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Tonight officially kicks off the NFL’s final weekend of the 2016 season.
There is obviously a big game (I guess) to play tomorrow in Super Bowl LI, but there are still awards and Hall of Fame candidates to be handed out.
In case you missed it, here’s the WCG staff picks for tonight’s hardware.
Will the quarterback of the NFC Champion, Atlanta Falcons, in Matt Ryan take home the MVP? Or will his opposing quarterback, Tom Brady, of the New England Patriots swoop in? Perhaps Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers might even have a say.
Is Khalil Mack the favorite for Defensive Player of the Year? Or, could potential pending unrestricted free agent, Eric Berry, of the Kansas City Chiefs factor into the balloting, heavily.
There are more obvious distinctions such as the Cowboys Ezekiel Elliott and Chargers Joey Bosa as the respective Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year. Though, crazier things have happened.
Of note, the 2017 Hall of Fame class will also be announced at the show. The finalists are as follows: LaDainian Tomlinson, Jason Taylor, Brian Dawkins, Morten Andersen, Kurt Warner, Don Coryell, Tony Boselli, Isaac Bruce, Terrell Davis, Alan Faneca, Joe Jacoby, Ty Law, John Lynch, Kevin Mawae, Terrell Owens.
Special candidates include: Kenny Easley, nominated by the league’s Senior Committee, and contributor finalists in Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, and former NFL commissioner, Paul Tagliabue.
All of the rampant conversation around these awards should be interesting to watch unfold.
Keegan Michael-Key, of FOX’s former Mad TV and Comedy Central’s Key & Peele is set to host the show which lasts two hours.
The fun begins at 7 p.m. CT and should have Michael-Key throwing more than a few verbal jabs at NFL heavyweights.
Discuss all of the action below in the 2017 NFL Honors open thread. As always, thread responsibly.
Also, give Lester a listen on this Super Bowl podcast...