Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, Joe Burrow, Jared Goff, and Lamar Jackson have been selected as finalists for the 2024 NFL Most Valuable Player award, as revealed by the Associated Press. Barkley, Burrow, and Jackson are also contenders for the Offensive Player of the Year award. Additionally, Burrow is nominated for the Comeback Player of the Year. The winners of these honors will be disclosed during the NFL Honors ceremony scheduled for February 6. Voting was conducted by a national panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL, with ballots cast prior to the commencement of the playoffs.
The finalists for the eight AP NFL awards are as follows, listed in alphabetical order:
**Most Valuable Player:**
Josh Allen led the Buffalo Bills to their fifth consecutive AFC East title, amassing 3,731 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and six interceptions while achieving a passer rating of 101.4. He also contributed significantly on the ground with 531 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns.
Saquon Barkley had an impressive season, rushing for 2,005 yards, ranking eighth in NFL history. He did not play in the final regular-season game but played a crucial role in helping the Eagles secure the NFC East and reach the conference championship.
Joe Burrow dominated the passing game, leading the league with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdown passes. However, despite his stellar performance, the Cincinnati Bengals finished with a 9-8 record and missed the postseason.
Jared Goff threw for 4,629 yards, 37 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, steering the Detroit Lions to the top seed in the NFC, though they faced elimination in the divisional round against Washington.
Lamar Jackson, the defending MVP, is vying for his third trophy after steering the Baltimore Ravens to an AFC North title. Jackson posted career-high numbers, including 4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdown passes with only four interceptions, and a leading passer rating of 119.6.
**Offensive Player of the Year:**
Saquon Barkley, Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Derrick Henry, and Lamar Jackson are competing for this title.
Ja’Marr Chase achieved a remarkable feat by winning the receiving triple crown with 127 catches, 1,708 receiving yards, and 17 touchdown receptions, earning a unanimous All-Pro selection.
Derrick Henry, the 2020 Offensive Player of the Year, rushed for 1,921 yards and scored 16 touchdowns in his first season with the Ravens.
**Defensive Player of the Year:**
Zack Baun, a linebacker for the Eagles, transitioned from primarily special teams with the Saints to achieving All-Pro honors in Philadelphia.
Myles Garrett, last year’s winner, registered 14 sacks for the Cleveland Browns.
Trey Hendrickson of the Bengals led the league with 17.5 sacks.
Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II distinguished himself by allowing just 37 receptions, securing four interceptions, while opposing quarterbacks posted a passer rating of 61.1 against him.
Finally, T.J. Watt of the Steelers, a previous MVP, recorded 11.5 sacks and forced six fumbles this season.
**Offensive Rookie of the Year:**
The nominees include Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, who set a rookie record with 112 receptions and had 1,194 receiving yards, the highest ever for a first-year player at his position.
Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels guided his team to an impressive eight-win improvement, throwing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdown passes, and leading the team towards a Super Bowl.
Giants receiver Malik Nabers made an impact with 109 catches for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns.
Bo Nix, the Broncos QB, also played a pivotal role in his team reaching the playoffs for the first time in nine years with 3,775 passing yards and 29 touchdowns.
Brian Thomas Jr., a receiver for the Jaguars, accounted for 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns.
**Defensive Rookie of the Year:**
Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean ranked among the highest-rated defensive players, holding opponents to just 50 receptions, with five pass breakups and an 82.2 passer rating against him.
Rams defensive tackle Braden Fiske topped all rookies with 8.5 sacks and achieved 51 pressures, along with two forced fumbles and ten tackles for loss.
Quinyon Mitchell from the Eagles also shone with nine pass breakups and a 87 passer rating allowed.
Dolphins edge Chop Robinson claimed six sacks and 20 pressures, while Rams edge rusher Jared Verse posted notable statistics, leading all rookies in pressures, quarterback hits, and hurries.
**Coach of the Year:**
Finalists include Dan Campbell of the Lions, Kevin O’Connell of the Vikings, Sean Payton of the Broncos, Dan Quinn of the Commanders, and Andy Reid of the Chiefs.
Campbell led the Lions to a stellar 15-3 record, claiming the NFC’s top seed. O’Connell guided the Vikings to a playoff appearance despite significant roster changes. Payton managed to overcome obstacles in Denver, resulting in a successful season and ending a lengthy playoff drought. Quinn transformed a struggling team into a playoff contender with impressive twelve wins, while Reid brought the Chiefs back into AFC prominence, also finishing with the best record in the conference.
**Assistant Coach of the Year:**
Joe Brady (Bills), Vic Fangio (Eagles), Brian Flores (Vikings), Aaron Glenn (Lions), and Ben Johnson (Lions) are recognized in this category.
**Comeback Player of the Year:**
Finalists include Joe Burrow, Sam Darnold (Vikings QB), J.K. Dobbins (Chargers RB), Christian Gonzalez (Patriots CB), and Damar Hamlin (Bills Safety).
