Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks knows the ins and outs of this league, providing keen insight in his notebook. In today’s installment, he spotlights dark-horse candidates for major 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
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.
Offensive Player of the Year
Current odds to win OPOY: +1800
Is this a true long shot? Maybe not. But it still feels like a lot of folks are overlooking the immense impact Barkley should have in his debut season with the Eagles.
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.
Defensive Player of the Year
Current odds to win DPOY: +2500
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. Fresh off a name change, Hines-Allen will have more opportunities to showcase his pass-rushing arsenal as the designated playmaker on a front line that also features Travon Walker and 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, Hines-Allen is poised to wreak havoc on opponents in 2024.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Current odds to win OROY: +2200
The prospect Josh Allen wanted Buffalo to draft could make his mark immediately as the Bills’ lead receiver. Coleman’s superior size, athleticism and leaping ability make him a tough matchup for cornerbacks tasked with guarding him on the perimeter. Though it will take some time for the No. 33 overall pick to adapt to the pro game, Coleman’s natural playmaking ability should enable him to make key contributions while working through rookie growing pains.
If Coleman earns Allen’s trust early in the season with a few spectacular grabs on 50/50 balls in the red zone, the Michigan State/Florida State product could swipe the award from one of the ballyhooed quarterbacks expected to walk away with the trophy.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Current odds to win DROY: +2600
Despite sharing the stage with blockbuster free-agent signee Patrick Queen, the rookie linebacker could emerge as one of the headliners of Pittsburgh’s stout defense as a tackling machine with exceptional instincts.
Wilson is a big-play specialist with unique skills as a pass rusher and coverage player. The 6-foot-4, 233-pounder who blazed a 4.43 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine is a menacing presence all over the field, demanding that opponents pay close attention to his whereabouts on every play. Given the freedom to run and chase behind a stellar front line, Wilson should stuff the stat sheet as a dominant playmaker on Mike Tomlin’s defense.
Comeback Player of the Year
Current odds to win CPOY: +2200
Watson certainly hasn’t lived up to the billing since arriving in Cleveland via trade and signing a fully guaranteed, $230 million deal two offseasons ago. Missing the entire 2021 season amid allegations of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions and then serving an 11-game suspension in 2022 for violating the NFL’s personal-conduct policy clearly threw his career off track. Then he managed to play just six games in an injury-riddled 2023 campaign. But at age 28, Watson should still be squarely in his prime. In his first four seasons with the Texans, the former first-round pick made three Pro Bowls and established himself as one of the best young quarterbacks in football.
I could see Watson re-emerge as a true difference-maker in Cleveland. From Amari Cooper to Jerry Jeudy to Elijah Moore to David Njoku, the veteran has a collection of pass catchers who can win one-on-one matchups against any opponent. In addition, the Browns’ ground game and stout offensive line should enable Watson to attack down the field on various play-action passes that produce long-distance scores.
Coach of the Year
Current odds to win COY: +5000
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.
