As we eagerly anticipate Week 1 of the 2015 NFL season, it’s time to make some MVP predictions.
So many things can happen between now and the start of the season. Injuries have always been, and continue to be, an oppressive force that brutally determines which players have a shot at shining brightly and which ones are doomed to fail.
Based on what we know now, however, these upcoming players are in the best position to be the most valuable for their respective teams—both on offense and defense.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Offensive MVP: Sammy Watkins, WR
Watkins is going to put up impressive numbers playing with Gumby behind center. He’s so talented. No matter who the quarterback is, Watkins will make him look good a couple of times every game.
Defensive MVP: Mario Williams, DE
With 38 sacks the past three seasons, Williams has re-asserted himself as a dominant force in the NFL. Now as the centerpiece of a Rex Ryan-coached defense, he’s going to have a phenomenal season.
New England Patriots
Offensive MVP: Tom Brady, QB
Randy Moss told reporters he thinks the game has slowed down for Brady this year. That’s not good news for defenses facing the Patriots this season. Brady is the heart and soul of New England, and the team goes as he goes.
Defensive MVP: Jamie Collins, OLB
Chandler Jones will certainly get some votes, and don’t count out Malcolm Butler. However, when it comes to impact plays, Collins is special and is just starting to come into his own.
New York Jets
Offensive MVP: Chris Ivory, RB
New York’s offense is going to be ugly this year. The team’s receivers are fine, but they need a quarterback to throw them open, and the Jets don’t have one. This means Ivory will be counted on to carry the load on the ground, and this will finally be his year to prove himself worthy of the role.
Defensive MVP: Darrelle Revis, CB
The overwhelming talent up front precludes any one defensive lineman from claiming this title. The same cannot be said or Revis, however, who is still the best overall cornerback in the NFL. He’s going to make some huge plays on the ball with all the pressure Todd Bowles’ defense will put on opposing quarterbacks.
Miami Dolphins
Offensive MVP: Ryan Tannehilll, QB
Tannehill is really coming into his own. Now, with a full arsenal of receiving weapons at his disposal (DeVante Parker, Kenny Stills, Greg Jennings and tight end Jordan Cameron), the fourth-year quarterback will shine.
Defensive MVP: Ndamukong Suh, DT
Suh’s presence on Miami’s defensive line will have a positive impact on the entire defense. Cameron Wake could have another monster season, but Suh will have everything to do with it as he demands two or even three offensive linemen at times to block him in the middle.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Offensive MVP: Steve Smith, WR
Call this a hunch, but Smith is going to have a special 2015 campaign following his announcement to retire after the season is concluded. He should have plenty of opportunities to shine, as rookies Breshad Perriman and Maxx Williams will also demand plenty of attention.
Defensive MVP: Terrell Suggs, OLB
“Hacksaw” is like a fine wine—he keeps getting better with age. With 22 sacks the past two seasons, following his Achilles injury, Suggs is going to continue dominating offensive tackles this upcoming season and has become the emotional leader for the Ravens since Ray Lewis retired.
Cincinnati Bengals
Offensive MVP: A.J. Green, WR
Second-year running back Jeremy Hill is definitely in the running. However, in a contract year Green could explode with his finest season as a pro, barring a meltdown of epic proportions from Andy Dalton, who could be playing for his job this season.
Defensive MVP: Geno Atkins, DT
Before injuring his knee, Atkins was as dominant as Suh, or any other defensive tackle in the NFL. This summer has been his coming-back party at Bengals camp, where he’s been praised as the best player on the field.
Cleveland Browns
Offensive MVP: Duke Johnson, RB
Provided Johnson’s rookie campaign isn’t beleaguered by injury, he’s going to be the focal point of the Browns offense. Blessed with outstanding physical attributes, he is explosive, both running and catching the ball.
Defensive MVP: Paul Kruger, OLB
Though Kruger’s sack totals were down last year, he still pressured the quarterback plenty. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) counted 51 total pressures last season, and that number should go up in 2015.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Offensive MVP: Le’Veon Bell, RB
Bell was a revelation in his second season, racking up 2,215 total yards with 11 total touchdowns. He expects much more from himself, however, and recently said 2014 “wasn’t even close” to his best effort.
