2026 NFL Awards Predictions

by Zak Drapeau

Sportz Nation - 5/21/2026

*All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook TM as of 5/21

Most Valueable

Player

Joe Burrow

(+950)

2026 is Burrow's year I can feel it. The Bengals' investments on defense seem to have paid off with one of the better rosters on paper heading into the season. We've seen what Joe Burrow can do with an average roster but this may be the first time we get to see what he can do surrounded by a pretty good one. IF HE STAYS HEALTHY, I predict 5,000 yards, 40+ TDs and 10 INTs with maybe 100 yards and 2 TDs on the ground. That along with 11-12 wins on the season and possibly an AFC North title should give Burrow his first MVP award of his career.

HM: Josh Allen (+600)

Offensive Player

Of the Year

Puka Nacua

(+1200)

I made a complete 180 from last season where I said that Matt Stafford makes Puka good and now I firmly believe that Stafford is elite but Puka makes him that much better. Along with the fact that he is the CLEAR #1 option in LA, Nacua has improved his numbers ever season from 6 receptions per game his rookie year to over 8 this season. Only barely losing this award last year due to JSN's brilliance, it won't escape him twice as he should go for 120 catches, 1,600 yards and 14 TDs.

HM: Bijan Robinson (+850)

Defensive Player

Of the Year

Christian Gonzalez

(+3000)

Here we go, I will stand on business and call this shot as Christian Gonzalez wins the 2026 DPOY award. In 3 seasons we've seen Gonzalez go from a really interesting prospect to one of the best man-corners in the game and I think he makes another jump this season. "Gonzalez-Island" will be spoken of all 2026 and I truly think he shuts down corners on the year like we saw Revis do in the 2010's and yes, I understand what praise I just gave there. All do respect to the Edge Rushers that have dominated this award for most of the last decade but I think Gonzo is just that good and 2026 is his coronation.

HM: Myles Garrett (+600)

Offensive Rookie

Of the Year

Fernando Mendoza

(+430)

So Mendoza isn't expected to start the season in Vegas and for all we know may not play at all as the Raiders do the right thing and don't rush their Franchise QB into a bad situation. However, If he starts even 6 or 7 games that may be enough to win the award as we saw Tyler Shough do just last year and being the fact he will be the only Rookie QB to see the field in all likelihood. I will guess he'll play 10 games this season for the Raiders and have 1,800 yards, 12 TDs and 8 INTs in the air along with 400 yards and 5 TDs on the ground.

HM: Makai Lemon (+1500)

Defensive Player

Of the Year

Rueben Bain Jr

(+500)

If you know how high I am on Caleb Downs even if he's a Cowboy now, you'll realize what it means for me to pick someone over him for DROY. I'm also a massive Miami Hurricanes fan so seeing a game wrecker like Rueben Bain go to Tampa Bay where he should thrive considering his surroundings is very interesting. Lining up as a 3-4 Edge Rushing Outside Linebacker, I think Bain is poised for 10+ sacks his rookie year and while I believe Downs is the better player and probably has more impact to Dallas' defense than Bain to Tampa's, this award is about the stats and Bain's double digit sack total should give him the "edge".

HM: Caleb Downs (+850)

Comeback Player

Of the Year

Malik Nabers

(+1000)

Nabers is fantastic and if he gets even 1,000 yards from Jaxson Dart (which is probably underselling it,) he should win the award after playing only 3 games last season. I'm going to pivot now to the award's odds currently as Patrick Mahomes is listed as the favorite and I can't stand it. MAHOMES PAYED 14 GAMES LAST SEASON. If he is even eligible for this award the whole thing is rigged and this award means nothing.

HM: Daniel Jones (+1600)

Coach

Of the Year

John Harbaugh

(+850)

It seems every year that one team goes from bottom of the barrel to a Super Bowl contender. Patriots were last year's and Commanders the year before that and for 2026, I think the Giants will easily fit that bill. Along with Jaxon Dart and Skattebo's sophomore rises, a healthy Malik Nabers and one of the best defenses on paper in the league, (No I'm not kidding look it up,) the Giants hiring John Harbaugh this offseason I believe puts them in contention with the Eagles for NFC East champions. Even if they only win 9-10 games and sneak into the Playoffs this award should be his.

HM: Kellen Moore (+1200)

Protector

Of the Year

Tristan Wirfs

(+2500 NOT on FanDuel)

It warms my heart that the NFL is finally giving the O-lineman a spotlight with the Protector of the Year award, with Joe Thuney winning the inaugural award last year. Thuney has been a top Guard for the last 5 years so now let's pivot to a staple in the top Tackles of the league in Tristan Wirfs. While others such as Sewell, Williams, Mailata and Meinerz are just as deserving, Wirfs is my pick because he is the best pass blocker in the league today and after a shortened 2025 season, I think he comes back with a chip on his shoulder and dominates edge rushers from Week 1 to the Playoffs.

HM: Jordan Mailata (+1100)

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-Z.D.