The 2023 NFL season is coming to a close, with just one game remaining, Super Bowl 58. However, before the big game, there’s the NFL Honors awards show that must come first.
The awards ceremony will recognize the NFL’s best players, performances, and plays from the 2023 regular season. Why aren’t the playoffs included in the awards, though?
Why Aren’t Playoffs Counted in the NFL Honors?
In the NFL Honors, there are 19 awards handed out. Additionally, the five members of the 2024 Hall of Fame Class are announced. Here’s a look at all the awards on the show this year:
- AP Most Valuable Player
- AP Coach of the Year
- AP Assistant Coach of the Year
- AP Comeback Player of the Year
- AP Offensive Player of the Year
- AP Defensive Player of the Year
- AP Offensive Rookie of the Year
- AP Defensive Rookie of the Year
- Next Gen Stats Moment of the Year
- Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year
- NFL Inspire Change Tribute
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023
- FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year
- Salute to Service Award
- Bud Light Celebration of the Year
- Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award
- Deacon Jones Sack Leader Award
- NFL Fan of the Year
- Sounds of the Season
The NFL only counts regular season performances and stats in the voting for these awards, none from the playoffs. A major reason for this is simply the fact that not every team makes the playoffs, inherently giving some players an advantage over others if they include the postseason.
The awards are voted on by a panel of 50 sports journalists from across the country, handled by the Associated Press. The voters are chosen based on their experience and expertise and are independent from the NFL. Some voting members include Cris Collinsworth (NBC Sports), Troy Aikman (Fox Sports), and Tony Dungy (NBC Sports).
Voting was done before the playoffs began with a system allowing voters to choose their top five choices for MVP and top three choices for other accolades. Players received an increasing number of points per ballot on a 10-5-3-2-1 scale based on how highly they placed. Finalists for each award were announced Jan. 25.
NFL Honors in 2024 will take place on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 9:00 p.m. ET. It will be hosted at Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas. Fans will be able to watch on CBS or stream on Paramount+.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!
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