MVP: Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles – Even though Carson Wentz went down for the season with a torn ACL and LCL in Week 13, his stellar season earns him the MVP. Wentz was sensational when he was on the field. Even though he missed the last three games of the season, he still ranked second only behind Russell Wilson in touchdown passes thrown (33), and threw just seven interceptions. Wentz also never had a multi-interception game. The Eagles had the best 3rd down conversion rate under Wentz, given his ability to avoid pressure and extend plays with his legs. The Eagles were 11-2 with Wentz at the helm, and even though he missed time, more times than not he was the best player on the field.

Other potential candidates: Tom Brady (New England Patriots), Todd Gurley II (Los Angeles Rams)

Defensive Player of the Year: Calais Campbell, Jacksonville Jaguars – Calais Campbell played so well in his first season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he had a town named in his honor (yeah, really). Lenny Curry, the mayor of Jacksonville, signed a declaration that proclaimed Campbell as the mayor of “Sacksonville”, and with good reason. It only took Campbell one game to break the Jags’ single-game sack record with four sacks, and one season to record the most sacks in a season in Jags history, with 14.5 sacks. When Campbell wasn’t in the backfield, he took on double teams that allowed three other Jaguars lineman to record eight or more sacks. Campbell’s ability to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks trickled down into the secondary, where the Jags back line racked up 21 interceptions, including five in one game to Ben Roethlisberger. Although they were 3-13 in 2016, the Jags reached the AFC Championship for the first time since 1999, and Campbell played a pivotal role.

Other potential candidates: Chandler Jones (Arizona Cardinals), Cameron Jordan (New Orleans Saints), Aaron Donald  (Los Angeles Rams)

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints – Alvin Kamara became a key contributor in multiple facets of the game right away. He averaged over six yards per rush, over 10 yards per reception, and even had a 106 yard kickoff return in the Saints’ regular season finale. Kamara has hands like a receiver (81 catches on 100 targets), and still has the build of a workhorse running back. He frequently pushed the pile for extra yards. He ranked sixth in the NFL in touchdowns with eight, even though he had to share the backfield with Pro-Bowler Mark Ingram. Kamara’s play earned so much praise from head coach Sean Payton, he even forced the Saints to trade away future Hall of Fame tailback Adrian Peterson to free up more snaps for him. He’ll be a staple in the Saints backfield for years to come.

Other potential candidates: DeShaun Watson (Houston Texans), Leonard Fournette (Jacksonville Jaguars), Kareem Hunt (Kansas City Chiefs)

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints – For the rookie awards, it’s a clean sweep for the Saints. Marshon Lattimore wasted no time solidifying himself as a top cornerback in the NFL, in addition to playing a key role in resurrecting the Saints defense as a whole. He showed off his knack for finding the ball, ranking fifth in the NFL in interceptions with five, and piling up 18 pass break-ups. Lattimore’s ability to cover the opposing team’s best receiver is what makes him most valuable, though. The former Ohio State Buckeye provides Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen with a legit shutdown corner who can take half of the field away for opposing quarterbacks. Lattimore was selected to his first of many Pro-Bowls this season, and in the years to come, some All-Pro nods should come Lattimore’s way as well.

Other potential candidates: T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers), Tre’Davious White (Buffalo Bills)

Coach of the Year: Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams – After enduring nearly five years of losing football under Jeff Fisher, it finally got through to Rams General Manager Les Snead that a change had to be made. That change came in the form of Sean McVay, who became the youngest-ever head coach at just 30 years old. McVay inherited a team coming off a 4-12 season with some major causes for concern. He had the 2016 first overall pick in quarterback Jared Goff, who many had already labeled a bust. There was disgruntled running back Todd Gurley II, coming off a down year, who compared Jeff Fisher’s offense to that of a middle school’s. Even the receiving core needed to be fixed because the Rams leading receiver in 2016 was Kenny Britt. The young McVay checked off all the boxes. He turned Jared Goff into a legitimate starting quarterback. Todd Gurley II looked like he did during his rookie season, as he led the NFL in touchdowns scored, finished second to only Kareem Hunt in rushing yards, and made a case for being the NFL’s MVP. As for the receivers and tight ends, McVay’s first draft class as the Rams head coach brought in tight end Gerald Everett, and receivers Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds, with Kupp securing the starting job in the slot. Shortly after McVay was hired, he brought in legendary defensive coordinator Wade Phillips from Denver to lead an already solid group that included Defensive Player of the Year candidate Aaron Donald. Even with all the moving parts, the Rams finished 11-5, won the NFC West, and made the playoffs, something that Jeff Fisher never did. Although the Rams lost their only playoff game, the best is yet to come for Sean McVay and the Rams.

Other potential candidates: Doug Pederson (Philadelphia Eagles), Mike Zimmer (Minnesota Vikings)