Defensive MVP: Ryan Shazier, ILB
Though undersized, Shazier plays huge. His ability to cover the entire field—from sideline to sideline—while excelling at rushing the passer from anywhere, makes him a tremendous weapon for Pittsburgh’s defense.
AFC South
Houston Texans
Offensive MVP: Brian Hoyer, QB
The Texans haven’t yet decided on a quarterback, but we’re predicting Hoyer beats out Ryan Mallett for the job. Hoyer is actually pretty darn good, and though he doesn’t possess Mallett’s cannon he knows how to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers on time and in stride.
Defensive MVP: J.J. Watt, DE
This really requires no explanation, right? Watt is the best football player in the world at any position. He dominates every offensive lineman he faces and scares the living you-know-what out of opposing quarterbacks.
Indianapolis Colts
Offensive MVP: Andrew Luck, QB
The best young quarterback in the NFL, Luck is still learning the nuances of playing the position—a scary reality for the defenses of the AFC South. He could threaten the 5,000-yard mark, and nobody should be surprised if he eclipses 45 touchdowns in 2015.
Defensive MVP: Trent Cole, OLB
Cole is going to play with a monstrous chip on his shoulder this year after Chip Kelly cut him from the Philadelphia Eagles. The 32-year old pass-rusher won’t play every down for the Colts but should thrive playing on the fast field in Indy.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Offensive MVP: Blake Bortles, QB
Bortles is going to improve leaps and bounds over his pathetic rookie showing in his second year. With talented receivers at his disposal in Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns and Marqise Lee, not to mention tight end Julius Thomas, he’s going to be one of the biggest surprises of the season in the NFL.
Defensive MVP: Dan Skuta, OLB
Jaguars fans will be pleasantly surprised to see what Skuta can do for this defense. A multi-talented linebacker, he’s adept at rushing the passer and is strong against the run with an understanding about how to hold the edge.
Tennessee Titans
Offensive MVP: Bishop Sankey, RB
As talented as Marcus Mariota is, he’s going to have a rough first season as a pro. Tennessee will rely on the running game early and often as a means to ease the rookie into the swing of this NFL thing, meaning second-year running back Sankey will have a chance to become the featured back in a run-first offense.
Defensive MVP: Brian Orakpo, OLB
If not for his multiple injuries, Orakpo might be one of the highest-paid pass-rushers in the NFL. The talented outside linebacker will excel in Dick LeBeau’s system and should provide plenty of pressure this season for the Titans.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
Offensive MVP: Peyton Manning
Despite Denver’s shift towards more running this season under new head coach Gary Kubiak, the Broncos will live and die on the right arm of Manning.
Defensive MVP: Von Miller, OLB
Angling for a new contract, Miller is highly motivated to prove he’s worth more money than any other pass-rusher in the league. He recently declared himself to be a “once-in-a-lifetime player.” Now he has to prove it.
Kansas City Chiefs
Offensive MVP: Jamaal Charles, RB
Despite the team’s efforts to get Alex Smith to throw the ball deep, Kansas City’s offense still revolves around Charles. He’s a do-it-all back who is just as electric running the ball as he is catching swing passes and taking them 80 yards to pay dirt.
Defensive MVP: Justin Houston, OLB
After racking up 22 sacks last year, the bar is set for Houston’s ceiling. However, based on the fact he’s playing with some pretty good players on Kansas City’s front seven, matching that gaudy total isn’t inconceivable.
Oakland Raiders
Offensive MVP: Amari Cooper, WR
What? No Trent Richardson?
In all seriousness, Cooper looks like a budding star, and he is going to be the centerpiece for Oakland’s offense in this, his rookie campaign.
Defensive MVP: Khalil Mack, DE/OLB
The Raiders plan on unleashing Mack as a pure pass-rusher most of the time in 2015. Given his skill set and his body of work as a rookie in 2014, one can assume this will be a tremendous breakout year for the young phenom.
San Diego Chargers
Offensive MVP: Philip Rivers, QB
Rivers is one of the most underrated players in the NFL. His massive new contract won’t change a thing about the way he approaches the game, and the Chargers could finally make the playoffs again in 2015 with the addition of rookie running back Melvin Gordon.
