The NFL Honors are right around the corner, and this year’s list of finalists is packed with star power, breakout performances, and some incredible comeback stories. Headlining the group is reigning MVP Josh Allen, who’s once again in the mix for the league’s top individual award. But he’s got company-plenty of it.
Joining Allen as MVP finalists are three fellow quarterbacks: Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, New England’s Drake Maye, and Los Angeles Rams veteran Matthew Stafford. Then there’s Christian McCaffrey, the do-it-all running back from the San Francisco 49ers, whose 2025 season was nothing short of remarkable.
Not only is McCaffrey in the MVP conversation, but he’s also a finalist for Offensive Player of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year-making him the first player ever to be up for all three in the same season. That’s elite company, and a testament to just how impactful he was in 2025.
Each of the five MVP finalists helped lead their teams into the postseason, and two of them-Maye and Stafford-are still fighting for a Super Bowl berth as they head into their respective conference championship games this weekend. For Maye, a rookie, it’s been a meteoric rise. For Stafford, it’s another chapter in a career that continues to defy expectations.
Coach of the Year: New Faces Making Big Waves
The Coach of the Year race is just as compelling. Three of the five finalists are in their first seasons with their teams, and two of them-Ben Johnson in Chicago and Mike Macdonald in Seattle-are first-time head coaches. Jacksonville’s Liam Coen also makes the list after guiding the Jaguars to a strong campaign in his debut season at the helm.
Kyle Shanahan, a familiar name in this conversation, is back in the running after another high-level year with the 49ers. And then there’s Mike Vrabel, who took over in New England and helped shape a Patriots team that’s now one win away from the Super Bowl. It’s a stacked field, and each coach brings a different flavor of success to the table.
Assistant Coach of the Year: Defensive Minds Shine
On the assistant coaching front, it’s a defensive-minded group leading the way. Vic Fangio (Eagles), Brian Flores (Vikings), and Vance Joseph (Broncos) have all helped elevate their respective units, while Klint Kubiak (Seahawks) and Josh McDaniels (Patriots) round out the list with strong showings on both sides of the ball.
Comeback Player of the Year: Resilience on Display
The Comeback Player of the Year finalists tell some of the most inspiring stories of the season. Stefon Diggs, now with the Patriots, found new life in New England.
Aidan Hutchinson bounced back to become a force on the Lions’ defensive line. Trevor Lawrence overcame adversity to lead the Jaguars back into contention.
McCaffrey, after battling through injuries, returned to elite form. And Dak Prescott, ever the fighter, turned in another strong campaign for the Cowboys.
Defensive Player of the Year: Pass Rushers Dominate
This year’s Defensive Player of the Year race is all about disruption. Will Anderson Jr.
(Texans), Nik Bonitto (Broncos), Myles Garrett (Browns), Aidan Hutchinson (Lions), and Micah Parsons (now with the Packers) each made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks all season long. These are the guys who change games with a single play, and every one of them has a case to take home the hardware.
Offensive Player of the Year: Explosiveness Across the Board
McCaffrey and Maye are joined in the Offensive Player of the Year race by a trio of dynamic playmakers: Rams rookie sensation Puka Nacua, Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, and Seahawks wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. This group represents the next wave of offensive stars, with each player bringing a unique skill set to the field-whether it’s Nacua’s route running, Robinson’s versatility, or Smith-Njigba’s big-play ability.
Rookie of the Year Races: Youth Movement in Full Swing
The rookie classes this year didn’t disappoint. For Defensive Rookie of the Year, Atlanta’s James Pearce Jr. and Xavier Watts headline a group that includes Abdul Carter (Giants), Nick Emmanwori (Seahawks), and Carson Schwesinger (Browns). These young defenders made immediate impacts, showing poise and production well beyond their years.
On the offensive side, Jaxson Dart (Giants), Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers), TreVeyon Henderson (Patriots), Tetairoa McMillan (Panthers), and Tyler Shough (Saints) are all in the running for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Each brought something special to their team’s offense-whether it was Dart’s leadership, Henderson’s explosiveness, or McMillan’s knack for finding the end zone.
Looking Ahead to NFL Honors Night
All eyes now turn to February 5, when the NFL Honors ceremony takes place in San Francisco. That night, alongside the AP awards, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be revealed. And for the first time, the league will honor its top offensive lineman with the new “Protector of the Year” award.
It’s shaping up to be a night of celebration, recognition, and reflection on a season filled with standout performances. From veterans proving they’ve still got it to rookies bursting onto the scene, this year’s finalists tell the story of a league that never stops evolving-and never stops entertaining.