Forget the Oscars-the NFL just dropped its big list this week! On Thursday, we got the official nominees for the NFL Honors 2025, set to air on February 6, 2025, at 9 p.m. on Fox and the NFL Network. These awards celebrate the best of the 2024 NFL season, from MVP to Coach of the Year and everything in between.
Let’s review the finalists and get ready for what’s shaping up to be an epic awards night.
MVP Finalists
- Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
- Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
- Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
- Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
- Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
The MVP race is packed with talent. Buffalo’s Josh Allen showed his dual-threat ability, throwing for 3,731 yards, 28 touchdowns, and six interceptions while adding 531 rushing yards and 12 scores. A defining moment? His 26-yard game-sealing touchdown run against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Lamar Jackson delivered a career-best season, setting highs in passing yards (4,172) and touchdown passes (41) with only four interceptions. His ground game remained elite, leading the NFL in yards per carry (6.6). Jackson also beat Allen head-to-head in a 35-10 September win, though Allen had the last laugh by eliminating the Ravens in the NFL playoffs.
The finalists for AP Most Valuable Player presented by @Invisalign! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/bcemPLMfjo
— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2025
Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley was on track to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record before being rested in Week 18. He still surpassed 2,000 rushing yards and averaged 126.5 yards per game. Joe Burrow and Jared Goff round out the field. Burrow led the Bengals with precision and poise, while Goff spearheaded the Lions’ resurgence as NFC contenders.
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Defensive Player Of The Year Finalists
- Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles
- Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns
- Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals
- Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos
- T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers
The finalists for AP Defensive Player of the Year presented by @TCL_USA! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/LCaNESupFR
— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2025
This category highlights defensive dominance. Two perennial forces, Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt, had exceptional seasons, while Zack Baun’s breakout NFL campaign solidified his status as a defensive leader for the Eagles. Trey Hendrickson’s relentless pass rush helped the Bengals, and Patrick Surtain II’s lockdown coverage elevated Denver’s secondary.
Offensive Player Of The Year Finalists
- Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
- Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
- Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
- Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
- Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
The finalists for AP Offensive Player of the Year presented by @surface! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/N5kcta7tkM
— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2025
Saquon Barkley’s historic rushing season and Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat brilliance headline this group. Burrow and his favorite target, Ja’Marr Chase, were a dynamic duo for the Bengals. Meanwhile, Derrick Henry’s punishing ground game powered the Ravens’ offense alongside Jackson.
Defensive Rookie Of The Year Finalists
- Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia Eagles
- Braden Fiske, Los Angeles Rams
- Quinyon Mitchell, Philadelphia Eagles
- Chop Robinson, Miami Dolphins
- Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams
The finalists for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/sULpgAsMsO
— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2025
The Eagles boast two standout rookies, Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell. Braden Fiske and Jared Verse immediately impacted the Rams’ defense, while Chop Robinson shined for the Dolphins.
Also Read: Is Snoop Dogg The Host Of 2025 NFL Honors? Excitement Heats Up In New Orleans
Offensive Rookie Of The Year Finalists
- Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders
- Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
- Malik Nabers, New York Giants
- Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
- Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
The finalists for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/tsAvUDETvR
— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2025
This year’s NFL rookie class was loaded with offensive talent. Brock Bowers dominated as a tight end for the Raiders. Quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix impressed in their debut seasons. Wide receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. provided explosive playmaking for their teams.
Comeback Player Of The Year Finalists
- Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
- Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
- J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers
- Christian Gonzalez, New England Patriots
- Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills
The finalists for AP Comeback Player of the Year! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/jhOmL7Hxmf
— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2025
Joe Burrow’s determination, Sam Darnold’s revitalized career in Minnesota, and J.K. Dobbins’ return to form in Los Angeles headline this category. Christian Gonzalez stood out after overcoming an early setback, and Damar Hamlin’s inspirational comeback story remains unforgettable.
Coach Of The Year Finalists
- Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
- Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings
- Sean Payton, Denver Broncos
- Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders
- Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
Dan Campbell led the Lions to new heights, while Sean Payton revived the Broncos. Kevin O’Connell’s innovative approach paid dividends for the Vikings, and Dan Quinn turned the Commanders into contenders. Andy Reid’s Chiefs remained a model of consistency.
The finalists for AP Coach of the Year and Assistant Coach of the Year! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/IdWBbCWF4F
— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2025
Assistant Coach Of The Year Finalists
- Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills
- Vic Fangio, Philadelphia Eagles
- Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings
- Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions
- Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions
Ben Johnson’s offensive ingenuity with the Lions and Vic Fangio’s defensive acumen with the Eagles highlight this category. Joe Brady’s work with Buffalo’s offense and Brian Flores’ defensive schemes in Minnesota also earned recognition, while Aaron Glenn’s efforts in Detroit were crucial.
NFL Honors Stage Is Set
With so much talent across all categories, the 2025 NFL Honors promises to be a must-watch event. Who will take home the MVP? Can Saquon Barkley make history as a running back? Will Lamar Jackson’s career year earn him more hardware? Tune in on February 6 to find out!
Also Read: How The NFL Honors Voting Works? Process & Rules For NFL MVP, DPOY, And More
