We are but two weeks away from the 2025 NFL regular season coming to a close. It’s been a memorable ride, and one of the more unique ones in recent memory. Ironically enough, a lot of the NFL awards have some familiar faces among their frontrunners. While a lot can change in two weeks, there’s enough of a basis to try and predict the winners of this year’s awards. With that being said, let’s dive into the potential winners of the 2025 NFL Honors.
Protector of the Year: Joe Thuney
Oct 13, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney (62) celebrates while leaving the field after the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
A major catalyst for Ben Johnson’s offensive success in Chicago has been the offensive line, more specifically, Joe Thuney. Thuney’s play has been a mark of excellence throughout his entire career, and this season it’s been no different. According to PFF, he’s played more snaps than any other guard in the game. Despite that extended playing time, he’s only allowed 12 pressures, one QB hit, and not even a single sack. Additionally, Thuney’s been dominant in the run as well. Following week 15, according to ESPN, Thuney’s run block win rate was 77 percent. That percentage puts him in a tie for third best among all interior offensive linemen. No matter where he’s gone, Joe Thuney has been an impenetrable wall at guard. He’d be a great choice to win the first ever Protector of the Year award.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Nick Emmanwori
Dec 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) celebrates after an interception against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The two frontrunners for Defensive Rookie of the Year are LB Carson Schwesinger and S Nick Emmanwori. Schwesinger has been outstanding, and him earning the award wouldn’t be a surprise. However, Emmanwori’s been a crucial piece on one of the game’s best defenses. During his tenure in Baltimore, Mike MacDonald utilized and maximized Kyle Hamilton. Now, Nick Emmanwori is his swiss army knife. The former Gamecock has played at safety, nickel, outside cb and even linebacker. In spite of that constant movement, Emmanwori’s been effective at whatever task required from him. He currently has 71 tackles, 16 pressures, three sacks, eight PBUs and an interception. His versatility has been vital to Seattle’s success this year, and a DROTY would be deserved.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Tetairoa McMillan
Nov 16, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) catches the ball for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
After the OROTY talks were initially spearheaded by Emeka Egbuka, Tetairoa McMillan is now the favorite. It makes sense, McMillan entered a very respectable receiving room and came out as the #1. His connection with Bryce Young is growing by the week, and he’s on the cusp of a thousand yard campaign. He utilizes his size well, and has found the end-zone seven times, which puts him at the top among all rookie receivers. There’s still a lot of work for him to do, but the efficiency and effectiveness he’s displayed in his rookie year can earn him the award.
Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett
Sep 7, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) celebrates a sack against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
In the first half of the season, it was a close race for DPOTY. That all changed after Myles Garrett accumulated 13 sacks in just four games. If you for some reason need further proof of Garrett’s dominance, you can look at his 43 stops or league-leading 32 TFLs. He is an offensive lineman’s nightmare, and there’s no question he’ll add another Defensive MVP award to his resume. Now, with Defensive Player of the Year being a lock, Garrett has his eyes set on surpassing the single-season sack record.
Offensive Player of the Year: Puka Nacua
Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sean McVay’s offense is currently top ten in almost every single metric. Furthermore, they’re ranked first in points per game, yards per game and TDs per game. One of the most important gears that keeps this engine going is Puka Nacua. Despite missing a game, Nacua has launched himself into the OPOTY conversation following his past three performances. In those three games, the former fifth rounder has logged 573 yards and four touchdowns. Among those performances was perhaps the best display by a receiver this year, a 225 yard game against Seattle’s elite D. Furthermore, he is just 45 yards shy of Jaxon Smith-Njigba for the league lead in receiving yardage. Smith-Njigba has been elite all year, but Nacua’s sudden surge puts him at the top.
Coach of the Year: Mike Vrabel
Oct 5, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
New England was in a free fall ever since Tom Brady went down to Tampa Bay. It was clear that Bill Belichick’s best years were behind him, and Jerod Mayo’s tenure felt uninspired and pointless. After years of being a disappointment, the Patriots are now in the gunning for the first seed in the league. That is all thanks to Mike Vrabel. The team looks disciplined, poised and prepared for anything, and Drake Maye is playing at an MVP level. Sure, Liam Coen and Ben Johnson have both done incredible jobs of their own. However, with the state of disarray and malfunction the Patriots were in, Vrabel deserves his second COTY award for transforming New England into a Super Bowl contender in just his first year.
Most Valuable Player: Matthew Stafford
Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) reacts as he celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Drake Maye has thrusted himself back into the MVP race following a fourth-quarter comeback on Sunday Night Football. Nevertheless, when the dust settles, it’s likely that the award will go to Matthew Stafford. Stafford’s efficiency, accuracy and decision-making have all been elite this season. LA’s offense is a buzzsaw, and consistently puts points on the board, making it look easy. A lot of those points have come thanks to Stafford, who’s 40 touchdown passes rank him number one in the game. There’s still two more games to be played, but if Stafford keeps this play up, the award is his to lose.
