Jared Goff for MVP? Mike McCarthy for Coach of the Year? Long-shot picks for major NFL awards in 2024
As NFL fans, we’re squarely in the dog days of summer. With zero activity on the gridiron, my mind wanders off to some interesting places. And given how much the football world loves discussing the horse races for the league’s most prestigious awards, this is the perfect time to explore some overlooked candidates.
Now, given the nature of this exercise, none of the selections below are likely to come to fruition. But in a league that produces surprises every season, they could. At this point last year, who had Joe Flacco winning Comeback Player of the Year?
So, without further ado, here are my long-shot picks for the seven major individual awards in the 2024 campaign.
NOTE: Caesars Sportsbook & Casino’s award odds are current as of 7 p.m. ET on Friday, July 12.
Most Valuable Player
Current odds to win MVP: +2200
Jared Goff‘s resurrection in Detroit has fueled the Lions’ rise to the top of the NFC North and emergence as a true Super Bowl contender. The 29-year-old quarterback has posted consecutive 4,000-yard passing seasons, boasting a 66.2 completion percentage and 59:19 touchdown-to-interception ratio in that span. He has deftly directed a creative offense that has helped the long-suffering Lions post back-to-back winning campaigns, with a 12-5 mark in 2023.
With offensive coordinator Ben Johnson choosing to stay in Detroit this offseason, this former No. 1 overall pick could be in for a career year. Flanked by potent playmakers (SEE: WRs Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams; TE Sam LaPorta; RBs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs) and an imposing offensive line, Goff will have a chance to top the 5,000-yard mark while guiding the Lions to another division title and potential Super Bowl run.
Goff’s consistent performance and the Lions’ surge have created a scenario where he could be a surprise contender for MVP. If he can maintain his high level of play and lead Detroit to a deep playoff run, he’ll be a serious threat to win the league’s top individual honor.
Don’t forget, the MVP award is not just about statistics but also about impact and leadership. Goff has consistently shown his ability to lead his team, and if he can continue to do so and guide the Lions to new heights, he could be in the running for the MVP trophy.
Offensive Player of the Year
Current odds to win OPOY: +1800
Saquon Barkley‘s move to the Philadelphia Eagles has generated a lot of excitement, but it’s also caused many to overlook his potential to win Offensive Player of the Year. While some might consider this a long shot, I believe he’s poised for a breakout season with his new team.
As a centerpiece of a fresh Philly attack directed by new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, the 27-year-old back could amass 300-plus touches as a runner/receiver. Considering opponents will have to make decisions on how to defend an MVP-caliber dual-threat quarterback (Jalen Hurts) with a dynamic duo (A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith) on the perimeter and the league’s best offensive line up front, Barkley could put up monster numbers facing light boxes for the first time in his career.
Barkley’s versatility and explosiveness in the Eagles’ offense could make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. You can’t focus on shutting down Hurts without leaving Barkley open for big plays, and vice versa. The combination of a high-powered offense and a favorable scheme could lead to a historic season for Barkley, making him a real contender for the Offensive Player of the Year award.
Don’t underestimate the impact of Kellen Moore’s arrival in Philadelphia. He’s known for his innovative offensive schemes, and he’ll be looking to maximize Barkley’s talents. With Moore’s creativity and Barkley’s skillset, the Eagles’ offense could be one of the most explosive in the league, and Barkley could easily be the driving force behind it.
Defensive Player of the Year
Current odds to win DPOY: +2500
Travon Walker‘s name might not be the first one that comes to mind when you think of Defensive Player of the Year, but the former No. 1 overall pick has the potential to dominate in 2024.
After nearly claiming the sack title in 2023 with 17.5 QB takedowns, the two-time Pro Bowler could cement his status as a top-five edge rusher with a dominant campaign this year. Walker will have more opportunities to showcase his pass-rushing arsenal as the designated playmaker on a front line that also features Arik Armstead. Those two big-bodied bullies with power-centric games should command enough attention to eliminate the double teams and chip protections opponents have attempted to utilize in order to neutralize Hines-Allen on crucial downs in the past.
In a creative scheme under new DC Ryan Nielsen that places a premium on generating pressure with the front four, Walker is poised to wreak havoc on opponents in 2024.
With the departure of Josh Allen, Walker is now the clear leader of the Jaguars’ pass rush. This added responsibility could lead to a breakout season for him. He’s got the size, athleticism, and skill set to be a dominant force on the edge, and if he can consistently disrupt opposing offenses, he’ll be in the running for Defensive Player of the Year.