Defensive MVP: Melvin Ingram, OLB
After dropping about 20 pounds this offseason, Ingram looks like a lean, mean pass-rushing machine. He’s finally ready to live up to his draft hype and should have a terrific season as a featured player in San Diego’s defense.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Offensive MVP: Tony Romo, QB
Dez Bryant is outstanding, but he isn’t going to do anything without Romo distributing the ball the way he does. Could this finally be the year Romo gets the playoff-choke monkey off his back?
Defensive MVP: Greg Hardy, DE
Hate this all you want, but even after missing four games, there isn’t another defender on Dallas’ roster that will impact the team’s postseason hopes as much as Hardy.
New York Giants
Offensive MVP: Eli Manning, QB
Manning blossomed under Ben McAdoo’s system last year and will be even more deadly in his second season under the offensive coordinator. With an incredibly talented receiving corps at his disposal, Manning could have a career year.
Defensive MVP: Damontre Moore, DE
Steve Spagnuolo’s defenses always feature outstanding defensive end play, and this year, with Jason Pierre-Paul out there in limbo, Moore is emerging as a go-to pass-rusher for the Giants. His 5.5 sacks in limited action is just a taste of what’s to come.
Philadelphia Eagles
Offensive MVP: Jordan Matthews, WR
No matter who is behind center for the Eagles, you can count on Matthews getting a high volume of passes thrown his way. And, based on what we’re hearing out of camp, he’s catching everything.
Defensive MVP: Fletcher Cox, DE
Every 3-4 defense that wins at the line of scrimmage features a dominant defensive end. Cox is that guy for the Eagles, and he’s going to continue coming into his own as a one of the league’s best at the position.
Washington Redskins
Offensive MVP: Alfred Morris, RB
Based on the atrocious pass-blocking we’ve seen from Washington this summer, the Redskins will be forced to rely on the running game. Otherwise, Robert Griffin III, or whomever is behind center, will get killed. Alfred Morris is already a proven bell-cow runner and should have a monster season.
Defensive MVP: Ryan Kerrigan, OLB
There may not be another player in the league as under-appreciated by the national media as Kerrigan. With 13.5 sacks last year, the former Purdue Boilermaker is emerging as an elite pass-rusher, and he’s equally dangerous against the run.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Offensive MVP: Matt Forte, RB
With a frightfully thin receiving corps and a quarterback who cannot help but throw the ball into coverage, Chicago’s offense is going to get by on Forte’s running and his ability to catch out of the backfield. The aging back may not have sprinter’s speed, but he can do it all.
Defensive MVP: Pernell McPhee, OLB
Vic Fangio’s 3-4 scheme is a perfect fit for McPhee, who was an emerging star in Baltimore before signing with the Bears this winter. He’s going to get plenty of chances to rush the passer as an outside linebacker in this defense and should thrive.
Detroit Lions
Offensive MVP: Ameer Abdullah, RB
Surely a projection here, as Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate and Matthew Stafford all deserve consideration. But the way Abdullah has been going this summer, both in camp and during the preseason, he’s going to be hard to keep off the field. The best part of the rookie’s game is his ability to stay on the field for all three downs. He’s a true game-changer for the Lions.
Defensive MVP: Ziggy Ansah, DE
After dipping his toes in the big-boy pool the past couple of seasons, Ansah is finally ready to take the big plunge as a full-time starter and cornerstone defender for the Lions. Double-digit sacks should be a given, and the Lions are hoping he can average around one per game.
Green Bay Packers
Offensive MVP: Aaron Rodgers, QB
Rodgers will likely be in the running for the NFL’s MVP award again this year. He’s the best quarterback in the league and is poised for another big season.
Defensive MVP: Clay Matthews, LB
Inside or out, Matthews knows how to make impact plays. Though better suited to rush the passer off the edge, the dynamic linebacker is going to be all over the field again this year after being Mr. Gadget for the Packers last season.
Minnesota Vikings
Offensive MVP: Teddy Bridgewater, QB
In his sophomore season, Bridgewater is already taking over as the face of the Vikings franchise over Adrian Peterson. He should have a breakout year passing to a talented receiving corps, and Peterson’s rushing will be a huge boon to the young quarterback as well.
Defensive MVP: Xavier Rhodes, CB
Harrison Smith and Anthony Barr will challenge for this honor, but Rhodes is ready to take the next step in his development as one of the premier cover corners in the NFL.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Offensive MVP: Julio Jones, WR
Matt Ryan is incredible, but Jones is on another level. The five-year veteran does things on the football field that even the other top receivers wish they could do. He is special and should have a huge season as the primary target in the Falcons passing attack.
