The 2018 NFL offseason has brought been plenty of change throughout the league. Some for the better, and some most certainly for the worst. As always, there will be teams and players that get slept on and surprise everyone. With that in mind, let’s take a look at who may take the league by charge in 2019 and capture some hardware at the end of the season.
OPOY
Christian McCaffrey is one of the only players in the league whose offense is completely built around him, both in the run and passing games. Carolina invested in its Offensive Line this offseason as they know McCaffrey is the center piece to their success. McCaffrey has the chance to total over 1000 yards rushing and receiving in 2019. If McCaffrey tops the 2000 yard mark, that would surely put him in the discussion of OPOY.
2018 Winner: Patrick Mahomes
2019 Prediction: Christian McCaffrey
DPOY
It’s difficult to not pick Aaron Donald as a repeat winner of this award, but Myles Garrett has the potential to take it in 2019. With an improved defensive line Garrett should see much less double teams. Gregg Williams is finally gone, which should only help in Garrett’s development. For the first time in his career, the Browns will be leading in many of their games, leading to many more sack opportunities. Could he get to 20.0 sacks this season? We surely believe so.
2018 Winner: Aaron Donald
2019 Prediction: Myles Garrett
Comeback Player of the Year
Earl Thomas’s departure from Seattle was all but pleasant, but his new home in Baltimore should suit his style of play just as well. As perhaps the best player in the best secondary in the league, Thomas is an easy front-runner for this award heading into 2019.
2018 Winner: Andrew Luck
2019 Prediction: Earl Thomas
OROY
Even with Tarik Cohen in a split backfield, David Montgomery has a special opportunity. As the lead RB in a very run-heavy offense, Montgomery will get his chance to shine. Montgomery also has skills in the receiving game, which will be maximized by coach Matt Nagy. He won’t have the volume of Saquon Barkley last year, but three out of the last four OROY winners have been RBs. With his combination of talent and opportunity, Montgomery is the best bet outside Kyler Murray, who won’t win enough games to claim the award.
2018 Winner: Saquon Barkley
2019 Prediction: David Montgomery
DROY
In a relatively thin year for defensive prospects, Allen has an amazing opportunity to play a huge role in the Jacksonville defense. Although the Jags defensive unit declined in 2018, they still have plenty of talent, which should put the rookie Lineman in tremendous positions to succeed.
2018 Winner: Darius Leonard
2019 Prediction: Josh Allen
Coach of the Year
After a huge offseason in Cleveland, new signal caller Freddy Kitchens inherited quite the array of talent on both sides of the ball. Coach of the Year is usually an award based on narrative. If Kitchens can turn Cleveland around and win the division, he has a great chance to grab the hardware.
2018 Winner: Matt Nagy
2019 Prediction: Freddie Kitchens
MVP
The MVP award has recently been dominated by QBs in high passing offenses. It also usually goes to a QB whose team has captured a first round bye. By these standards, there are only so many options. Although Mahomes may not throw for 50 TDs again, he is going to lead a top three offense to one of the best records in the AFC.
2018 Winner: Patrick Mahomes
2019 Prediction: Patrick Mahomes
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