The Jaguars’ defense is undergoing a transition, and Walker is a key piece of their future. If he can live up to his potential, he could be the cornerstone of a dominant unit, and he might earn himself a spot in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Current odds to win OROY: +2200
Anthony Richardson‘s raw talent and incredible athleticism make him a potential dark horse candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year. While many are focused on the quarterbacks drafted ahead of him, Richardson’s unique skill set could make him a game-changer for the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts have been searching for a franchise quarterback for years, and Richardson might be the answer they’ve been looking for. He’s got the arm strength to make all the throws, the mobility to extend plays, and the potential to be a dynamic playmaker in the NFL.
Of course, Richardson is still a work in progress, and he’ll need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL. However, if he can show flashes of brilliance and make a significant impact on the Colts’ offense, he could be a strong contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
While the odds are stacked against him, Richardson is a player with the potential to make a big splash in his rookie season. His big arm and mobility could make him a fan favorite and a potential breakout star, making him a dark horse candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Current odds to win DROY: +2600
Nolan Smith, the linebacker drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, has the potential to make a significant impact on their defense. He’s a gifted athlete with a knack for making plays, and he could be a dominant force in the NFL.
Smith brings a combination of speed, athleticism, and instincts to the Eagles’ defense. He’s a natural playmaker who can disrupt offenses with his speed and explosiveness. He’s also a hard-hitting tackler who can make plays in the run game.
While the Eagles already have a strong defensive core, Smith could add a new dimension to their defense. He’s got the potential to be a dominant linebacker, and he could be a key part of the Eagles’ defense for years to come.
If Smith can make an impact on the Eagles’ defense right away, he’ll be a strong contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year. He’s got the talent and potential to be a star in the NFL, and he could be a major factor in the Eagles’ success in 2024.
Comeback Player of the Year
Current odds to win CPOY: +2200
Deshaun Watson‘s career has been derailed by off-field issues, but at age 28, he should still be squarely in his prime. He has the talent to be a dominant quarterback in the NFL, and he’s got the support of a talented offensive roster in Cleveland.
Watson’s time in Cleveland has been marred by controversy, but he’s got the talent to turn things around. He’s got a strong arm, good mobility, and a knack for making plays. He’s also got a talented group of receivers to throw to, including Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, and David Njoku.
If Watson can put his off-field issues behind him and focus on football, he could be a major force in the NFL. He’s got the talent to be a dominant quarterback, and he’s got the support of a talented roster. If he can put it all together, he could be a Comeback Player of the Year candidate.
Despite the challenges he’s faced, Watson is a talented quarterback with the potential to bounce back. If he can stay healthy and regain his confidence, he could be a key player for the Browns in 2024 and a real contender for Comeback Player of the Year.
Coach of the Year
Current odds to win COY: +5000
Mike McCarthy has been criticized for the Dallas Cowboys’ tendency to falter in the playoffs, but he’s a proven winner who has a chance to silence his critics in 2024.
After another postseason flame-out, Dallas has been written off by many. Despite leading the Cowboys to three straight 12-5 records and a pair of division titles, McCarthy has caught a ton of flak thanks to the franchise’s lofty expectations.
But the narrative could change quickly if McCarthy wins 12-plus games again with a weaker roster and a trio of stars (Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons) currently vying for new contracts. The people management and tactical approach needed to navigate a challenging assignment could finally lead the football world to give McCarthy his flowers as a great head coach.
McCarthy has shown his ability to coach a winning team, and he’s got a talented roster in Dallas. If the Cowboys can overcome their playoff demons and make a deep run in the postseason, McCarthy could be a serious contender for Coach of the Year.
Don’t underestimate Mike McCarthy. He’s a coach with a proven track record, and he’s got the talent to lead the Cowboys to a championship. If he can navigate the challenges of the 2024 season and lead the Cowboys to a successful season, he could be a Coach of the Year contender and earn the respect he deserves.
- Jared Goff is a long-shot pick for the MVP award in the 2024 NFL season.
- Goff’s resurgence in Detroit has propelled the Lions to the top of the NFC North and made them Super Bowl contenders.
- His consistent performance with over 4,000-yard passing seasons and a strong touchdown-to-interception ratio makes him a potential MVP candidate.
- Supported by talented playmakers and a solid offensive line, Goff has the opportunity to lead the Lions to another division title and potentially a Super Bowl run.
- If Goff can maintain his high level of play and guide Detroit deep into the playoffs, he could surprise as an MVP contender.
