saquon Barkley

The rookie running back will have to produce a season of 1,800+ total yards and 10+ touchdowns to top Darnold for this award.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Roquan Smith

Roquan Smith was one of the most dominant players in college football last year. Expect him to pick up right where he left off last season. Smith will lead a very stingy Bears defense in tackles, making him an obvious candidate for the award and much like Darnold, the position he plays will help too. If Smith ends up with around 90 tackles, expect him to win this award easily.

Runner-up: Derwin James

The ball-hawking safety will have plenty of opportunities for takeaways this season, with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram hounding opposing quarterbacks.