The Associated Press has released its list of the 2023 finalists for the regular-season awards. The AP’s new voting system determined the finalists, which asks voters to rank their top five picks for MVP and top three for other awards. The winners will officially be announced at the 13th annual NFL Honors ceremony. That’s set for Feb. 8, 2023, and the show which will air live on CBS and NFL Network and stream on Paramount+ and NFL+.
Many of the names on this list aren’t a surprise. I mean, Lamar Jackson nominated for MVP? Would would have thought? There’s been talk of him winning that award all season. some of these names are brand new, such as rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans of the Houston Texans already being nominated for Coach of the Year. Considering that he led his team to the playoffs in his very first year as head coach, I think he would be a good pick for Coach of the Year. Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions is also up for that award, though, and considering Detroit’s historic run, he seems like a strong candidate.
Let’s get into the full list of the finalists for each award, plus our predictions on who will win each category.
2023 NFL Awards Nominees: Full List
Coach of the Year
Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans
Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns
Who wins? We’re going with Dan Campbell. The Lions Cinderella story is just too good to ignore.
Assistant Coach of the Year
Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator
Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator
Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator
Jim Schwartz, Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator
Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans offensive coordinator
Who wins? We’re going with Todd Monken. That Ravens offense is something else.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions running back
Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions tight end
Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons running back
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans quarterback
Who wins? We’re picking C.J. Stroud. He’s had an incredible first season with the Texans.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Will Anderson, Houston Texans defensive end
Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle
Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback
Kobie Turner, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackler
Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks cornerback
Who wins? We’re picking Joey Porter Jr. He’s an unsung hero and strong piece of the Steelers pie.
Most Valuable Player
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills quarterback
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers running back
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys quarterback
Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers quarterback
Who wins? Lamar Jackson. He sealed the deal a long time ago.
Defensive Player of the Year
DaRon Bland, Dallas Cowboys cornerback
Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end
Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns defensive end
Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys linebacker
T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker
Who wins? Myles Garrett. He was a big part of the Browns’ strength this season.
Offensive Player of the Year
Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins wide receiver
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens quarterback
CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers running back
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys quarterback
Who wins? Lamar Jackson. Can Jackson win twice? Why not?
Comeback Player of the Year
Joe Flacco, Cleveland Browns quarterback
Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills safety
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins quarterback
Who wins? Tua Tagovailoa. His performance with the Dolphins was stellar this season.