SANTA CLARA — The 49ers have been all but removed from the playoff picture, which also means they’re all but removed from the postseason honors picture as well.
The hardware is for winners, as evidenced by Christian McCaffrey capturing the NFL Offensive Player of the Year last season and Nick Bosa being the Defensive Player of the Year following the 2022 season.
Tellingly, neither is in the conversation this season, mostly due to the almost absurd amount of injuries that have helped derail the 2024 season.
Quarterback Brock Purdy, fourth in last year’s MVP voting, isn’t a factor with the 49ers at 6-8.
Tight end George Kittle remains a worthy All-Pro pick, whether it be first or second team. Playing on a fractured ankle, Fred Warner hasn’t been up to his usual level but could be a reputation selection.
But left tackle Trent Williams, a first-team All-Pro the last two seasons, has seen his season affected by personal tragedy as well as injuries, and the same could be said for cornerback Charvarius Ward.
Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir merits All-Pro consideration, and his five-year, $92 million contract extension could open some eyes as to his value.
Who will bring home this year’s awards when winners are announced on Feb. 6 in New Orleans?
Here are some educated guesses . . .
MVP: Josh Allen, Buffalo
Allen may have locked things up in the Bills’ 48-42 win over Detroit Sunday. A Most Valuable Player in every sense of the word because Buffalo would be nothing without him. Wins out over Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson and Detroit’s Jared Goff.
Offensive Player of the Year: Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia
The non-quarterback MVP award goes to this year’s version of McCaffrey. Cincinnati wide receiver J’Marr Chase merits a look, as does Baltimore running back Derrick Henry. Don’t rule out Allen stealing this award as well.
Defensive Player of the Year: T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh
Brother J.J. Watt won the award three times, T.J. is looking for No. 2 with 11 1/2 sacks. Going with his name recognition over sack leader Trey Hendrickson of Cincinnati (12 1/2) and Houston’s Danielle Hunter (12).
Coach of the Year: Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota
One more win and O’Connell becomes the first Vikings coach to have two 13-win seasons. His team probably plays closer to its potential than any in the NFL. The NFC North is loaded with good coaches, because Dan Campbell of Detroit and Matt LaFleur of Green Bay are also in the conversation. Dan Quinn of Washington could also be a factor.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jayden Daniels, Washington
Daniels has faded somewhat, but if the Commanders end up in the playoffs it will be hard to deny the No. 2 pick in the draft. Denver quarterback Bo Nix has closed the gap, and the dark horse is Raiders tight end Brock Bowers.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Quinyon Mitchell, Philadelphia
Is it possible for a corner with no interceptions to win? Mitchell has given up just one touchdown and 390 yards passing all season. He was a first-round pick, No. 22 overall, who stepped right into the starting lineup. Outside edge rusher Jared Verse of the Rams has just 4 1/2 sacks, but 11 tackles for loss and 17 quarterback hits.
Comeback Player of the Year: Joe Burrow, Cincinnati
Burrow saw his 2023 season cut short with torn wrist ligaments. It’s not his fault the Bengals are 6-8, given his 3,977 yards passing with 36 touchdowns and eight interceptions. While it seems ludicrous to consider a rookie for this award, I’d love to see the 49ers’ Ricky Pearsall Jr. get a vote just for stepping on the field in 2024 after being shot in the chest during a robbery attempt on Aug, 31.
Here’s a look at the NFC West heading into Week 16:
L.A. Rams (8-6): The Rams have a clear path to the division title by virtue of their series sweep of the 49ers.
Remaining games: at N.Y. Jets (4-10), vs. Arizona (7-7), vs. Seattle (8-6)
Seattle (8-6): Quarterback Geno Smith may be back after injuring his knee in a loss to Green Bay. Smith’s not a world beater, but they’ll need him for any shot to overtake the Rams.
Remaining games: vs. Minnesota (12-2), at Chicago (4-10), at L.A. Rams (8-6)
Arizona (7-7): Three straight losses between Nov. 24 and Dec. 8 are going to be difficult to overcome but they do close with a pair of division opponents, with the 49ers finishing in Glendale.
Remaining games: vs. at Carolina (3-11), at L.A. Rams (8-6), vs. 49ers (6-8)
Here’s how the regular season finishes for the 49ers:
at Miami (6-8): The Dolphins’ wins have come against teams with a combined record of 20-50 (they beat New England twice). The only team with a winning record Mike McDaniel has beaten is the Rams.
vs. Detroit (12-2): 49ers, take note. All the Lions’ injuries haven’t affected the bottom line. Go ahead and assume Dan Campbell will have Detroit ready for this one. Maybe they’ll leave their punter at home and go for it every time on fourth down.
at Arizona (7-7): Win and the 49ers end the season 2-4 in the NFC West. Ouch.
NFC playoff seedings through Week 15:
1. Detroit (12-2): The loss of David Montgomery means Jahmyr Gibbs will get double duty when it comes to keeping the Lions moving steadily forward on the ground.
2. Philadelphia (12-2): Winners of 10 straight, maybe it’s time to start trusting Eagles’ coach Nick Sirianni.
3. Tampa Bay (8-6): Baker Mayfield won’t get much run when it comes to MVP balloting, but he’s had a spectacular season.
4. L.A. Rams (8-6): After all the angst over how to prepare for Aaron Donald, the 49ers were swept by L.A. the year he retires.
5. Minnesota (12-2): J.J. McCarthy had better be pretty good next season, because letting Sam Darnold walk after the season he’s had can’t be an easy call.
6. Green Bay (10-4): The Packers are 10-0 against teams that currently are not 12-2. Their only losses are to Philadelphia, Detroit (twice) and Minnesota. They get the Vikings again in Week 17.
7. Washington (9-5): My, how things have improved with Dan Snyder out of the picture.
Others: 8. Seattle (8-6), 9. Atlanta (7-7), 10. Arizona (7-7), 11. 49ers (6-8), 12. Dallas (6-8), 13. New Orleans (5-9), 14. Chicago (4-10), 15. Carolina (3-11), 16. N.Y. Giants (2-12)
