3 biggest OPOY candidates for the 2022 season
There’s a fun thing about the Offensive Player of the Year (OPOY) award. As the MVP often goes to the best quarterback of the season, the OPOY works as a consolation prize for non-quarterback offensive players – the last three winners were either a wide receiver or a running back.
Being the best offensive player of the year is no joke, though. You’re often going to be the reason that your team wins some games during the season, and it will often net you a very nice contract after the season as well.
Check out the three favorites for the OPOY award in 2022:
#1 – Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
We believe Henry will be back to its very best after a shorter season in 2021 – we all know that running backs often ascend to a higher level when their bodies don’t sustain a huge number of hits throughout the season before. With the Titans’ passing offense not really set to a great year with Ryan Tannehill under center, Henry will again get a high load; if he avoids getting injured again, he should take the award for the second time, like he did in 2020.
Most TDs of 40+ yards over last 3 seasons 💨:
Tyreek Hill = 11 🔥
A.J. Brown = 10
Derrick Henry = 8
Tyler Lockett = 7
Mike Williams = 7
Marquise Brown = 7
Mecole Hardman = 7 👀
Marquez Valdes-Scantling = 7 👀Who will step up as Patrick Mahomes' new favorite deep target? pic.twitter.com/8FT7kfLP7g
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) July 11, 2022
#2 – Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams
The reigning champion caught the league off guard with his performances last year as he joined forces with Matthew Stafford and he has a new contract to show. Kupp is one of the best receivers in the league and, unlike guys like Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams, who changed teams during the offseason, he remains in the same stable condition as last year – and this time he enters the season as a Super Bowl champion.
Cooper Kupp wants to be a better player in 2022, and that doesn’t necessarily mean putting up bigger numbers https://t.co/BWGmcFazCA
— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) July 11, 2022
#3 – Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
If you’re a bettor, Chubb is a great value to consider as an OPOY candidate: imagine if Deshaun Watson indeed gets suspended for the season and the Browns have to start Jacoby Brissett for the year? Chubb will get the ball at an absurd rate, and even though he shares the backfield with the talented Kareem Hunt, he’s the best all-around running back in the league who should thrive behind the best offensive line in the NFL.
Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt with a QB defenses actually have to respect and a top five offensive line WHEW.
— Colb (@___Colb___) July 11, 2022