Simply put, Nick Bosa had a monster rookie campaign. He came into the league with high expectations from fans - perhaps due to his brother Joey’s dominant play in the league - and duly blew them away. Bosa has already established himself as the chief defensive presence for a Super Bowl-calibre team, and registered 9.0 sacks and an interception. On top of this, he forced a fumble and recovered two more, proving his indispensible value at generating turnovers and generally disrupting the opposition. The 22-year old defensive end proved that he can excel when it matters most, as Bosa has earned 3.0 sacks in just two postseason games - and will now attempt to win the Super Bowl to cap off a tremendous season.

Honourable Mentions: Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals), Josh Jacobs (Oakland Raiders), AJ Brown (Tennessee Titans).

Offensive Play of the Year: Russell Wilson TD pass to Tyler Lockett vs Los Angeles Rams

This was the sort of play that once it happened, you had a feeling it would not be topped all year. In a tense divisional clash against the LA Rams, the Seahawks had a slim lead as the second quarter approached. Seattle were on the LA 13-yard line however, and were threatening to score - and then it happened. Wilson faked the hand-off to Chris Carson and found himself with time to survey his options. With the Rams pass-rush - led by Aaron Donald and Dante Fowler Jr. - swarming him, Wilson wheeled to his right, buying just enough time to sling the ball across his body towards the corner of the endzone. It appeared to be fruitless, but receiver Tyler Lockett pulled off an absolutely insane play to score the touchdown, toe-tapping right in the corner. It was a stunning throw from Wilson, who put in the only spot where both the opposition backs couldn’t stop it and Lockett could make a play.

Honourable Mentions: Courtland Sutton receiving TD vs Chargers, Lamar Jackson TD rush vs Bengals, Patrick Mahomes TD rush vs Titans.

Defensive Play of the Year: Dre Greenlaw goal-line stop vs Seattle Seahawks

It may not be strictly the most impressive play in terms of athleticism or general mind-blowing ‘wow’ factor, but this was the single-most important defensive play all season - and arguably the most dramatic. The battle for the number one seed came down to the final play, with the Seattle Seahawks approximately four-yards from defeating the 49ers for the second time on the year and earning that coveted playoff bye. Wilson snapped the ball and threw a short slant to tight end Jacob Hollister, who seemed certain to find the endzone and win the game. However, linebacker Dre Greenlaw had other ideas and, aided by Fred Warner, made a tremendous hit that ensured victory in Seattle for San Francisco. If Hollister had scored, the Green Bay Packers would have possesed home-field advantage throughout the NFC bracket, whilst Seattle would’ve been elevated to the second seed. Instead, the 49ers ensured the path to Miami ran through Santa Clara - and certainly took advantage of it.

Honourable Mentions: Nick Bosa INT vs Panthers, Malik Hooker INT vs Chargers, Kareem Jackson fumble TD vs Houston Texans.