The NFL Honors are right around the corner, and with the finalists officially announced, the stage is set for some of the league’s brightest stars-and biggest storylines-to take center stage. From MVP candidates to breakout rookies, this year’s list is packed with names that have defined the 2025 season. Let’s break it all down.
NFL MVP Finalists: A Wide-Open Race
The MVP conversation this year doesn’t feature the usual suspects-no Mahomes, no Burrow-but that doesn’t mean the field lacks firepower. Five players are in the running, and each brings a compelling case to the table.
Josh Allen led the Bills with his signature blend of arm talent and physicality, keeping Buffalo in the playoff hunt with both his arm and legs. Trevor Lawrence, meanwhile, showed major growth in Jacksonville, elevating the Jaguars' offense with poise and precision.
Drake Maye, in his rookie season with the Patriots, turned heads league-wide-his composure under pressure and ability to stretch the field made him a sensation in Foxborough. Christian McCaffrey continued to be a matchup nightmare, thriving in Kyle Shanahan’s system and putting up numbers that blur the line between running back and wide receiver.
And don’t overlook Matthew Stafford, who found a second wind in Los Angeles, orchestrating one of the league’s most balanced offenses.
This MVP race is as unpredictable as it’s been in years-and that’s what makes it so intriguing.
Coach of the Year: New Faces, Big Impacts
It’s a mix of rising stars and veteran leadership in the Coach of the Year category.
Liam Coen helped guide the Jaguars to new heights, while Ben Johnson turned the Bears into one of the league’s most improved teams. Mike Macdonald brought a new defensive edge to the Seahawks, and Kyle Shanahan once again proved his offensive genius in San Francisco. Mike Vrabel, now with the Patriots, helped steady the ship in New England and played a key role in developing their young talent.
Each of these coaches made a tangible impact-not just on the win column, but on the culture of their teams.
Assistant Coach of the Year: Scheming Success
The assistant coach finalists include some of the sharpest minds in the game.
Vic Fangio brought structure and discipline to the Eagles’ defense, while Brian Flores continued to elevate the Vikings’ aggressive defensive identity. Vance Joseph kept the Broncos competitive with creative pressure schemes, and Klint Kubiak played a key role in Seattle’s offensive resurgence. Josh McDaniels, back in a coordinator role with the Patriots, helped unlock a rookie quarterback and stabilize the offense.
These are the behind-the-scenes tacticians who helped shape the season.
Comeback Player of the Year: Redemption Stories All Around
This year’s Comeback Player of the Year race is full of resilience.
Stefon Diggs found new life in New England, reestablishing himself as one of the league’s top wideouts. Aidan Hutchinson bounced back from a tough stretch to become a dominant force for Detroit.
Trevor Lawrence overcame injury concerns and inconsistency to lead Jacksonville’s offense with confidence. Christian McCaffrey, after battling through past injuries, delivered another elite season.
And Dak Prescott, steady as ever, helped keep Dallas in the playoff picture despite mounting pressure.
Each of these players has a story worth celebrating.
Defensive Player of the Year: Elite Disruptors
This category is stacked with game-wreckers.
Will Anderson Jr. took a major leap in Houston, becoming a cornerstone for the Texans’ defense. Nik Bonitto made waves in Denver with his relentless motor and versatility. Myles Garrett continued to be a nightmare for opposing lines, while Aidan Hutchinson and Micah Parsons-now with the Packers-remained forces of nature on the edge.
This is a group that doesn’t just play defense-they change games.
Offensive Player of the Year: Skill Position Superstars
While the MVP often leans quarterback, OPOY is where the non-QBs shine-and this year’s finalists brought fireworks.
Drake Maye is the only QB in the mix, and for good reason-his rookie campaign was electric. Christian McCaffrey is here again, because of course he is. Puka Nacua built on his breakout rookie season with another big year in L.A., while Bijan Robinson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba showed why they were top picks, delivering explosive plays week after week.
This group made Sundays must-watch.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: New Names, Big Impact
This year’s defensive rookie class wasted no time making their presence felt.
Abdul Carter brought energy and physicality to the Giants’ front seven. Nick Emmanwori became a key piece in Seattle’s secondary, while James Pearce Jr. flashed elite edge potential in Atlanta. Carson Schwesinger made his mark in Cleveland, and Xavier Watts helped solidify the Falcons' back end.
These rookies didn’t just contribute-they helped define their defenses.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: The Future Is Bright
There’s no shortage of star power in the OROY race.
Jaxson Dart stepped in under center for the Giants and looked like a long-term answer. Emeka Egbuka gave the Bucs a dynamic weapon on the outside, while TreVeyon Henderson added a new dimension to the Patriots’ backfield. Tetairoa McMillan brought big-play ability to Carolina, giving the Panthers something to build around.
It’s a reminder that the next generation of NFL talent is already making noise.
With so many deserving finalists across the board, this year’s NFL Honors promises to be one of the most competitive-and compelling-in recent memory. Whether it’s a rookie making waves or a veteran reclaiming their spot at the top, the 2025 season gave us no shortage of stories. Now, it’s time to see who takes home the hardware.