Burrow, Taylor lead Knapp's pre-Week 1 NFL award picks

Burns carries a 2% DPOY market probability

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Sep 81 min read

What happened: Brian Burns is the Defensive Player of the Year selection, with Kyler Murray for Comeback Player of the Year and Kellen Moore for Coach of the Year. The forecasts arrive one day before the 2026 season begins.

Why it matters: Cincinnati's playoff prospects could shape Burrow's MVP case after two fourth-place finishes in the voting. Taylor enters the season on a two-year, $44 million extension, while Burns is coming off 16.5 sacks.

By the numbers: Listed probabilities put Murray at 15%, Burrow at 11%, Moore at 9%, Taylor at 5% and Burns at 2%. Taylor finished 26 rushing yards short of the league lead last season, while Burns ranked second in sacks.

What to watch: Week 1 will provide the first test of each candidacy, particularly Murray's new start in Minnesota and Moore's second season in New Orleans.

Sources

Yahoo NFL 2026-09-08T19:31:22.576155+00:00

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NFLPreviewCincinnati BengalsIndianapolis ColtsNew York GiantsJoe BurrowJonathan Taylor

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