Christian McCaffrey has made history as the first player to be a finalist for three Associated Press NFL awards in a single season. He joins fellow contenders Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence, Drake Maye, and Matthew Stafford in the race for the 2025 AP NFL Most Valuable Player award. The winners will be revealed during the “NFL Honors” ceremony on February 5, 2025.
McCaffrey’s impressive performance not only places him among the MVP finalists but also earns him nominations for both Offensive Player of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year. This recognition highlights his significant contributions to the San Francisco 49ers, who secured 12 victories despite facing numerous injuries.
The voting process involved a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL, with tabulations conducted by the accounting firm of Lutz and Carr. Voters ranked their top five selections for the eight AP NFL awards, assigning points based on their rankings: first-place votes received 10 points, while second to fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2, and 1 point, respectively.
Finalists for AP NFL Awards
The finalists for the Most Valuable Player award include:
– Josh Allen, the reigning MVP, threw for 3,668 yards, with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, achieving a passer rating of 102.2. He led the Buffalo Bills to their seventh consecutive playoff appearance, contributing 14 rushing touchdowns before they were eliminated by the Denver Broncos in the divisional round.
– Trevor Lawrence played a pivotal role in Jacksonville’s success, leading the team to 13 wins and the AFC South title. He completed 4,007 passing yards, recording 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Jaguars were ultimately ousted by the Bills in the wild-card round.
– Christian McCaffrey showcased his versatility, rushing for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns while also catching 102 passes for 924 yards and seven touchdowns. His all-purpose abilities were vital for the 49ers during a challenging season.
– Drake Maye led the New England Patriots to an AFC East title and an appearance in the AFC Championship Game, throwing for 4,394 yards with 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He topped the NFL in passer rating at 113.5 and completion percentage at 72%.
– Matthew Stafford finished the season leading the NFL in passing yards with 4,707 and touchdowns with 46. He also recorded eight interceptions and achieved a passer rating of 109.2, earning his first All-Pro selection in 17 seasons.
Other Notable Awards
In addition to the MVP award, several other categories include significant finalists:
**Coach of the Year finalists** feature Liam Coen, who led the Jaguars to a remarkable turnaround with a 13-4 record, and Mike Macdonald, who guided the Seattle Seahawks to a 14-3 record and the top seed in the NFC.
**Assistant Coach of the Year** nominations include Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, among others.
**Comeback Player of the Year** finalists include Lawrence, McCaffrey, and notable players like Stefon Diggs of the Patriots and Dak Prescott of the Cowboys.
Defensive categories see fierce competition, with **Defensive Player of the Year** finalists showcasing standout seasons. Will Anderson Jr. recorded 12 sacks for the Houston Texans, while Myles Garrett of the Browns set a single-season record with 23 sacks.
Finally, the **Offensive Player of the Year** category features top contenders like Puka Nacua and Bijan Robinson, both recognized for their exceptional performances throughout the season.
As the NFL prepares for the announcement of its award winners, McCaffrey’s historic nominations underline his remarkable season and contributions to the sport.
