With Super Bowl 60 right around the corner, it's not just the big game that has fans buzzing-NFL Honors is also fast approaching. Set for Saturday, February 5, the annual awards show will celebrate the league’s top performers from the 2025 season. And if the finalists are any indication, we’re in for a night that reflects just how unpredictable, electric, and talent-packed this NFL season truly was.
Let’s break down the names you’ll be hearing when the envelopes open.
MVP Finalists: A Stacked Deck of Playmakers
Josh Allen is back in the MVP conversation, and it’s no surprise. The Buffalo Bills quarterback is chasing back-to-back MVP honors after a season that reminded everyone why he’s one of the league’s most dangerous dual threats. Whether he was threading the needle through tight windows or bulldozing his way into the end zone, Allen once again put the Bills on his back.
But the competition is fierce.
Trevor Lawrence took a major leap in Jacksonville, leading the Jaguars with poise and precision. His command of the offense and ability to extend plays made the Jags a legitimate threat in the AFC.
Then there’s Drake Maye, the rookie quarterback who turned heads all year in New England. It’s rare for a first-year player to crash the MVP race, but Maye’s calm under pressure and big-play ability brought life to a Patriots offense that had been searching for a spark.
Christian McCaffrey, meanwhile, did what Christian McCaffrey does-dominate. Whether catching passes out of the backfield or slicing through defenses on the ground, the 49ers’ star running back was the heartbeat of one of the league’s most dynamic offenses.
And don’t overlook Matthew Stafford. The veteran quarterback kept the Rams in the thick of things with his trademark toughness and deep-ball accuracy, proving once again that when he’s healthy, he’s still one of the best in the business.
Defensive Player of the Year: The Sack Artists and Game-Wreckers
This year’s DPOY finalists are a who’s who of pass-rushing nightmares.
Will Anderson Jr. continued to build on his impressive rookie campaign, anchoring a young Texans defense that played with relentless energy. Nik Bonitto broke out in Denver, flashing elite speed off the edge and constantly disrupting opposing quarterbacks.
Myles Garrett, a perennial contender, was once again a force for Cleveland. His combination of power and technique remains unmatched. Aidan Hutchinson brought his signature motor and versatility to Detroit’s front, while Micah Parsons-now wreaking havoc in Green Bay-showed he’s just as dangerous in a new uniform.
Each of these defenders made life miserable for offenses all season long, and any one of them would be a deserving winner.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Youth Movement in Full Swing
This year’s rookie class didn’t just meet expectations-they shattered them.
Drake Maye’s MVP-level campaign puts him squarely in the OROY conversation, but he’s not alone. Christian McCaffrey may have carried the 49ers’ offense, but Puka Nacua emerged as Stafford’s go-to target in Los Angeles, showing elite route-running and reliable hands.
Bijan Robinson continued to dazzle in Atlanta, combining vision and burst in a way that made him must-watch TV every Sunday. Jaxon Smith-Njigba found his rhythm in Seattle, while Jaxson Dart gave the Giants hope at the quarterback position with his poise and arm talent.
Further down the list, Emeka Egbuka made big plays for Tampa Bay, TreVeyon Henderson showed flashes of brilliance in New England’s backfield, Tetairoa McMillan brought size and athleticism to Carolina’s receiving corps, and Tyler Shough gave the Saints a steady presence under center.
This was a rookie class that didn’t wait to make an impact-they came in ready to roll.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: The Future is Now
On the other side of the ball, the defensive rookies were just as impressive.
Abdul Carter stood out in New York, flying around the field and making plays from sideline to sideline. Nick Emmanwori brought physicality and range to Seattle’s secondary, while James Pearce Jr. gave Atlanta a much-needed pass-rushing boost.
Carson Schwesinger made his presence felt in Cleveland’s linebacker corps, and Xavier Watts emerged as a versatile weapon in Atlanta’s secondary, capable of playing both safety and nickel.
These young defenders didn’t just fill roles-they elevated their units.
Coach of the Year: Leading the Charge
Liam Coen helped orchestrate a breakout year in Jacksonville, while Ben Johnson’s work in Chicago turned heads across the league. Mike Macdonald brought a new energy to Seattle, and Kyle Shanahan continued to prove he’s one of the game’s premier offensive minds in San Francisco.
Mike Vrabel, now in New England, helped guide a young Patriots team through a season of transition-and success.
All five coaches found ways to elevate their rosters, adapt on the fly, and get the most out of their players.
Assistant Coach of the Year: Behind the Scenes, Making It Happen
Vic Fangio’s defensive schemes in Philadelphia kept opponents guessing. Brian Flores brought his aggressive style to Minnesota with strong results. Vance Joseph helped stabilize Denver’s defense, while Klint Kubiak played a key role in Seattle’s offensive resurgence.
And Josh McDaniels? He found new life as New England’s offensive coordinator, helping Drake Maye thrive in his rookie campaign.
Bottom Line:
The 2025 NFL season gave us breakout stars, career resurgences, and coaching masterclasses. The NFL Honors ceremony is more than just a trophy night-it’s a celebration of the players and coaches who shaped one of the most compelling seasons in recent memory.
From MVP to Assistant Coach of the Year, every finalist earned their spot. Now we wait to see who takes home the hardware.