One of the biggest events of the week before the Super Bowl is the NFL Honors presentation, where the league unveils the winners of its major awards (as determined by Associated Press voters). You might not have known that in Houston because there haven’t really been any Texans in the running for major honors over the past few years.
This year, it has altered, and it has altered nearly as much as the Texans’ record did from 2022 to 2023, when they went from 3-13-1 to 10-7 and won the division. Texan supporters will be watching closely for four honors at this Thursday’s NFL Honors program, as four Texans—two players and two coaches—have been selected finalists in their respective categories.
AP Offensive Rookie of the Year
Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions running back
Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions tight end
Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons running back
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans quarterback
ESTIMATION: STROUD
Nacua would easily win this in any other season because the Rams’ fifth-round selection from BYU broke multiple rookie receiving records. Stroud, though, was just as remarkable in the record book and—perhaps more importantly—in a huge turnabout for the Texans’ team. Stroud easily prevails in this one.
AP Defensive Rookie of the Year
Will Anderson, Houston Texans defensive end
Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle
Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback
Kobie Turner, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackler
Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks cornerback
PREDICTION: ANDERSON
Given that Carter has been the favorite for the majority of the season following a fantastic start in Philadelphia, this prediction is a little bit of a shock. Turner, another Rams mid-round draft success story, is putting up a late push for the prize, but I have faith that AP voters will view Anderson’s season similarly to the PFWA, who recognized him as their Defensive Rookie of the Year last week.
AP Coach of the Year
Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans
Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns
PREDICTION: STEFANSKI
In hindsight, the Browns vs. Texans game in Week 16 most likely determined this award. That day, the Browns triumphed handily, and Stefanski is the clear favorite because he has won games this season despite starting four different quarterbacks. For those who are curious, the Texans’ playoff vengeance is irrelevant in terms of this honor because these are regular season accolades.
AP Assistant Coach of the Year
Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator
Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator
Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator
Jim Schwartz, Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator
Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans offensive coordinator
PREDICTION: SCHWARTZ
The fact that Slowik made it to the finals is a huge accomplishment for both him and DeMeco Ryans, who transported Slowik from San Francisco. However, Schwartz’s ability to build one of the strongest defenses in football contributed significantly to the Browns’ and Stefanski’s success.
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