Media by Associated Press – Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) rushes during an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Pittsburgh, PA. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Winning awards on offense in the NFL isn’t easy. With how the league has changed over the past 20 years, many teams are more concerned with piling up points than finding a way to grind the clock. Compared to the MVP award, Offensive Player of the Year honors winners haven’t been quarterback heavy.
Patrick Mahomes was the last quarterback to win the award in 2018. Since then, three different receivers and a running back and a running back have brought home the hardware. Here’s a look at the top four players to consider for the award in 2023.
Nick Chubb, Running Back, Cleveland Browns
If Deshaun Watson can even find half the form he had as quarterback of Houston, Texas, the player who may benefit the most is Chubb. Chubb has been one of the most consistent running backs in the league in 2018. Throughout Chubb’s career, he has averaged 5.2 yards per carry.
Chubb has recorded 1,000 or more rushing yards for four straight seasons. Last year, Chubb finished with 1,525 rushing yards and scored 12 touchdowns. He also caught 27 passes for 239 yards.
The only thing that has been holding back Chubb is his relative lack of use for a top back. If Chubb can improve his numbers a bit and Cleveland starts winning, Chubb should be a top contender.
A.J. Brown, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles
Brown may have been one of the most important players who changed teams last season. After moving from Tennessee to Philadelphia, Brown hauled in 88 passes for 1,496 yards and 11 touchdowns. Brown averaged 17 yards per catch.
Brown was a big part of quarterback Jalen Hurts’ improvement last season. Philadelphia fell just short of winning a title last season. If the Eagles can sustain their success, Brown will be a big part of the effort.
Josh Allen, Quarterback, Buffalo Bills
Allen had a tumultuous 2022 season. While he made a lot of big plays to help Buffalo finish with the No. 2 seed in the AFC, Allen struggled with turnovers and decision-making. The Bills are going to spend the offseason attempting to help build up the offensive line and running game.
If Allen can get a little bit more support, Buffalo should once again challenge for the top spot in the AFC, and Allen will be in the conversation for the league’s top offensive honors.
Travis Kelce, Tight End, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have something special with Mahomes and Kelce. Kelce, depending on how you define tight end, has laid his claim to be the greatest all-time at his position. Last season, Kelce finished with 110 catches for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns. Over Kelce’s career, he has been named All-Pro four times and catch 814 passes for 10,344 yards and 69 touchdowns.
While there is a chance that the 33-year-old will see age catch up with him a bit this season, Kelce still has the opportunity to play with Mahomes.
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