Latest news with #OffensivePlayerOfTheYear
Fox News
4 days ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Which 10 Players Have The Best Odds to Win 2025 Offensive Player of the Year?
Last season, Saquon Barkley dazzled the NFL world in his debut season with the Eagles, helping Philadelphia win Super Bowl LIX and earning 2024 NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors along the way. However, 2025 is a new year, and anything is possible. That said, who's the favorite to win 2025 OPOY? Here are the 10 players with the best odds to do just that, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. McCaffrey's 2024 campaign was a disaster, with the superstar running back playing just four games due to calf, Achilles and knee issues. At the same time, the two-time All-Pro is just one season removed from rushing for an NFL-high 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns on 5.4 yards per carry, while tallying 67 receptions for 564 yards and seven touchdowns, all of which helped him become a finalist for the 2023 NFL MVP Award and win 2023 Offensive Player of the Year honors. The slippery back has electric speed, is elusive and also an essential element of San Francisco's passing game. A healthy McCaffrey has been arguably the best running back in the NFL in recent memory. Lamb continues to make No. 88 shine bright. A four-time Pro Bowler and 2023 All-Pro, Lamb has totaled 1,100-plus receiving yards in each of the past four seasons and 100-plus receptions in each of the past three. Last season, Lamb logged 101 receptions for 1,194 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games in a year that saw quarterback Dak Prescott miss nine games due to a hamstring injury. Lamb has led Dallas in receiving yards in four consecutive seasons and is entering the first season of a four-year, $136 million deal. Nacua missed six regular-season games in 2024 (five due to a knee injury and one due to rest) but was still sharp in the 11 games that he did appear in, totaling 79 receptions for 990 yards and three touchdowns. He then logged 11 receptions for 141 yards in the Rams' two playoff games. Nacua was first among wide receivers with a 92.8 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus. Just one year ago, Nacua was a Pro Bowler, totaling 105 receptions for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns during his rookie season. Jefferson is arguably the best receiver the game has to offer. He's a menace in space, gets behind secondaries like nobody's business and produces consistently. A two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, Jefferson totaled 103 receptions for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Jefferson, the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, has totaled 1,000-plus receiving yards in each of his five seasons in the sport and ranked eighth among wide receivers with an 87.2 overall grade last season, per PFF. His production could be difficult to forecast for next season, though, as the Vikings are rolling with QB J.J. McCarthy, who they traded up to select at pick No. 10 in the 2024 NFL Draft. Collins has become one of the most reliable receivers in the sport. Last season, Collins totaled 68 receptions for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns, helping him earn his first career Pro Bowl nod. He then logged 12 receptions for 203 yards and one touchdown in Houston's two postseason games. Collins was second among wide receivers with a 91.6 overall grade, per PFF. He did all that despite missing five games due to a hamstring injury. The receiver has posted 1,000-plus receiving yards in each of the past two seasons. After a plausible and efficient 2023 rookie campaign, Robinson shouldered a larger role in Atlanta's backfield in 2024 and answered the bell. Rushing for 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns on 4.8 yards per carry and reeling in 61 receptions for 431 yards and one score, Robinson, who got the call on the run 90 more times than he did the year before (304 carries in 2024, compared to 214 carries in 2023), earned a Pro Bowl nod. Robinson, who's the focal point of the Falcons' offense, ranked second among running backs with a 92.8 overall grade last season, per PFF. The Ravens brought in Henry to strengthen an already potent running game, and the 252-pound back did just that and then some. In what was his ninth NFL season, Henry rushed for 1,921 yards and an NFL-high 16 touchdowns on a career-high 5.9 yards per carry. Henry, a one-time All-Pro, five-time Pro Bowler and the 2020 Offensive Player of the Year, ranked first among running backs with a 94.0 overall grade, per PFF. The star running back projects to remain the No. 1 source of offense for Baltimore next to quarterback and two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. Gibbs is one of the most balanced running backs in recent memory. He has blazing speed, makes quick cuts and is a tremendous pass-catching back. Last season, Gibbs rushed for 1,412 yards and an NFL-high 16 touchdowns on 5.6 yards per carry, while totaling 52 receptions for 517 yards and four touchdowns. Gibbs, who ranked sixth among running backs with an 88.5 overall grade, per PFF, has been an integral part of Detroit's offense and a Pro Bowler in each of his first two NFL seasons. Like his former LSU teammate Jefferson, Chase has a reputable case for being the NFL's top receiver. Last season, Chase logged 127 receptions for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns, all three totals leading the sport. A one-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler in each of his four NFL seasons, Chase has tallied 1,000-plus yards in each of his four seasons and has consistently been star quarterback Joe Burrow's No. 1 target in the Bengals' passing game. Chase signed a four-year, $161 million extension with the Bengals earlier this offseason. Full-blown hurdling a defender, setting NFL rushing records and becoming part of the Eagles' DNA, Barkley had a special debut season in Philadelphia. Rushing for an NFL-high 2,005 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns on a career-high 5.8 yards per carry, Barkley earned All-Pro honors and was an MVP finalist. Already becoming just the ninth player all-time to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season, Barkley later set the NFL record for combined rushing yards in a single season (regular season plus postseason), finishing with 2,504 yards on the ground. To top it off, Barkley and the Eagles won Super Bowl LIX. Check out all of our Daily Rankers. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Under-the-radar Big Ten OPOY, DPOY picks for 2025
