We are halfway through the 2024-25 NFL season and WUFO has made it’s picks for the season awards if the season was to end today. We have already tackled the NFC and you can read that here. Below are our picks for the American Football Conference.
Coach of the Year: Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
This may be a controversial pick but I assure you there isn’t much to it: The Chiefs are undefeated through seven games. The only team in the entire league to remain undefeated; need I say more? Reid currently holds the fourth best odds to win.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: QB Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
This rook had a rough two game start but has since settled into his starting role rather nicely. Statistically, Bo Nix was the best rookie QB in October, beating out young rookie stars Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels. He currently leads all rookies with 12 total touchdowns; eight passing and four rushing. He is also fresh off breaking the franchise record for most wins by a rookie QB.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: DL Laiatu Latu, Indianapolis Colts
Latu has recorded two forced fumbles, 14 total tackles, two sacks, and 17 pressures so far in his young career. While this is impressive, edge rusher Jared Verse of the Rams in the NFC is simply the clear pick for this award as he has 15 more pressures than Latu. Latu ranks as Pro Football Focus’ second best rookie edge defender.
Defensive Player of the Year: LB TJ Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers
TJ Watt is a former DPOY and has finished top five several times in his career. In 2023 Watt was the NFL’s leader in sacks with an astounding 19. With Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson going down with a season ending injury, Watt has emerged as the favorite to take it home this year. Watt leads a defense that only allows 14.9 points a game and as an individual has tallied 6.5 sacks and 24 solo tackles this season.
Offensive Player of the Year: RB Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
Derrick Henry continues to rewrite the narrative on “aging” running backs. Henry, who will be 31 in January has been concealing his age through his playstyle all season. Henry averages 118.3 yards per game and 6.5 yards per carry. He currently has eight receptions, 66 receiving yards and, a mind-blowing 11 total touchdowns. His competition for the award, RB Saquon Barkley only has 6 total touchdowns so Henry is the clear favorite in the AFC and the NFL
Comeback Player of the Year: RB, J.K. Dobbins Los Angeles Chargers
J.K. Dobbins has had poor injury luck since the beginning of his career. He missed 43 games in his first three season with Baltimore due a a multitude of injuries. Last year he missed The back has managed to remain healthy so far and has turned his health into production. He currently has 112 carries for 535 yards (10th in the NFL) and four touchdowns. He is tied for the second best odds to win the award with Jo Burrow, behind Kirk Cousins
Most Valuable Player: QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson is currently on pace to have the best year throwing the football in his entire career. Already a two-time MVP Jackson is outplaying himself. With an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 90.5, he leads all QBs. His passing yardage of 2099 ranks 5th among QBS and his 17 passing touchdowns ranks second. Josh Allen deserves an honorable mention here and still has time to take the award from Lamar.
Written by Raven Ullah, WUFO Intern
