Overview

In an exciting development for NFL fans, the league announced the finalists for its prestigious year-end awards on Thursday. Among the nominations, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen stands out as a finalist for the MVP award, a recognition that highlights his stellar season. However, an intriguing twist comes with the nomination of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson for the Offensive Player of the Year (OPOY) award—something that should certainly catch the eye of Allen’s supporters.

Different Approaches to Voting

Often, the voters for these awards take different approaches, typically favoring separate candidates for MVP and OPOY. Statistically, the OPOY tends to spotlight prolific offensive players from a variety of positions, excluding quarterbacks. This year, Jackson has joined the ranks of the finalists, hinting that some voters may have split their choices, casting their top MVP votes for Allen while crowning Jackson for OPOY.

Historical Context

Notably, the last quarterback to take home the OPOY trophy was Patrick Mahomes back in 2018, the same year he clinched the MVP as well. However, the trend suggests a divergence in voting patterns, making Jackson’s nomination particularly fascinating to analyze.

Finalists for OPOY

The complete list of finalists for the Offensive Player of the Year award includes:

- Philadelphia Eagles Running Back Saquon Barkley

- Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow

- Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver Ja'Marr Chase

- Baltimore Ravens Running Back Derrick Henry

- Baltimore Ravens Quarterback Lamar Jackson

Announcement of the Winner

The winner will be unveiled during the NFL Honors ceremony slated for the night before the Super Bowl.

What Does It Mean to Be a Finalist for OPOY?

Being named a finalist for the Offensive Player of the Year signifies not just exceptional individual performance but also recognition by peers and voters who see you as among the best in the league. It's important to note that the voting process for these awards is quite rigorous. Unlike some sports that hold multiple voting rounds, the NFL's votes are collected once the regular season wraps, which means playoff performances do not influence the outcome.

Each voter ranks their top five choices for OPOY. Points are awarded based on the ranking: 10 points for a first-place vote, five for second, three for third, two for fourth, and one point for fifth. The total score determines the finalists and ultimately the winner, with first-place votes acting as tiebreakers.

When Will We Know the Winner?

Mark your calendars! The winners of the NFL awards, including the coveted Offensive Player of the Year title, will be revealed at the NFL Honors event on February 6th. The ceremony promises to be an exciting lead-up to the Super Bowl and will be broadcast live on Fox and NFL Network at 9 p.m. Eastern time.

Fan Reactions

With Lamar Jackson in the mix for Offensive Player of the Year, and Josh Allen performing at an MVP level, the conversations among fans are bound to intensify. Who do you think deserves the accolades? The countdown to the NFL Honors is officially on!