As we move onto the Playoffs, the last games of the football regular season did not leave the fans without excitement, as some teams fought hard to get their playoff berth, and others simply wanted to end the season with a bang. There were certain players that stood out, either due to their performance in these games, or by how they performed throughout the season.
J.J. Watt: possible Defensive Player of the Year
Watt played an amazing game in the Texans finale, as he finished with eight tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He was paramount in stopping the Jaguars offense, who they managed to hold to only 6 points. He is sack-leader with 17.5 and joined Pro Football Hall of Famer Reggie White as the only players with at least 15 sacks in 3 out of their first 5 seasons. We already knew Watt was impressive, but his talent on the field during this game just made him even more deadly.
Cam Newton: possible MVP
Newton simply keeps outdoing himself as he continues to set records. With his two touchdowns on Sunday, he is tied with Steve Young for QB career rushing touchdowns (43), a record he will certainly surpass soon. He also became the only player in NFL history to get 30 or more passing touchdowns and 10 or more rushing touchdowns in a single season. His unique talent on the field will certainly grant him the MVP.
Carson Palmer: another possible MVP
Palmer is the one QB that could give Newton a run for his money in terms of getting the MVP. He finished the season as the Cardinals all-time single season passing leader with 4,671 yards, and became the 18th player to go over 40,000 career yards.
With the Playoffs just around the corner, we should expect to see some of these players continue to shine, and we may see more unexpected performances as the games are played. The only thing uncertain is which football team will make it to the Super Bowl this year.