Defensive MVP: Vic Beasley, DE
At the end of the season, this pick will either look brilliant or putrid. Beasley has already been handed the gig at Dan Quinn’s coveted LEO spot, meaning he’s going to be pinning his ears back to rush the passer almost 100 percent of the time.
Carolina Panthers
Offensive MVP: Cam Newton, QB
Whether the Panthers are successful on offense or not, Newton is going to be the focal point. The Panthers have proved in the past to be unworried about his health and don’t mind letting him take off often on designed running plays. And the passing game, with the loss of Kelvin Benjamin, will hinge completely on his ability to make things happen.
Defensive MVP: Luke Kuechly, ILB
This is a total no-brainer. Kuechly would be the MVP on just about every single defense in the NFL. He is a true three-down linebacker with the speed and athleticism to cover the entire field and attack the line of scrimmage with fury.
New Orleans Saints
Offensive MVP: Drew Brees, QB
Another easy call here. Brees is the engine that makes the offense run in New Orleans. Put another, lesser, quarterback in there with the same lineup and things would look a whole lot different.
Defensive MVP: Brandon Browner, CB
Defense may be a huge issue once again for the Saints this year without a pass-rush. However, you can count on Browner to be a standout player no matter what’s happening around him.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Offensive MVP: Vincent Jackson, WR
Even as he ages past 32, Jackson is Mr. Consistency for the Bucs. Adept at making big plays down the field, he will be rookie Jameis Winston’s favored target all year long. Winston will receive consideration for this spot in the years to come, but he is too raw this season.
Defensive MVP: Gerald McCoy, DT
With 18 sacks the past two seasons, McCoy is an elite pass-rusher from the defensive tackle spot. He is also the vocal leader for Tampa Bay’s defense and the heartbeat that keeps things going when the defense is down in the dumps.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Offensive MVP: Carson Palmer, QB
If Arizona can keep Palmer healthy—and it’s a big if—then he’ll have a huge season throwing to all the vertical threats assembled on the Cardinals roster. If he cannot stay healthy, then the Cardinals will have a huge letdown on their hands and could miss the playoffs entirely.
Defensive MVP: Patrick Peterson, CB
With his blood-sugar regulated and a strong drive to come back from a disappointing 2014 campaign, Peterson is going to put on a show for the Cardinals.
Seattle Seahawks
Offensive MVP: Marshawn Lynch, RB
We all know Russell Wilson signed a massive contract and everything, but without Lynch breaking tackles and the will of opposing defenses, Seattle’s offense is ordinary.
Defensive MVP: Earl Thomas, S
This is the trickiest choice on this list. It could literally go to one of five guys, but in the end Thomas’ ability to cover the back end like a hungry bald eagle that only eats footballs wins him the spot. He allows the rest of the secondary to operate freely, knowing there aren’t many balls that get past him.
San Francisco 49ers
Offensive MVP: Colin Kaepernick, QB
Like Newton in Carolina, Kaepernick’s performance will determine whether or not the 49ers are successful on offense. He finally has speed on the perimeter to work with in Torrey Smith, and reports out of camp are the two of them are starting to connect on deep passes.
Defensive MVP: Antoine Bethea, S
Sentiment dictates NaVorro Bowman should be here, but it’s still unknown if he will be the same Bow or a shell of his former self. Instead, we will highlight the steady veteran leadership of Bethea for the 49ers. He is strong against the run and the pass and should be a featured blitzer in Eric Mangini’s defense this season.
St. Louis Rams
Offensive MVP: Todd Gurley, RB
After Tre Mason absorbs the beating Seattle and Washington’s stout run defenses inflict in the first two weeks of the season, Gurley should be good to take over for the rest of the season. The rookie is a dynamic all-around back who will be counted on heavily in the running game.
Defensive MVP: Robert Quinn, DE
Despite a couple of extended dry spells last year, Quinn still managed to finish the 2014 campaign with 10.5 sacks, bringing his total from 2012-14 up to 40. This young man is still learning how to play, which is the scary part. With so much raw potential, he could lead the league in sacks multiple times in the years to come.
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