Final Prediction for NFL Offensive Player of the Year Ahead of the NFL Honors

With the NFL Honors on the horizon, I felt it best to finalize my prediction for the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year (OPOY) award. While I firmly believe this player deserves every accolade, as a devoted Giants fan, it pains me to acknowledge that it took a stint in Philadelphia for him to fully showcase his extraordinary talents. By now, I'm sure you can guess whom I’m referring to, but my unequivocal choice for the 2024 OPOY award is none other than Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.

At just 27 years old, Barkley has consistently proven that he is nothing short of a human highlight reel. His electrifying play has been a pivotal factor in the Eagles' impressive 14-3 season, securing them the No. 2 seed in the NFC. Barkley didn't just participate in this season; he defined it. He emerged as the NFL's leading rusher, and his relentless pursuit of greatness brought him tantalizingly close to breaking Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson’s enduring single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set back in 1984.

Barkley dominated the league, finishing the season leading in several categories: rushing attempts, rushing yards per game, total touches, scrimmage yards, and explosive runs of 40 or more yards. His final numbers speak volumes: 2,005 rushing yards on 345 attempts, accompanied by an impressive 13 rushing touchdowns. His astonishing average of 5.8 yards per carry and 125.3 rushing yards per game represent not just milestones but career highs that underscore just how exceptional Barkley is as a player.

In addition to his rushing prowess, Barkley also showcased his versatility as a dual-threat running back by catching 33 passes for 278 yards and contributing two touchdowns through the air. His ball security was equally commendable, as he lost just one fumble over the entire season. Remarkably, he rushed for over 100 yards in 11 games, with a standout performance of 255 yards in a thrilling 37-20 win over the Rams during a highly anticipated Sunday Night Football matchup. Additionally, his capability to find the end zone consistently was evident in six multi-touchdown games, including a dazzling three-touchdown outing against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.

In summary, Saquon Barkley has transformed into not only a cornerstone of the Eagles' offense but a player whose talent elevates this team into almost unbeatable territory. His remarkable journey and performance this season have cemented his status as what I believe to be the favorite for the Offensive Player of the Year. Barkley is in line to potentially have the best week of his life if he takes home some hardware at the Honors as well as a Super Bowl victory on Sunday.