Most Valuable Player

LT: QB Aaron Rodgers, Packers
If you start the year 4-6, then good luck making the playoffs. But if you’re Aaron Rodgers, that is exactly how you keep it exciting. The Packers did run the table, and Rodgers finished with the league lead for touchdown passes at 40, to only 7 interceptions.

WG: QB Tom Brady, Patriots
Even after missing the first four games of the season, Brady still put up stellar numbers and lead his team to a first round bye. His final tallies of 28 touchdowns and two interceptions set an NFL record for the best TD:INT ratio. And he did it all with his usual cast of nobodies to throw to.

Offensive Player of the Year

LT: QB Dak Prescott, Cowboys
Every team needs a QB who does not just throw the ball, but leads the team. Dak Prescott was a player beyond his years under center in 2016. He lead the Cowboys to an impressive 12- 4 record and home field throughout the Playoffs.

WG: QB Matt Ryan, Falcons
Ryan had his best statistic year this season throwing for 38 touchdowns to seven interceptions while leading the top offense in the NFL. He finishes the season leading the league in QBR and passing yards per attempt.

Defensive Player of the Year

LT: LB Bobby Wagner, Seahawks
The Legion of Boom has for years solidified its success on the incredible play of Bobby Wagner. He has supplied the sure-tackling and intensity that makes teams balk at running up-the- middle or out wide. With league- leading stats in total tackles (167) and QB pressures (26), the All-Pro showed how it’s done night after night.

WG: LB Vic Beasley, Falcons
The 24-year-old broke out in his second season to amass 15.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. He anchored an otherwise mediocre defense that ranked in the bottom of the league, but his big play ability was huge for the Falcons.

Offensive Rookie of the Year

LT: RB Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys
Yes, The Cowboys O-line made things pretty easy for Dallas fans this year as their team returned to offensive force. Zeke carried the ball an average. 5.1 yards a haul. With 1994 total yards, and 16 TD’s, Ezekiel Elliott was simply phenomenal.

WG: RB Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys
Elliot exceeded the Cowboys expectations when they took him last year with the fourth overall pick. He rushed for an NFL high 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns to put himself in MVP and OPOY talks.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

LT: DE Joey Bosa, Chargers
With his early season contract ruffle set aside, Bosa went to work showing San Diego why he was worth the 3rd overall pick in 2016. Despite missing most of September, Bosa had 10.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and an impact felt along the entire line of scrimmage.

WG: DE Joey Bosa, Chargers
Despite a disappointing season for the Chargers, Bosa is a bright spot on defense for the future. He tied for the league lead in tackles for loss at 17 and flashed enormous potential all season long.

Coach of the Year

LT: Bill Belichick, Patriots
New England has redefined what it means to be a dynasty, and that stems not from Brady, but from Belichick himself. Under his leadership the Patriots have made the Playoffs 14 of the last 17 years.

WG: Bill Belichick, Patriots
Another year and another playoff appearance for the Patriots, making it 14 in 17 years under Belichick. He did so once again with an average defense as he and Tom Brady continue one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history.

The editor may be reached at
[email protected]