It is important to remember that awards can be about narratives. Obviously in order to win an award in the NFL you have to perform. That goes without saying. But you also have to perform in a way that feels a bit theatrical and cinematic. Awards are voted on by people, human beings with emotions and feelings. Defying the odds or stifling the noise is a powerful thing and difficult for people to shake when casting a ballot.
Consider the league’s MVP award last season. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson took it home, his second career MVP, but the numbers from his season are certainly debatable with other quarterbacks (given that the MVP award is mostly a quarterback one) around the league.