Though the Cincinnati Bengals didn’t make the playoffs despite winning their final five games of the regular season, the team has a small reason to celebrate.

Here are the five finalists for the eight AP NFL awards that will be given out on Feb. 6, listed in alphabetical order: Brian Thomas Jr.

The Vikings signed a potential breakout star from the Bears with all three of their starting cornerbacks poised to reach free agency.

The futures of Kevin O'Connell and Sam Darnold are among the many things Minnesota must work out after its first-round playoff exit.

Will he stay or will he go? Flores potentially getting a head-coaching job could change the trajectory of Minnesota's future on defense.

During their Wild Card matchup vs. the Rams on Monday night, Vikings QB Sam Darnold made the wrong type of NFL history.

The Rams pulled into Glendale, Arizona with heavy hearts. The NFC West champs end up tying NFL playoff history over the Vikings.

More predictions: Commanders vs Buccaneers Expert Predictions for NFL Wild Card Weekend The No. 5 seeded Vikings (14-3) are taking on the No. 4 seeded Rams (10-7) in a rematch of the teams' Week 8 matchup. The Rams handed the Vikings one of their three losses this season and were the only non-Detroit Lions team to beat Minnesota.

The other finalists for the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award are Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers and Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

The Associated Press announced finalists for its season-long NFL awards on Thursday and three Denver Broncos are candidates to take home hardware. Sean Payton has been nominated for Coach of the Year

Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow and Saquon Barkley are finalists for MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. Josh Allen and Jared Goff join them as MVP finalists.

The NFL have confirmed the finalists for eight of The Associated Press’ 2024 NFL Awards, including the shortlist for the league’s MVP award.