From Stafford to Nacua: Predicting the 2025 NFL Award Winners
Some years, the NFL gives us an end-around when it comes to postseason awards — a surprise MVP or a Coach of the Year no one saw coming.
Think Adrian Peterson winning MVP in 2012 after recovering from knee surgery, or Brian Daboll (pour one out for the recently fired Giants coach) accepting Coach of the Year honors in 2022 after turning his team around. Like fans, voters are always hungry for a good underdog story.
But this season? Things feel more like a patented Eagles tush push: simple and straightforward.
Big names did big things in 2025. Records fell, and rookie head coaches took their teams deep into the playoffs.
That’s not to say there won’t be some debate and maybe even a little controversy. But for the most part, this year’s NFL Honors ceremony (Thurs., Feb. 5, 8 p.m. ET; NBC/NFL Network) will likely see fewer shocked faces and more nods as if to say, “Yeah, that makes sense.”
But still, let’s take a look at how the 2025 NFL awards race is shaping up. Below, we’ve broken down our top contenders for each major postseason honor, which includes MVP, Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, Coach of the Year, and the rookie awards.
For each category, we’ll spotlight the players making the strongest cases, then offer our best guess at who’s most likely to take home the trophy when the final votes are counted. Let’s start with the rookies.
2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year Predictions: Top Candidates
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers
As the eighth overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, McMillan led all rookie receivers in yards (1,014) and touchdown receptions (7). Having started all 17 games of his rookie season, he became Carolina’s most reliable target, setting the franchise record in receiving yards while showing a consistency (70 total receptions) that made him arguably the most productive offensive rookie.
Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints
A second-round pick for the Saints, Shough had a solid rookie campaign by putting together a 5-4 record as a starter under center. This is the best win-loss mark among all rookie quarterbacks in his draft class. In these nine starts, he showed poise and flashed a big arm, throwing for over 2,000 yards. Shough is widely seen as the rookie quarterback who made the biggest impact in 2025.
Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants
Jaxson Dart had an up-and-down year for the Giants, which is what you might expect after being drafted by a team in rebuilding mode. The first-round pick finished the season 4-8 as a starter, showing glimpses of greatest mixed with the usual growing pains of a rookie QB. Still, he finished the season having throw 15 touchdowns to just five interceptions (a 91.7 QB ratings) while also rushing for nearly 500 yards and an additional nine TDs. Overall, he proved to be a dynamic leader while flashing franchise-quarterback potential.
Predicted Winner: Tetairoa McMillan
Unlike Dart and Shough, who had solid rookie campaigns, McMillan produced at a high level throughout a full season. So, by the “best overall season” metric, he stands above the rest. If voters prioritize impact and production, McMillan’s 1,000-plus yards and his immediate rise as the Panther’s No. 1 receiver should solidify him as this season’s Offensive Rookie of the Year.
2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year Predictions: Top Candidates
Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns
Schwesinger was a tackling machine in his first year. The second-round pick also quickly became the heart of Cleveland’s defense as he racked up 146 tackles (leading all rookies) including 11 tackles for a loss. He also added 2.5 sacks and two interceptions to his inaugural season, providing that he’s not just a one-trick pony. These stats, along with his sideline-to-sideline range and natural football instinct, set the bar for defensive rookies in 2025.
James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee Titans
Pearce wasted no time making his presence felt in the NFL, racking up 10.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 3 forced fumbles while flashing elite bend and closing speed off the edge. He was one of the few consistent bright spots on a struggling Titans team, regularly drawing extra attention from opposing offensive lines and still generating pressure. While his snap count early in the season was limited, Pearce’s second-half surge proved he belonged in every DROY conversation.
Nick Emmanwori, S, Seattle Seahawks
A day-one NFL starter, Emmanwori held his own as part of one of the best defensive units in the NFL. He logged more than 80 tackles and 11 pass defenses while contributing 2.5 sacks and an interception for the NFC’s top seeded team. His ability to both play in the box and cover deep helped the Seahawks flourish on defense, garnering him consideration among the top defensive rookies of 2025.
