Winning one of the NFL‘s honors can define a career. But in a division on the rise, which team and which player will be the first to take the next step toward stardom and etch their names in the history books? These are the players and coaches most likely to win an award this season on each team in the AFC South.
This includes Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Rookie of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, and Coach of the Year.
Every AFC South Team’s Best Shot at an Award This NFL Season
Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, Most Valuable Player
C.J. Stroud had analysts thinking MVP during his stellar rookie season.
But with Stefon Diggs now on board, Tank Dell healthy, plus Joe Mixon in his backfield, Stroud’s MVP chances have lifted off like a NASA rocket.
Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, Comeback Player of the Year
Anthony Richardson will enter the year with CPOY thoughts or even aim to join the MVP conversation if he stays healthy.
With Gardner Minshew II off to the Las Vegas Raiders, Richardson won’t have to worry about having an established veteran behind him, with Joe Flacco joining Indy as a clear backup. Again, a healthy ’24 raises Richardson’s chances of CPOY.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, Most Valuable Player
Now armed with a blockbuster $275 million deal, best believe Trevor Lawrence will raise his game to another level.
MORE: Simulate the NFL Season With PFN’s Playoff Predictor
The only knock is that he won’t have Calvin Ridley to throw to this time. But the presence of the explosive rookie addition Brian Thomas Jr. can help catapult Lawrence’s MVP chances.
Tennessee Titans: Brian Callahan, Coach of the Year
Brian Callahan brings an AFC Championship ring from his Cincinnati Bengals days over to Nashville, Tenn.
If the Tennessee Titans offense is anywhere near the explosive production of his past Cincy offenses — and particularly if young quarterback Will Levis takes a big leap forward in his second season — Callahan will have a playoff team on his hands and earn COY talk.