Ahmed Fareed breaks down his under-the-radar picks for Big Ten Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, examining why Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Oregon's Matayo Uiagalelei can make noise during the 2025 season.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Durability of 49ers' Star RB 'Holding Him Back'
Durability of 49ers' Star RB 'Holding Him Back' originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Over the years, the running back position has seemingly lost its importance in NFL offenses. While it also seems to be making a comeback, some running backs have been able to dispel that theory all by themselves. Advertisement One of those has been Christian McCaffrey, who has been an elite player since his days with the Carolina Panthers. That's part of the reason the San Francisco 49ers traded for him back in 2022 in the middle of the season. McCaffrey reinforced his elite status with San Francisco in 2023 by leading the league with 1,459 rushing yards while adding 14 touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl and won Offensive Player of the Year, was elected First-Team All-Pro and finished third in MVP voting. But then came 2024, and his elite status was questioned ... because of his health. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler thinks McCaffrey's elite status is affected by his lack of durability. Advertisement "Durability is the one thing holding McCaffrey back," writes Fowler. "He has missed 10 or more games in three of his past five NFL seasons. 'He's a great player, but he's always had durability issues, even in college,' an NFL personnel executive said. 'He's an elite trainer and takes great care of himself. He's just not a big body and will lose a step eventually.' A return to 2023 form would put McCaffrey back in the MVP conversation. When he's healthy, he always produces. "In fact, McCaffrey has four seasons with at least 1,800 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns. The only players with more are all Hall of Famers: [LaDainian] Tomlinson, Marshall Faulk, Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton (five each)." McCaffrey hasn't yet hit 30 years old, but there's already evidence of his body breaking down after years of hard hits. And that's bad news for the 49ers. Advertisement Related: 49ers' Christian McCaffrey-Led Run Game Benefits From Best 'Building Block' Lineman Related: Eagles' Failed Signing Reflects Frankly On Philadelphia Amid Trade to 49ers This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Reuters
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Panthers QB Bryce Perkins named UFL Offensive POY
June 10 - Michigan Panthers quarterback Bryce Perkins was named the 2025 UFL Offensive Player of the Year on Tuesday. St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Pita Taumoepenu was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year. Winners were selected by a panel of league and team executives, coaches and players from all eight teams, based on performance during the 10-game regular season. Perkins, 28, passed for 1,342 yards and nine touchdowns and added five rushing touchdowns despite missing three games. His Panthers will take on the D.C. Defenders in the UFL Championship game on Saturday in St. Louis. Taumoepenu, 31, led the UFL with 7.5 sacks, forced three fumbles and anchored a defense that allowed a league-best 16.3 points per game. --Field Level Media
New York Times
30-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Christian McCaffrey looks like his 2023 self as re-energized 49ers begin OTAs
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — You have to keep in mind it was merely the second OTA practice of the spring season. And there was no tackling or hitting. And the players on the field at the time weren't even wearing helmets. But – whew! – Christian McCaffrey looked electric on one of his runs Thursday, one where he hopped through the line of scrimmage before accelerating past the linebackers and bursting up the middle of the field. The run was evidence that McCaffrey, who missed the bulk of the 2024 season with Achilles and knee injuries, is back at full strength and looking more like his 2023 self. And it seemed symbolic of the extra pep the San Francisco 49ers seem to have this spring. Advertisement A year ago at this time, McCaffrey and several high-profile teammates either weren't practicing or weren't present. McCaffrey, then the reigning Offensive Player of the Year, was in the midst of contract talks that resulted in a two-year extension. The entire team, meanwhile, was coming off a season that lasted into mid-February. No one was exactly eager to hop back into the weight room, meeting room and practice field when the offseason program began that April. 'I felt guys weren't ready to come back,' Kyle Shanahan said. 'And I understood that.' This year has been different. Shanahan told the players in their final team meeting in January that, with an extra five weeks of rest this year, he expected full attendance when the team reassembled April 22. 'And I thought the coolest thing was everyone being there on the first day,' Shanahan said. 'We had every guy show up and I didn't have to call anyone and beg them, which said a lot.' Defensive end Nick Bosa, who usually trains with his brother in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was on the field for Thursday's OTA practice. And while he was absent Thursday, the 49ers' elder statesman on offense, tackle Trent Williams, had been present until recently. 