NFL Rookie of the Year 2015-16: Award Candidates, Odds and Predictions

We've finally reached Super Bowl weekend, but before we enjoy the Denver Broncos against Carolina Panthers, the top NFL awards will be handed out on Saturday night. 

The fifth-annual NFL Honors awards show takes place in San Francisco and will be hosted by late-night talk show host Conan O'Brien. 

Among the honors handed out will be the AP Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards.

Here's a look at all the info you'll need to tune in to the event on Saturday night, followed by a breakdown of each rookie of the year race. 

NFL Honors TV Details

When: Saturday, Feb. 6, at 9 p.m. ET

TV: CBS (pre-show coverage on NFL Network at 8 p.m. ET)

Live Stream: CBS All Access (subscription required)

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Player	Position	Team	Notable Stats
Todd Gurley	RB	Rams	1,294 Total YDs, 10 TDs
Jameis Winston	QB	Buccaneers	4,042 Pass YDs, 22 TD, 15 INT
Amari Cooper	WR	Raiders	72 REC, 1,070 YDs, 6 TDs
David Johnson	RB	Cardinals	1,038 Total YDs, 12 TDs

All four candidates listed above received at least one first-place vote from NFL.com's panel of analysts, but the race appears to come down to Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston. 

Former NFL wide receiver Nate Burleson was among those who voted in favor of Winston, stating he believes Winston was "undeniably the leader of that team as a rookie."

These types of awards typically favor quarterbacks, but the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year has actually gone to a non-quarterback in consecutive seasons. 

New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. won in 2014, preceded by Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy. 

Gurley appears to have the best odds of continuing the non-quarterback streak. 

Despite not making his first start until Week 4, Gurley still eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark and began his career with over 125 yards in each of his first four starts. 

While his performances sputtered toward the end of the season, those dominant early-season outings could carry Gurley to Rookie of the Year honors. 

Prediction: Gurley wins a close vote

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Player	Position	Team	Notable Stats
Marcus Peters	CB	Chiefs	8 int, 2 TD, 1 forced fumble
Ronald Darby	CB	Bills	2 int, 68 tackles
Leonard Williams	DL	Jets	3 sacks, 63 tackles

Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters can go ahead and make some room in the trophy case. 

On NFL.com's team of analysts, every vote went in favor of Peters with the exception of two. 

Charley Casserly voted for New York Jets defensive lineman Leonard Williams, while Colleen Wolfe gave the nod to Buffalo Bills cornerback Ronald Darby. 

Former NFL head coach Steve Mariucci was among those voting for Peters, stating there was "no chance the Chiefs rampage to 11 straight wins without Peters."

Despite the overwhelming support for Peters on the strength of his impressive stats, it's worth nothing that he did not fare as well in Pro Football Focus' grading.

PFF's Gordon McGuinness ranked their top defensive rookies, placing Peters fourth, behind Darby (their winner), Williams and Dallas Cowboys defensive back Byron Jones.  

Prediction: Peters wins in a landslide