Most Valuable Player
Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay Packers
The King in the North has reclaimed his throne atop the NFC North. After a 4-6 start, Rodgers and his Green Bay Packers worked out the kinks and finished undefeated down the stretch. With a hodgepodge of receivers, Rodgers led the league in passing touchdowns and single-handedly saved the Packers’ season.
Offensive Player of the Year
Ezekiel Elliott – Dallas Cowboys
The rookie running back amassed 1,994 total combined rushing and receiving yards, leading the Dallas Cowboys into the playoffs with an NFC-best record of 13-3. With shades of all-time rushing leader Emmitt Smith, Elliott’s performance has been nothing short of spectacular and should keep the Cowboys in Super Bowl contention for years to come.
Defensive Player of the Year:
Damon “Snacks” Harrison – New York Giants
While not a household name, the New York Giants’ defensive tackle has quietly put together one of the best seasons of all time. He led all interior linemen with 86 tackles and finished the year with league leading 50 run stops, something only J.J. Watt in 2012 and 2013 has ever managed prior to Harrison.
Coach of the Year:
Bill Belichick – New England Patriots
Missing the greatest quarterback of all time for a quarter of the season had no effect on Belichick’s New England Patriots. Dropping just one game without their all-star quarterback Tom Brady, the Patriots managed to rail off an NFL-best 14-2 record. There’s no breaking with tradition, Belichick deserves full credit for this incredible season.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Dak Prescott – Dallas Cowboys
The fourth-round rookie quarterback was an instrumental part of the Dallas Cowboys’ success in 2016 while filling in for injured starter Tony Romo. His 23-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio would be incredible for anyone, let alone a player drafted with the intention of being a career backup. As it turns out, “Tim Tebow 2.0” was the most overlooked prospect of 2016.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Joey Bosa – San Diego Chargers
Despite missing the first four games of the season due to contract issues and nagging injuries, the 2016 third-overall pick managed to accumulate 10.5 sacks this season. Bosa showed impressive speed and power coming off the edge and has become the sole bright spot on an otherwise dim Chargers team.
