Super Bowl Countdown MVP Controversy, NFL Honors Highlights, and Bold Predictions for LIX

Before we dive into today’s content, I’ve got some exciting news to share! First, this is not the final newsletter before Super Bowl LIX – you can look forward to a special Super Bowl edition on Sunday around 11 a.m. ET. And here’s the great news: I’ll be live at the game on Sunday! Follow me on Twitter or Instagram for non-stop updates and photos – let’s hope my phone doesn’t crash from all the action.

With Super Bowl LIX just around the corner, today’s newsletter focuses on some exciting developments in the NFL: a thrilling MVP vote finish, a surprise at the NFL Honors, and a closer look at the 2025 Hall of Fame class.

Let’s jump in!

1. Josh Allen Wins MVP Amid Controversy Over Lamar Jackson’s Snub

In a shocking MVP result, Josh Allen took home the honor over Lamar Jackson, despite Jackson being named the first-team All-Pro quarterback. With 30 first-place votes compared to Allen’s 18 in the All-Pro voting, Jackson appeared to be the favorite. However, Allen’s supporters came out in full force for the MVP, ultimately pushing him to a narrow win.

The MVP voting breakdown was tight:

• Allen: 27 first-place votes, 22 second-place votes, 383 points
• Jackson: 23 first-place votes, 26 second-place votes, 362 points

Interestingly, one voter even placed Jackson fourth, which has added to the controversy. Allen himself admitted he was surprised by the result, and Jackson didn’t even attend the ceremony, perhaps foreseeing the outcome.

2. NFL Honors Ceremony: Surprises, Laughs, and Big Wins

Snoop Dogg hosted the NFL Honors, and while there were plenty of laughs (including a memorable moment where he poked fun at Bill Belichick), there were also plenty of exciting twists. Kevin O’Connell won Coach of the Year, edging out Dan Campbell, and rookie Jayden Daniels delivered an unforgettable night with two major wins – Offensive Rookie of the Year and Moment of the Year for his spectacular Hail Mary against the Bears.

Here’s a quick rundown of the major winners:

• MVP: Josh Allen (Bills)
• Coach of the Year: Kevin O’Connell (Vikings)
• Comeback Player of the Year: Joe Burrow (Bengals)
• Offensive Player of the Year: Saquon Barkley (Eagles)
• Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Surtain II (Broncos)
• Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jayden Daniels (Commanders)
• Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jared Verse (Rams)
• Assistant Coach of the Year: Ben Johnson (Lions)
• Moment of the Year: Jayden Daniels’ Hail Mary

If you missed the ceremony, check out our full coverage to relive the best moments.

3. 2025 Hall of Fame Class Revealed

The Pro Football Hall of Fame class for 2025 has been revealed, and it includes four deserving players: Eric Allen (CB), Jared Allen (DE), Antonio Gates (TE), and Sterling Sharpe (WR). This year’s class is the smallest since 2005 due to changes in the selection process.

Interestingly, Eli Manning, a divisive candidate, didn’t make the cut this year. His two Super Bowl wins weren’t enough to push him into the Hall of Fame just yet. However, he will likely be back next year, with several other strong candidates, including Luke Kuechly and Willie Anderson, set to be automatic finalists for the 2026 class.

4. Super Bowl LIX: Our Picks Are in, and We’re Split on the Winner

The Super Bowl is nearly here, and our experts at CBS Sports are divided on the winner. The Chiefs are currently favored by 1.5 points, but opinions are all over the place.

• Pete Prisco: Chiefs 30-27 over Eagles – “Mahomes is Mr. Clutch, and in this tight game, he’ll come through.”
• Will Brinson: Chiefs 31-28 over Eagles – “Mahomes always finds a way to win in big games.”
• Tyler Sullivan: Chiefs 28-24 over Eagles – “Kansas City’s defense will hold off the Eagles’ run game, and Mahomes will seal the win.”
• Cody Benjamin: Eagles 27-26 over Chiefs – “Barkley’s strong play will guide the Eagles to victory.”
• Jordan Dajani: Eagles 30-26 over Chiefs – “Barkley’s playoff run is unstoppable, and his birthday victory will make it even sweeter.”
• John Breech: Eagles 34-24 over Chiefs – “With the better overall roster, the Eagles will pull off a two-score victory.”

Stay tuned for more picks, and check out our full analysis.

5. Bold Predictions for Super Bowl LIX

Garrett Podell’s bold predictions for Super Bowl LIX bring even more drama to the table:

1. The Chiefs will allow their first-ever 100-yard rusher in the postseason – Saquon Barkley is poised for a historic performance.
2. Dallas Goedert will have his first 100-yard playoff game – The Chiefs’ struggles against tight ends will lead to a breakout performance for Goedert.
3. DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise Brown will both score touchdowns – Despite the Eagles’ top-tier defense, Mahomes will find these two wideouts in the end zone for key moments.

For all of Garrett’s bold predictions, including explanations, check them out here.

6. Extra Points: Steelers Headed to Ireland and More NFL News

• Steelers set to play in Dublin: The NFL will play its first regular-season game in Dublin in 2025, with the Steelers as the home team.
• Bears owner Virginia McCaskey passes away: McCaskey, 102, passed away on Thursday. She took ownership of the Bears in 1983.
• Sam Darnold to test free agency: The Vikings are expected to let Darnold test the open market, with no deal in sight.
• Mystery illness affecting players: Several players, including Chiefs punter Matt Araiza and Eagles’ Jalen Carter, have been added to the injury report with an illness.