We asked NFL execs to predict 2026 award winners: Here's who they picked for MVP, other hardware

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  Jeremy FowlerSep 8, 2026, 06:00 AM ET

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  Jeremy Fowler is a senior national NFL writer for ESPN, covering the entire league including breaking news. Jeremy also contributes to SportsCenter both as a studio analyst and a sideline reporter covering for NFL games. He is an Orlando, Florida native who joined ESPN in 2014 after covering college football for CBSSports.com.

The march to the ultimate stage -- Super Bowl LXI on Feb. 14, in SoFi Stadium -- begins Wednesday, when the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks square off at Lumen Field (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC). The Los Angeles Rams are the trendy Super Bowl pick in league circles. But keep in mind this is the era of ultimate parity. At this time last year, the Seahawks and Patriots had 60-1 and 80-1 odds to win the Super Bowl, respectively.

The journey to a championship will unfold alongside brilliant individual efforts. The hunt for league MVP will be defined by elite quarterback play. Other top awards at the annual NFL Honors will highlight the game's best.

We asked league executives and scouts to sort out who will hold the hardware when the 2026 season ends. From MVP to rookies and coach of the year, few of the major awards offer a clear consensus at this early stage. The possibilities are endless and enticing.

Jump to:
MVP | OPOY | DPOY | OROY | DROY
Comebacks | Breakouts | Top coach

MVP: Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

None of the top quarterbacks in their primes are controversial picks. The top four passers between ages 29 and 30 -- Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow -- have been selected in this very exercise as MVP predictions from 2021 through 25. Only Burrow lacks the actual hardware. But he slightly edges the field here, despite a push from Los Angeles' Justin Herbert and reservations about Burrow's durability.

In his last full season (2024) he threw for 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns. Health is the primary issue holding him back. "He senses the urgency this year and is talking like it -- I think he's ready to back it up," an AFC executive said. "If he stays healthy. Big if."

The Bengals' offense will evolve this year, featuring more under-center work, which could open up a running game that ranked 29th last year.

Allen, meanwhile, is looking to join Aaron Rodgers, Jackson and Mahomes as active players with multiple MVPs.

"I'm done banking on Burrow because of the injuries," an AFC exec said. "I would, if not for health issues. Stafford won't get it again, Mahomes is coming back from injury, and even though you can't count out Lamar, he's taken a step back. Allen is the safest bet."

As for Herbert, people inside the league value his work much more highly than some factions of the internet do. "Don't think he got enough credit for everything he did last year when the OL got decimated by injuries," an NFC exec said. "They get healthy and a proven, creative playcaller that can make his life easier and [offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel] hasn't had a QB this gifted."

Also receiving votes: Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers), Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)

Offensive Player of the Year: Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

Running backs have won three of the past six OPOY awards, and Gibbs might be next. He has made back-to-back-to-back Pro Bowls despite averaging 225 carries per year as a 1A option alongside David Montgomery. He still managed 39 rushing touchdowns, or one every 17th rushing attempt. And he caught 77 passes for 616 yards last season.

"He'll rise to the occasion as the lead back, the Lions will be competitive and they'll probably be in a lot of shootouts, which will help Gibbs' production," a veteran NFL scout said.

It's worth noting Detroit entered the week with minimal experience behind Gibbs. Backups Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors have combined for nine NFL rushing attempts. Veteran Isiah Pacheco is on injured reserve.

Neither Gibbs nor Atlanta's Bijan Robinson has won this award despite the duo jockeying for tailback supremacy. That could change this year.

Also receiving votes: Ja'Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals), Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons)

Defensive Player of the Year: Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans

Anderson can become the fifth edge rusher in the past six years to win this award. Fending off reigning champ Myles Garrett won't be easy, but voters in such exercises often like to predict ascending young players breaking the mold.

Anderson is 25, squarely in his prime and has improved his sack total in each of his first three seasons, from seven to 11 to 12. Houston has a realistic chance to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl thanks to a vaunted defense led by Anderson.

"He can have the type of 15-sack season that will define him, especially with Danielle Hunter on the other side," an NFL personnel evaluator said. "You can't double both. He can be the leader of that defense, which is just nasty."

