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2018 NFL Honors: Early front-runners for MVP and other awards

By Erik Lambert

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during warmups before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on September 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during warmups before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on September 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 16: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers waves to the crowd after they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27-21 at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 16: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers waves to the crowd after they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27-21 at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Comeback Player of the Year

  1. Ryan Fitzpatrick (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
  2. Joe Flacco (Baltimore Ravens)
  3. Jordan Hicks (Philadelphia Eagles)

Fitzpatrick is far and away the runaway favorite in this category. Here’s a guy who flamed out after a strong run in New York and seemed destined to finish out his career as a backup. Then out of nowhere he explodes for eight touchdown passes in his first two games of 2018 and has carried his team to the top of the NFC South. It’s already an amazing story and one that guarantees him the award if he can finish strong.

Flacco was put on notice this offseason when the Ravens drafted Lamar Jackson in the 1st round. Either he responded with a strong year or he was likely out. He’s averaging over 300 yards to start the season with five touchdowns and just two interceptions. Jordan Hicks is the forgotten man of the Eagles defense but his playmaking ability hasn’t disappeared after missing the ride last season. He’s already got 16 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a recovered fumble.

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