The NFL has officially unveiled its finalists for the 2025 season awards, and while the list is packed with star power and breakout names, one team is notably absent: the Baltimore Ravens. After a strong showing last year-when Lamar Jackson was in the thick of the MVP race and Derrick Henry was up for Offensive Player of the Year-the Ravens find themselves completely shut out this time around.
That’s the nature of the league, though. Seasons change, narratives shift, and new contenders rise.
This year’s crop of finalists reflects that evolution, with fresh faces and familiar names alike vying for the league’s most prestigious honors. The winners will be revealed during the NFL Honors show, set for Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.
The event airs at 9 p.m. ET on NBC and NFL Network, with streaming available on Peacock and NFL+.
Let’s break down the key categories and who’s in the running.
AP Most Valuable Player (Presented by Invisalign)
It’s a quarterback-heavy field, as usual, but with a twist.
Buffalo’s Josh Allen is back in the mix, continuing to build on his reputation as one of the league’s most dynamic dual-threat passers. Trevor Lawrence, after a rollercoaster start to his career, has clearly taken a leap forward in Jacksonville.
Rookie Drake Maye has taken New England by storm, earning a nod here in his debut season-a rare feat for a first-year QB. Christian McCaffrey, the do-it-all back from San Francisco, is the lone non-quarterback in the group, and Matthew Stafford rounds out the list after orchestrating a late-career resurgence in L.A.
AP Coach of the Year
This category is stacked with compelling stories.
Liam Coen has turned the Jaguars into legitimate contenders. Ben Johnson’s revival of the Bears has been one of the league’s most surprising turnarounds.
Mike Macdonald has the Seahawks playing disciplined, physical football, while Kyle Shanahan continues to be a model of consistency in San Francisco. Mike Vrabel, now in New England, has managed to get the most out of a young roster, keeping the Patriots relevant in the playoff picture.
AP Assistant Coach of the Year
This group showcases some of the brightest minds behind the scenes.
Vic Fangio’s defensive work in Philly has been instrumental. Brian Flores is bringing toughness and structure to Minnesota.
Vance Joseph has helped stabilize Denver’s defense, while Klint Kubiak and Josh McDaniels are being recognized for their offensive creativity in Seattle and New England, respectively.
AP Comeback Player of the Year
This one’s always about redemption and resilience.
Stefon Diggs found new life in New England. Aidan Hutchinson battled through adversity to deliver a standout year in Detroit.
Trevor Lawrence appears on this list too, signaling just how far he’s come. Christian McCaffrey, after dealing with injuries earlier in his career, continues to prove he’s still elite.
And Dak Prescott’s leadership in Dallas earns him yet another nod in this category.
AP Defensive Player of the Year (Presented by TCL)
The pass rushers headline this list.
Will Anderson Jr. has become a cornerstone in Houston. Nik Bonitto’s breakout in Denver has turned heads.
Myles Garrett remains a force in Cleveland, while Aidan Hutchinson is doubling down on his dominance in Detroit. Micah Parsons, now anchoring Green Bay’s front, continues to be a nightmare for opposing offenses.
AP Offensive Player of the Year (Presented by Microsoft Copilot)
Drake Maye isn’t just a finalist for MVP-he’s also in the running here, which tells you everything you need to know about his impact.
Christian McCaffrey’s all-around excellence keeps him in the conversation. Puka Nacua has become a go-to weapon in L.A., while Bijan Robinson is blossoming into a star in Atlanta.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s emergence in Seattle rounds out a group that blends explosiveness, consistency, and highlight-reel moments.
AP Defensive Rookie of the Year (Presented by EA SPORTS Madden NFL)
This race is wide open.
Abdul Carter has been a revelation for the Giants. Nick Emmanwori is making plays all over the field in Seattle.
James Pearce Jr. is already causing problems for offensive lines in Atlanta. Carson Schwesinger brings toughness to the Browns’ front seven, and Xavier Watts is showing elite instincts in Atlanta’s secondary.
AP Offensive Rookie of the Year (Presented by EA SPORTS Madden NFL)
Jaxson Dart has brought energy and poise to the Giants' offense.
Emeka Egbuka has made an instant impact in Tampa Bay. TreVeyon Henderson is giving the Patriots a new dimension in the backfield.
Tetairoa McMillan is flashing big-play ability in Carolina, and Tyler Shough is showing promise under center in New Orleans.
So while the Ravens are on the outside looking in this time, the field is packed with talent and compelling storylines. From rookies making waves to veterans bouncing back, the 2025 awards race is a snapshot of where the league is heading-and who’s driving it.
We’ll find out who takes home the hardware when the NFL Honors ceremony kicks off on Feb. 5.