NFL Offensive Player of the Year

Last week, I covered my NFL awards picks for MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Offensive Rookie of the Year, but this week’s award gets its own column.

In our little fantasy football world, Offensive Player of the Year is very near and dear to our hearts. In fantasy, all we care about is stats and points, so the OPOY race directly mirrors the race for the best fantasy performer of the year.

Let’s dive in and take a look at my top 10 candidates.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was written prior to Monday night’s games and does not include those stats.)

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Frascella’s Offensive Player of the Year Picks (counting down)

10. Puka Nacua: Sure… I’ve gotta sneak a rookie on here! Nacua has been a revelation all season, a nifty, tricky rookie who is wise beyond his years. He plays well with both Cooper Kupp and Tutu Atwell around him, and his chemistry with Matt Stafford looks like it’s been running for 10 seasons, not just one.

9. Josh Allen: Allen has 35 total touchdowns this season… while no one else in the league has more than 31! Buffalo’s quarterback has actually become underrated because people don’t realize how productive this old-school gunslinger truly is.

8. Keenan Allen: Despite a rocky season for Justin Herbert and the Chargers, Keenan Allen has been a major bright spot from the get-go. A pro’s pro – a route-running technician who lays it all on the line with frequent over-the-middle routes.

7. Raheem Mostert: SIXTEEN total touchdowns for the most underrated running back in the game this season. Wherever he goes, Mostert produces. As you can see, if you keep him healthy, he simply eats all day long.

6. Brock Purdy: Haters never want to give him any credit, but Purdy knows how to read defenses and get the ball into the hands of his playmakers in space. On paper, he’s been about as impeccable a quarterback as he possibly could be.

5. AJ Brown: A physically dominant, bruising wide receiver who elevates the play of Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith and D’Andre Swift around him. ‘AJB’ is impossible to stop in one-on-one situations.

4. CeeDee Lamb: No one can sniff the WR at my No. 1 spot this season, but CeeDee is a rock solid No. 2 right now (at his position). He’s a hard-nosed, developing wide receiver who always adds new wrinkles to his game. Notice how he plays with defenders… sometimes he jogs at the beginning of his routes, then BURSTS explosively to get himself wide open. For a young receiver, he’s extremely crafty and effective.

3. Dak Prescott: Something is really clicking for Prescott and head coach Mike McCarthy this season. For the first time in a long time, the Dallas Cowboys actually look like an NFL juggernaut. Prescott’s tempo is right on point, with the ball coming out accurately and on time. His connection with CeeDee Lamb is truly something to behold.

2. Christian McCaffrey: Last season, the 49ers’ offense wasn’t that bad before ‘CMC’ arrived. Then… they just went to a whole ‘nother level. And, of course, that has continued this season, with McCaffrey elevating the collective play of Brock Purdy, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle. ‘CMC’ is the one who turns the tides — the ultimate all-purpose running back, whom nobody can stop within Kyle Shanahan’s complicated offensive schemes.

1. Tyreek Hill: Talk about consistency from start to finish! Tyreek Hill is the NFL’s ultimate gamebreaker, the little guy who changed the culture of offensive football in both Kansas City and Miami. With the Dolphins, paired with great offensive mind Mike McDaniel, ‘Reek has been roasting defenders, week in and week out. His raw speed and shiftiness are the engine of the entire Dolphins’ offense. Everyone is on their heels when Hill is applying pressure via his electric routes. He’s a superstar who has really changed the game and one who fully deserves the Offensive Player of the Year award this season.

John Frascella is a published sports author who has been covering the NFL for 20 years. Follow him on X @LegendSports7 for all things NFL, MLB and NBA throughout the year.