Also receiving votes: Myles Garrett (Los Angeles Rams)

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jadarian Price, Seattle Seahawks

This was a close race among the top two running backs selected in the 2026 draft (both out of Notre Dame), an ascending player out of Cleveland and a QB2 in the AFC West.

Price, the 32nd overall pick by the reigning champion Seahawks, has impressed head coach Mike Macdonald with his coachability and open-field vision. In fact, some in Seattle feel Price can add a new dimension to the running game, despite new Kansas City Chief Kenneth Walker III's consistent production over four years.

Price is playing for an elite team as a potential lead option. Seattle plans to use two or three backs as part of each game plan, but Price should be showcased a lot.

"He's the best they've got, and that offense is dedicated to running the ball," an NFC scout said. "Zach Charbonnet isn't ready yet."

Also receiving votes: Jeremiyah Love (Arizona Cardinals), KC Concepcion (Cleveland Browns), Fernando Mendoza (Las Vegas Raiders)

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Caleb Downs, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys have big plans for Downs, who instantly becomes one of Dallas' most versatile players.

When I asked head coach Brian Schottenheimer at training camp where Downs is best served on the field, he said "anywhere," then pointed out that he can cover star receiver CeeDee Lamb up the seam.

The Cowboys will play Downs primarily in the slot, where he can disrupt in the open field. "He will play in the middle of the defense so he will probably have some ball production and high tackle numbers," an AFC executive said. "And if he helps turn around Dallas' defense, he'll be looked at as a catalyst."

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Does Cowboys rookie safety Caleb Downs have what it takes to win DROY?

The last defensive back to win DROY was Sauce Gardner in 2022, when he recorded two interceptions and 20 pass deflections. Ball production is a must in order to win this award.

Also receiving votes: Rueben Bain Jr. (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Mansoor Delane (Kansas City Chiefs), R Mason Thomas (Chiefs), David Bailey (New York Jets)

Comeback Player of the Year: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

This one is set up for Mahomes like a well-blocked bubble screen. The three-time Super Bowl MVP has crushed his rehab from a torn ACL and PCL. He's poised to play in Week 1. The offense should be better overall, with a Walker-led running game and a healthier receiving corps.

And, perhaps for the first time in his career, a hint of doubt hovers over Mahomes and his place in the quarterback pantheon. He has had multiple down years (by his standards) statistically. "He's such an elite competitor and player that I'm counting on him responding," an AFC scout said. "He hears the noise."

Also receiving votes: Kyler Murray (Minnesota Vikings), Aaron Donald (Los Angeles Rams), Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders)

Breakout player: Matthew Golden, Green Bay Packers

Last year was a roller coaster for Golden, who earned rave reviews in 2025 training camp, then spent the season as a tertiary option. He finished the season with 29 catches for 361 yards on 44 targets. All of those totals ranked outside of the top three among Packers weapons last year.

The departure of Romeo Doubs opens a spot for Golden in the team's three-receiver sets alongside Christian Watson and Jayden Reed.

"I'm not really sure why they didn't use him, but I loved him coming out," an AFC executive said. "He can fly."

Also receiving votes: Omarion Hampton (Los Angeles Chargers), Colston Loveland (Chicago Bears), Calijah Kancey (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Abdul Carter (New York Giants)

Coach of the Year: Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas Cowboys

This race featured no runaway favorite. Last year's prediction was Jim Harbaugh, who could be well-positioned to actually win it this year.

But in a tight race, let's go with a bit of a wild card: Schottenheimer, who has acquitted himself well in Dallas behind the scenes and has most of what he needs to win.

"I think Dak [Prescott] will have a big year, we know they can score and the defense should be much improved," an NFC scout said. "If they stay healthy, they have a good chance to win the NFC East."

Also receiving votes: Dan Campbell (Detroit Lions), Jim Harbaugh (Los Angeles Chargers), Sean McVay (Los Angeles Rams), Kellen Moore (New Orleans Saints), Jesse Minter (Baltimore Ravens)