'Ninety-nine percent of us are here,' George Kittle said. 'So when all your best players are here, kind of setting the tone, setting examples … the vibes are high. I'd say they're immaculate.' Sights and sounds, including a look at Bosa and Williams #49ers — Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) May 29, 2025 Some observations from the first open OTA of the season: • While the majority of the players are in the building, not everyone was on the field. Some, like Brandon Aiyuk (ACL), Malik Mustapha (ACL), rookie defensive tackle Alfred Collins (calf, week to week), rookie quarterback Kurtis Rourke (ACL) and rookie safety Marques Sigle (sports hernia), are recovering from injuries. Advertisement Shanahan also said safety Ji'Ayir Brown had ankle surgery this offseason and wouldn't be ready until training camp. Receiver Ricky Pearsall, meanwhile, 'tweaked a hamstring,' Shanahan said, and will miss a couple of weeks. Pearsall, who changed his number from 14 to 1, also missed a portion of last year's training camp with a hamstring issue. Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos is away for the birth of his child. • A receiver who's already at full speed: Jauan Jennings. As was the case in 2024, he was Brock Purdy's favorite wide receiver target Thursday, connecting on all but two passes that went in his direction. The best completion of the day was a deep ball down the left sideline over cornerback Renardo Green during seven-on-seven drills (no linemen). 'Jauan's still on fire, which is really fun to see,' Kittle said. Kittle noted that Purdy, who recently signed a five-year, $265 million contract extension, has been more vocal this offseason. Asked to give an example, Kittle cited a rare miss to Jennings on Thursday, a crossing-pattern attempt on which Jennings appeared to slow down before the ball arrived. 'JJ, keep running!' Purdy yelled, per Kittle. The top three receivers Thursday were Jennings, Demarcus Robinson and Jacob Cowing, who trained with Purdy in the offseason. • Asked if any young players have stood out to him, Fred Warner cited first-round draft pick Mykel Williams and third-rounder Nick Martin. He said Martin, a fellow linebacker, hasn't been shy about asking him questions. 'And I've seen the athleticism flash already on the field in the way that he closes,' Warner said. 'He closes space really quickly and he already has the great mindset of wanting to learn.' Williams' effort has also stood out. 'He said, 'Man, I just want to run to the ball,'' Warner said. 'As a young player who's seen a lot of success at an SEC school like Georgia, and he's coming onto the team as a first-round draft pick, 11th overall, and he's talking about running to the football? You don't hear that very often. That just shows me we've got the right kind of guys.' The 49ers' DEs run the hoop drill. Rookie Mykel Williams is the third guy in … [image or embed] — Matt Barrows (@ May 29, 2025 at 4:37 PM • The rookies are very much in learning mode at this stage and didn't have many prominent roles in Thursday's practice. The exception was fourth-round receiver Jordan Watkins, who caught three passes — two from Purdy — in the practice. Watkins looked as fast and fluid as advertised, with his first catch from Purdy resulting in a big gain down the middle of the field. Advertisement • The team was light on tight ends. Kittle only got on the field occasionally, while Ross Dwelley and Jake Tonges worked out on a side field. That left newcomer Luke Farrell, Brayden Willis and Mason Pline as the main players at the position. Both Farrell, who is wearing No. 89, and Pline stand out for their size. • With Brown, Mustapha, Sigle and George Odom (unknown) sitting out, the 49ers also were low on safeties. Newcomers Jason Pinnock and Richie Grant served as the first-string safeties. Mustapha watched the practice next to general manager John Lynch, who always positions himself in the middle of the field, well behind the defense. • With Trent Williams absent, Spencer Burford lined up at left tackle. Ben Bartch was the first man up at left guard, although Nick Zakelj also took a few reps there with the first-team offensive line. Recently signed tackle Andre Dillard did not take part in the practice. • The linebacker group looks a lot different than it has in recent years when Dre Grenlaw and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles were on the roster. Warner was on hand for the practice but didn't take part. That left Tatum Bethune at middle linebacker, Dee Winters at weakside linebacker and newcomer Luke Gifford at strongside linebacker. • As it stands now, Tre Brown is operating as the No. 3 cornerback behind Green and Deommodore Lenoir. Brown came down with the only interception of the practice. Draft pick Upton Stout, who worked as the nickel back with the second-team defense, will try to wrestle away the No. 3 role from Brown in training camp. • There's more competition on special teams than there's been in years. Not only is veteran Greg Joseph on hand to push Jake Moody at kicker, but new coordinator Brant Boyer has brought in a slew of coverage specialists to compete for spots. The team added veterans like Gifford and Siran Neal in March and on Wednesday signed one of Boyer's former New York Jets players, linebacker Chazz Surratt, who led the Jets last season with 10 special teams tackles. Advertisement The 49ers also have a new long snapper, Jon Weeks, and punter, Thomas Morstead, after longtime punter Mitch Wishnowsky was cut on Wednesday. Wishnowsky, who missed half of the 2024 season with a back injury, is healthy now, Shanahan said. 'He's going to go to a team and help a team out a lot,' Shanahan said. 'But those are things you've always got to predict. You don't know how those things go and you've got to take the risk-reward and something that to me wasn't a big risk or worth the risk until someone like Morstead became available.' (Top photo of Christian McCaffrey: Chris Unger / Getty Images)
