Predicting next season's NFL award winners

With Super Bowl LVI nearly upon us, theScore's football editors look ahead to the 2022 season and predict the winner of every major award.

Most Valuable Player

Our editors are clearly still reeling from the face-melting Kansas City Chiefs-Buffalo Bills playoff game, and who can blame them? Allen is leading our MVP voting with four ballots after he put together a near-perfect playoff run and reminded the NFL world of his peak, which can rival that of Mahomes. Meanwhile, the Chiefs quarterback received two votes - perhaps a response to an inconsistent 2021 regular season, by his standards. Notably, Aaron Rodgers didn't receive a single vote despite winning a second straight MVP award.

Offensive Player of the Year

The 2022 campaign will apparently be the year of the receiver. No position in the NFL is as talent-rich and full of young stars. Chase and Waddle, our joint favorites for Offensive Player of the Year, burst onto the scene as rookies in 2021, and it's easy to see them taking their games to another level as sophomores. Samuel and Jefferson were among the few receivers who rivaled Chase in game-breaking plays this past season. The 49ers star, in particular, could be primed for a uniquely productive campaign after proving in the second half of 2021 he's equally dangerous running the ball.

Defensive Player of the Year

Bosa put together one of the quieter 15.5-sack seasons in recent memory. His dominance was even more impressive considering he was just 12 months removed from a torn ACL at the start of the campaign. With three votes in a highly competitive and pass-rusher-dominated field, we expect Bosa to get the love he deserves in 2022. Garrett and Parsons, who both finished in the top six in sacks in 2021, are seen as Bosa's biggest competition. Voter fatigue seems to have affected Donald's candidacy, while no one believes Defensive Player of the Year winner T.J. Watt can repeat his historic campaign.

Coach of the Year

First- and second-year head coaches often have the inside track to this award, and five of our eight editors went that way with their selection. Daboll could be an intriguing candidate considering the Giants won just four games in 2021. As a result, they have far more room for improvement than the Chargers (nine wins), Dolphins (nine), and Vikings (eight). McDermott is the only coach to receive multiple votes; it's not hard to imagine Buffalo pushing for a 13- or 14-win campaign with the fuel from its heart-breaking playoff exit.

Comeback Player of the Year

This past season was rife with injuries to star players, setting up an intriguing fight for Comeback Player of the Year in 2022. Young led the way with three votes. The pass-rusher looked like a star as a rookie in 2020 and should be close to full strength for the start of the campaign after tearing his ACL. Meanwhile, Thomas has barely played over the last two seasons after a record-setting 2019. The wideout replicating that level without Drew Brees or Sean Payton is questionable, but maybe our editors are banking on a change of scenery sparking his revival.

Offensive Rookie of the Year

For rookie awards, our voters leaned toward players they believe will succeed regardless of their landing spots. First-year receivers have been lighting up the NFL in recent years, so it's no surprise to see Burks, Olave, Wilson, and London dominating the ballot. Burks, who possesses a rare blend of size and speed, was the only player to receive more than one vote. Quarterbacks are usually favorites for this award thanks to their visibility. However, this upcoming class is viewed as the worst in a decade and has no clear franchise-caliber prospect.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Unlike Offensive Rookie of the Year, the defense award has two candidates who our editors believe stand above the rest - former Oregon pass-rusher Thibodeaux and ex-Georgia linebacker Dean. It's easy to understand why. The uber-athletic Thibodeaux is in the running to be the first overall pick and is one of the most well-known players in a class that lacks stars. Dean will have teams looking at him as the potential next Micah Parsons thanks to his speed, versatility, and ability to rush the passer.