NFL Honors 2012: Top 3 Candidates for All 7 2011-12 NFL Awards

With the NFL's first annual "Honors Show" scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 3, let's take a quick look through the top candidates for each award, including MVP, rookie of the year and coach of the year.

NFL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers

2. Drew Brees, Saints

3. Tom Brady, Patriots

Also considered: Calvin Johnson, Lions; Rob Gronkowski, Patriots; Matthew Stafford, Lions

Quick: It's hard to beat 48 total touchdowns against just six turnovers at the quarterback position, and that 15-1 regular season record certainly helps, too. 

NFL OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

1. Cam Newton, Panthers

2. Andy Dalton, Bengals

3. A.J. Green, Bengals

Also considered: Julio Jones, Falcons; Demarco Murray, Cowboys; Torrey Smith, Ravens

Quick: You could make a strong case that Newton's rookie campaign ranks among the very best in NFL history, regardless of position.

NFL DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

1. Aldon Smith, 49ers

2. Von Miller, Broncos

3. Patrick Peterson, Cardinals

Also considered: J.J. Watt, Texans; Richard Sherman, Seahawks; Ryan Kerrigan, Redskins

Quick: Miller had a bigger overall impact, but Smith got red-hot late and contributed 14.5 sacks to one of the NFL's best defenses. 

NFL COACH OF THE YEAR

1. Jim Harbaugh, 49ers

2. John Fox, Broncos

3. Mike McCarthy, Packers

Also considered: Jim Schwartz, Lions; Marvin Lewis, Bengals; Gary Kubiak, Texans

Quick: How do you argue with a guy who turned around a mostly intact roster and led his team to 13 regular season wins and two home playoff games?

NFL OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

1. Drew Brees, Saints

2. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots

3. LeSean McCoy, Eagles

Also considered: Aaron Rodgers, Packers; Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars; Calvin Johnson, Lions

Quick: I don't think Rodgers doubles up with OPY, and Brees did break Dan Marino's passing yards record by over 400 yards while also throwing for 46 touchdowns.

NFL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

1. Justin Smith, 49ers

2. Terrell Suggs, Ravens

3. Jared Allen, Vikings

Also considered: Jason Babin, Eagles; NaVarro Bowman, 49ers; DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys

Quick: This is the toughest choice by far, as several players have a strong case. Smith wins by being the most dominant down lineman against both the run and pass.

NFL COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR

1. Matthew Stafford, Lions

2. Plaxico Burress, Jets

3. Elvis Dumervil, Broncos

Also considered: Alex Smith, 49ers; D'Qwell Jackson, Browns

Quick: Stafford threw for over 5,000 yards with 41 touchdowns after missing 19 games during his first two seasons. Easy choice.