The New York Post's panel of experts has released their predictions for Super Bowl LXI and the NFL's individual awards for the upcoming season. The predictions span a range of potential matchups and highlight key players expected to dominate.
Several experts have tabbed the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Rams as potential Super Bowl LXI participants, though predictions for the winner vary. Dave Blezow and Mark Cannizzaro of The Post predict a Bills victory over the Lions and Rams, respectively. Conversely, Vincent Bonsignore and Michel Duarte favor the Rams, with Bonsignore forecasting a matchup against the Chargers and Duarte pitting them against the Broncos. Brian Costello sees the Patriots overcoming the 49ers, while Ryan Dunleavy predicts a Broncos-Lions matchup, and Paul Schwartz anticipates a Cowboys-Ravens Super Bowl. Steve Serby and Mike Vaccaro both project the Rams to face the Broncos and Bills, respectively.
Regarding the Most Valuable Player award, Josh Allen of the Bills is a popular pick, with predictions from Blezow and Cannizzaro. However, Justin Herbert of the Chargers also garnered multiple votes from Serby and Bonsignore. Other MVP predictions include Dak Prescott (Cowboys) by Paul Schwartz, Drake Maye (Patriots) by Brian Costello, Caleb Williams (Bears) by Ryan Dunleavy, and Matthew Stafford (Rams) by Michel Duarte. Lamar Jackson (Ravens) received one MVP prediction from Evan Webeck.
Will Anderson Jr. of the Texans emerged as a strong favorite for Defensive Player of the Year, with predictions from Blezow, Costello, Duarte, Paul Schwartz, and Mike Vaccaro. Myles Garrett of the Rams also received multiple nods from Bonsignore, Cannizzaro, and Evan Webeck. Other defensive standouts predicted to win include Jalen Carter (Eagles) by Ryan Dunleavy and Aidan Hutchinson (Lions) by Steve Serby.
On the offensive side, CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys) was named Offensive Player of the Year by Blezow. Christian McCaffrey (49ers) received a prediction from Bonsignore. Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions) was predicted by Mark Cannizzaro and Ryan Dunleavy. Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals) was picked by Brian Costello. Bijan Robinson (Falcons) was highlighted by Michel Duarte and Mike Vaccaro. Joe Burrow (Bengals) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks) received one vote each from Paul Schwartz and Evan Webeck, respectively. Caleb Williams (Bears) was also named Offensive Player of the Year by Steve Serby.
For Rookie of the Year honors, Jerimiyah Love (Cardinals) is a frequent prediction for Offensive Rookie of the Year, with votes from Bonsignore, Cannizzaro, Duarte, Costello, Serby, and Vaccaro. Jadarian Price (Seahawks) received predictions from Ryan Dunleavy and Paul Schwartz.otional Rookie of the Year predictions were split between David Bailey (Jets) by Blezow, Costello, and Vaccaro; Caleb Downs (Cowboys) by Bonsignore and Duarte; Rueben Bain Jr. (Buccaneers) by Cannizzaro and Steve Serby; and Arvell Reese (Giants) by Ryan Dunleavy and Evan Webeck.
Coach of the Year predictions were varied. John Harbaugh of the Giants was selected by Paul Schwartz and Steve Serby. Ben Johnson (Bears) was predicted by Vincent Bonsignore. Brian Schottenheimer (Cowboys) was chosen by Brian Costello. Jesse Minter (Ravens) received votes from Michel Duarte and Evan Webeck. DeMeco Ryans (Texans) was predicted by Ryan Dunleavy. Jim Harbaugh (Chargers) was picked by Mike Vaccaro.
Comeback Player of the Year predictions leaned heavily toward Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), with votes from Blezow, Costello, Duarte, and Vaccaro. Kyler Murray (Vikings) was selected by Mark Cannizzaro. Joe Burrow (Bengals) received a prediction from Steve Serby, and Nick Bosa (49ers) from Evan Webeck. Aaron Donald (Rams) was also named by Vincent Bonsignore.