Pure Fire: NFL Names Five Finalists for Offensive Player of the Year
NEW YORK, NY — The shortlist for the NFL’s most explosive offensive talent is officially live. The league narrowed the field to five superstars who spent the 2024 season turning defensive coordinators into insomniacs. **Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Tyreek Hill, CeeDee Lamb, and Justin Jefferson** are the official finalists for the 2024-25 Offensive Player of the Year award. This isn’t just a list of stats; it’s a roster of the most dangerous human beings currently playing professional football.
31 years ago today, the @49ers won big in Super Bowl XXIX thanks to @SteveYoungQB’s SB-record six touchdown passes 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fWydpsQwO1
— NFL (@NFL) January 29, 2026
The Return of the Workhorse
For the first time in years, the running back position has reclaimed its seat at the head of the table. **Saquon Barkley** and **Derrick Henry** didn’t just have “good” seasons; they redefined the identity of their respective franchises. Barkley, in his first year with the Eagles, demolished every preseason projection, finishing with **over 2,100 yards from scrimmage and 20 total touchdowns**. He provided a physical “punch” in the red zone that Philly lacked in their late-season collapse a year ago.
Then there is **Derrick Henry**. Many thought “The King” would slow down in Baltimore, but he did the opposite. Henry led the league in rushing touchdowns, acting as the ultimate hammer for a Ravens offense that thrived on his ability to wear down fronts. When Henry was on the field, the Ravens’ **red-zone efficiency jumped to nearly 70%**, a staggering number that proves his presence alone changes how safeties have to play the deep half of the field.
The Yardage Titans
On the perimeter, the “Big Three” receivers kept the scoreboard moving at a frantic pace. **Tyreek Hill** remained the league’s ultimate gravity-well, forcing double-teams on nearly **45% of his routes**. **CeeDee Lamb** acted as the primary engine for the Dallas offense, hauling in a league-leading volume of catches, while **Justin Jefferson** proved his elite status by putting up massive yardage totals regardless of who was throwing him the ball.
- Saquon Barkley: Led all finalists in total scrimmage yards.
- Derrick Henry: Led the NFL in rushing touchdowns (15+).
- CeeDee Lamb: Recorded the highest target share of any receiver in the league.
Inside the Huddle
“You can try to bracket a receiver or stack the box against a back, but when you’re dealing with these five, someone is going to get hurt. These aren’t just players; they are schematic problems that don’t have a right answer. They’re the elite of the elite.” — Current NFL Offensive Coordinator
The Bottom Line & What’s Next
The winner will be revealed on February 6 at the NFL Honors, and the voting should be a bloodbath. Historically, this award goes to the non-quarterback who had the most “wow” season, which puts the spotlight squarely on **Saquon Barkley**. His move from New York to Philadelphia and his subsequent explosion back into the elite tier of backs is the kind of redemption arc that voters find irresistible.
Watch for the ripple effect in the upcoming free-agent market. The success of Barkley and Henry is already causing teams to rethink their “devaluation” of the running back position. If Barkley takes home the trophy, expect to see a surge in demand for veteran backs this spring. For now, the focus shifts to the playoffs, where these five will try to prove that “Offensive Player of the Year” talent translates to Super Bowl hardware. The hunt for the crown is officially on.