Predicted Winner: Carson Schwesinger
It’s really no contest. Schwesinger was by far the most productive rookie defender in the NFL this year, leading all first-year players in tackles (it wasn’t even close) and making impact plays on a weekly basis. The fact that he plays in the same unit as Myles Garrett certainly helps, but there’s no denying that Schwesinger made his own mark, giving voters a clear frontrunner for DROY.
2025 Offensive Player of the Year Predictions: Top Candidates
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks
This third-year wideout was a dominant force, leading the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards — a new Seahawks franchise record. He recorded eight 100-plus yard games and was the go-to target of Sam Darnold, helping propel the Seahawks to a 14-3 season and a No. 1 seed. Smith-Njigba’s consistent production and knack for big plays (he had 121 catches on the year) made him the league’s most prolific receiver in 2025.
Puka Nacua, WR, LA Rams
But not so fast. Puka Nacua put together a season that rivals Smith-Njigba’s season. As Matthew Stafford’s top target, Nacua put up elite numbers in his own right, leading the NFL with 129 receptions and finishing second in receiving yards (1,715) with 10 touchdowns. Building on the success of his first two seasons, Nacua’s reliability and route-running were key to the Rams’ high-powered passing attack. His production kept pace with Smith-Njigba’s for much of the year, making him a strong OPOY contender.
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons’ workhorse back turned in an impressive season that showcased his dual-threat talent. Robinson was among the league leaders in scrimmage yards, piling up nearly 1,500 rushing yards along with significant receiving contributions. As the focal point of Atlanta’s offense, he consistently delivered explosive plays and was one of the NFL’s most productive running backs in 2025
Predicted Winner: Jaxon Smith-Njigba
This one’s a close battle between Smith-Njigba and Nacua, but we’re going to pick Smith-Njigba here. Not only did the third-year Seahawk top the league in yardage, but he also set a Seattle franchise record. Plus, Smith-Njigba plays the better team, as confirmed by the NFC Championship game during which Smith-Njigba caught 10 balls for 153 years and a touchdown. (Incidentally, Nacua had nine receptions for 165 yards and a TD in that game. I told you this one’s close!)
2025 Defensive Player of the Year Predictions: Top Candidates
Myles Garrett, DE, Cleveland Browns
Garrett was an unstoppable pass-rushing force in 2025, setting a new NFL single-season sack record with 23 sacks. Add on three forced fumbles, and he was a one-man gameplan wrecking crew, consistently commanding double-teams and still leading the league in pressures. This performance puts Garrett in a class of his own this year. He’s already won one DPOY (2023), and his 2025 campaign was even more dominant. Given his record-breaking stats, he’s the overwhelming favorite for this honor.
Brian Burns, DE, NY Giants
Burns put together one of the most complete seasons of his career in 2025, finishing with 16 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and 4 forced fumbles while anchoring a Giants defense that quietly improved as the season went on. The former Panther showed why the Giants paid up to land him, regularly dominating the edge and generating pressure even when he was double-teamed. Burns also added 28 QB hits and 65 tackles, numbers that stack up well against other top-tier pass rushers.
Will Anderson Jr., DE, Houston Texans
The former top-5 draft pick blossomed into Houston’s defensive centerpiece in his third year. Anderson notched 12.0 sacks, 3 fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 2025, setting new career highs and ranking among the top 10 in sacks league wide. He was a catalyst for the Texans’ much-improved defense, showcasing the talent that made him a highly touted prospect. Anderson’s combination of pass-rush and run defense put him on the DPOY radar behind the more veteran stars.
Predicted DPOY Winner: Myles Garrett
There’s no need to overthink this one. Garrett simply played on a higher level than the rest, breaking a coveted record that essentially guarantees he’ll take home this award. He redefined what it means to be elite, and for that he’ll be named NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the second time in his career.
