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September 12, 2021 By: Kevin Kissner

2021 NFL predictions: Surprise Super Bowl winner and a MVP not named Patrick Mahomes

The 2021 NFL season is upon us, so let’s have some fun and make some preseason awards and Super Bowl predictions.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Mac Jones, QB, Patriots

Entering the 2021 NFL Draft, not everyone was high on Jones coming out of Alabama. The one team that people didn’t want to draft Jones was the Patriots and sure enough he fell right into the hands of Bill Belichick.

In the preseason, Jones outplayed Cam Newton forcing Bill Belichick to release the former league MVP. Jones completed 69% of his passes and threw one touchdown. The former Alabama star didn’t turn the ball over once in the preseason and had a 97.3 quarterback rating. With Jones being arguably the smartest quarterback coming out, he went to a system and offensive scheme that fits him perfectly.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Broncos

The rookie cornerback has looked like a true shut down cornerback that has been playing for years in this league. The rookie corner was dominant in preseason putting up a Pro Football Focus grade of 91.2 and a coverage grade of 91.6. When quarterbacks tried to throw on Surtain they only had a passer rating of 6.9.

In his very first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, Surtain read the quarterback’s eyes and got his first career interception that went for a pick-six. Surtain said that he knew that route was coming and knew when to jump the route. The former Alabama standout might not have many interceptions as a rookie due to quarterbacks realizing they can’t throw on him.

Offensive Player of the Year: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers

In what might be his last season as a Green Bay Packer, Rodgers could easily put together another dominant season after his MVP season last year. Rodgers will be in his third season under head coach and play caller Matt LaFleur and each season his numbers have gotten better. Last season Rodgers threw 48 touchdowns to only five interceptions completing 70% of his passes.

With Green Bay trying to keep Rodgers happy, the reigning MVP will have a little more control of this team. It’s safe to say that Rodgers could go all out and have one more big season in Green Bay.

Defensive Player of the Year: Chase Young, DE, Washington Football Team

After winning Defensive Rookie of the Year last season, it’s time for Young to breakout this season and jump to the next level and become one of the league’s best pass rushers. Last season, the Washington star only tallied up 7.5 sacks, but he also forced four fumbles and recovered three including one for a touchdown.

To win defensive player of the year, Young is going to need to finish the season with double digit sacks. With Ryan Fitzpatrick being named the starting quarterback, Washington will be playing with more leads than last season giving more opportunities for Young to disrupt the opposing offense.

Comeback Player of the Year: Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys

This might be the obvious choice out in Vegas, but when you look at the candidates, Prescott has the best chance to win the award. Before Prescott suffered his season ending ankle injury, he was on pace to throw for over 6,000 yards. Last season, Dallas suffered injuries along the offensive line, but with the entire offense coming back healthy, this offense could be one of the best in the NFL. The weapons Prescott has a round him are some of the best in the NFL and the numbers will look good on paper.

Coach of the Year: Matt LaFleur, HC, Packers

Pretty easy choice for me due to the fact that LaFleur has a regular season record of 26-6 in his two seasons with the Packers. LaFleur has also led his teams to back-to-back NFC Championships falling short both times to the 49ers and Buccaneers.

The third-year head coach has also helped Aaron Rodgers have his best regular season yet. With LaFleur running the “Shanahan West Coast system” his offenses are always going to be dominant. This very well could be the final season he works with Rodgers, I could see LaFleur going all out with his offense this season trying to break single season records with 17 games this year. With a better than average defense, this could be the season the Packers get over the hump and get into the Super Bowl to play my next award winner.

MVP: Josh Allen, QB, Bills

Every season, Allen’s stats have gone up and gotten better, this season he wins the league MVP. The obvious choice could be to pick Patrick Mahomes or Tom Brady, but to me this is the season that Allen solidifies himself as an elite quarterback. For the record I do believe he’s an elite guy, but some people still have their doubts. This offseason, Buffalo went out and added another weapon for Allen to throw to in Emmanuel Sanders.

From year two to year three, Allen’s passing stats increased by nearly 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns. His rushing yards have also decreased each season which means he’s become a better passer and winning with his arm. After proving that he can compete with Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson in the AFC, this could be the year that he becomes the league MVP.

Super Bowl Prediction: Buffalo Bills vs. Green Bay Packers

Not the biggest markets in the NFL, but we could easily see two of the best quarterbacks square off on the biggest stage in February. Rodgers has made it pretty clear that this could be his last dance in Green Bay before he decides to retire or even demand a trade to another team. After back-to-back NFC Championship losses, this is the season that Green Bay gets past Tom Brady and the Buccaneers to head to Los Angeles to compete for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

I predicted Josh Allen will win the MVP and after a wild card loss, followed by a conference championship loss, this is the year Allen and his Bills teammates beat the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship and get back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1994.