Lamar Jackson, Christian McCaffrey, and Dak Prescott have emerged as the top contenders for the 2023 NFL Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year awards, according to The Associated Press. The winners are set to be revealed at the NFL Honors ceremony on Feb. 8. A panel of 50 media members, actively covering the league, completed voting prior to the commencement of the playoffs.
The MVP category also includes Bills quarterback Josh Allen and 49ers QB Brock Purdy, while Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill and Cowboys wideout CeeDee Lamb join McCaffrey and Jackson as Offensive Player of the Year finalists.
Jackson, the 2019 MVP, showcased his prowess by throwing for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns, complemented by 821 rushing yards and five scores. Prescott led Dallas to an NFC East title with 4,516 passing yards, 36 TD passes, and a 105.9 passer rating. McCaffrey, a unanimous choice for AP All-Pro, led the NFL in rushing yards with 1,459 and contributed 14 rushing TDs for San Francisco.
The AFC Championship Game will witness the Ravens, led by Jackson, facing the Kansas City Chiefs, while Purdy, McCaffrey, and the 49ers are set to host the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game.
The Cleveland Browns have finalists in four categories: Myles Garrett for Defensive Player of the Year; Kevin Stefanski for Coach of the Year; Joe Flacco for Comeback Player of the Year; and Jim Schwartz for Assistant Coach of the Year.
The Houston Texans also have nominees for Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year with C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr., aiming to replicate the success of the previous year’s winners from the same team.
Defensive Player of the Year finalists include Micah Parsons, DaRon Bland, Maxx Crosby, and T.J. Watt, with Watt leading the NFL in sacks with 19.
Offensive Rookie of the Year contenders feature Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, and QB C.J. Stroud.
Defensive Rookie of the Year nominees include Jalen Carter, Kobie Turner, Joey Porter Jr., and Devon Witherspoon, along with Will Anderson Jr.
Coach of the Year finalists are DeMeco Ryans, Dan Campbell, Kyle Shanahan, John Harbaugh, and Kevin Stefanski, who led the Browns to an 11-6 record despite challenges.
Assistant Coach of the Year hopefuls include Jim Schwartz, Ben Johnson, Mike Macdonald, Todd Monken, and Bobby Slowik.
Comeback Player of the Year candidates encompass Baker Mayfield, Matthew Stafford, Tua Tagovailoa, and Damar Hamlin, in addition to Joe Flacco.
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