2025 Coach of the Year Predictions: Top Candidates
Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots
In his first year at the helm in New England, Vrabel engineered a turnaround for the ages. He took a -Patriots squad that went 4-13 in 2024 and led them to a 14-3 record, an AFC Championship, and a Super Bowl berth. This improvement, from last place to first place, is one of the league’s best single-season turnarounds. Under Vrabel, the Patriots’ young quarterback blossomed into an MVP candidate, and the team’s defense vastly improved — a combination that has made Vrabel a leading COTY contender.
Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks
The second-year head coach in Seattle guided the Seahawks to a stellar 14-3 record, an NFC Championship, and a trip to the Super Bowl. This was a huge leap for a team that missed the playoffs in 2024, despite their 10-7 record. Macdonald’s defensive pedigree paid off as Seattle became one of the league’s top defensive units, helping the team consistently won close games. His ability to elevate the Seahawks to NFC supremacy in a short time has put him firmly in the Coach of the Year conversation.
Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears
In his first season as a head coach, Johnson transformed the Bears from 5-12 underachievers into the NFC North champions. Chicago’s resurgence under his leadership — with a young quarterback and a retooled offense — exceeded many people’s expectations. Johnson’s innovative offensive schemes, player development, and much-hyped motivational tactics helped the Bears claim a division title that few anticipated. This swift improvement, from a last-place finish in 2024, puts him in the conversation for Coach of the Year.
Predicted Winner: Mike Vrabel
We knew Vrabel was good, but “turning a four-win squad into a Super Bowl team” good? Voters love a worst-to-first narrative, and this is one NFL fans will be talking about for years — especially if the Patriots can pull off a Super Bowl victory over the Seahawks. So, while Macdonald’s been great and Johnson took the NFC by storm, you just can’t ignore the immediate impact and success Vrabel’s had in New England.
2025 NFL MVP Predictions: Top Candidates
Matthew Stafford, QB, LA Rams
Two names have risen to the top in debates around this year’s NFL Most Valuable Player, and 37-year-old Matthew Stafford is the veteran of the two. In his 17th season, Stafford put together the best season of his career, throwing for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. He posted a 109.2 passer rating (second in the NFL) while carrying the Rams all the way to the NFC Championship Game.
Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots
Standing in Stafford’s way to his first MVP award is second-year quarterback Drake Maye, who played a key role in New England’s 2025 turnaround. While leading the Pats to a 14-3 record, Maye led the NFL in passer rating (113.5) and completion percentage (71.5%) while finishing the season with 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns. His rapid ascent into a franchise QB leading his team to the Super Bowl is one of the best stories of 2025, though New England’s perceived “soft schedule” has some critics questioning the storyline.
Predicted Winner: Matthew Stafford
Though Maye was no doubt great this season, Stafford’s gaudy stats combined with his “last shot” storyline will likely give him the edge in this MVP race. If you’re a New England fan, maybe this is for the best — give the old guy the award while lighting a fire under the young quarterback as he prepares for the biggest game of his life.
From Award Predictions to Collectibles: Preserving the 2025 NFL Season
Whether it’s Matthew Stafford’s MVP-caliber season, Myles Garrett’s historic defensive dominance, or Tetairoa McMillan’s breakout rookie campaign, the 2025 NFL season gave fans no shortage of unforgettable performances. As these stars take center stage at NFL Honors, their accomplishments don’t just live in box scores and highlight reels — they become part of NFL history.
For collectors, moments like these are exactly what make signed memorabilia so meaningful. Autographed jerseys, helmets, footballs, and photos from award-winning players capture a snapshot in time, preserving the legacy of seasons that fans will be talking about for decades. From MVPs and Rookie of the Year standouts to Defensive Player of the Year legends, many of the athletes featured in our 2025 NFL Award Predictions have authenticated, signed memorabilia available through Pristine Auction.
If you’re looking to commemorate this year’s biggest performances or invest in memorabilia tied to NFL greatness, Pristine Auction offers a constantly rotating selection of authenticated items from today’s top stars and all-time greats. As awards are handed out and legacies are cemented, there’s no better time to own a piece of the 2025 NFL season.
