Matt Ryan wins MVP award while Dak Prescott edges Ezekiel Elliott to Offensive Rookie of the Year

MATT RYAN completed one half of a dream double in Houston by scooping the NFL’s coveted Most Valuable Player Award.

The Atlanta quarterback threw 38 touchdown passes during a red-hot regular-season, and he was rewarded with the biggest individual prize in the game on Saturday night.

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But it’s the team goal that Ryan will have eyes on as his Falcons side look to deliver a first Super Bowl title in team history when they take on the New England Patriots.

In a taped acceptance speech, Ryan said: “I just want to say thank you. This is an incredible honour for me. Obviously, there are so many other great candidates and players who had amazing seasons.

“I want to thank all my teammates. Obviously, without them, none of this is possible. We’ve had so many guys on our team make great plays and have great seasons for us, so thank you to those guys.”

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It was one of two awards for Ryan on Saturday night at the NFL’s annual awards ceremony as he also won the Offensive Player of the Year prize.

But he’ll have to break a mini curse as the last seven MVPs who went to the Super Bowl that year all lost.

Elsewhere, the Dallas Cowboys were big winners with head coach Jason Garrett named Coach of the Year.

Cowboys sensations Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott battled it out for the Offensive Rookie of the Year prize, and it was the rookie Prescott who edged it.

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On the defensive side of the ball, the honour went to Khalil Mack of the Oakland Raiders for his dominant play.

Chargers lineman Joey Bosa scooped the Defensive Rookie of the Year award despite his first season in the league being delayed by injuries.