The 1st half of the 2017 NFL season has featured more plot twists than M. Night Shyamalan's filmography. Numerous preseason darlings are currently sitting at the bottom of their divisions (Raiders, Giants, Buccaneers), perennial laughing stocks (Bills, Rams, Jaguars) are in the thick of the playoff picture and perhaps strangest of all, the Eagles own the best record in the league (7-1) entering Week 9. As a result of all this madness, the top individual performers thus far are almost completely comprised of players that no one expected to be in the running for these honors prior to the start of the season. Here are my picks for the NFL's midseason awards and let's hope that the 2nd half of the season is just as beautifully chaotic as the 1st.
MVP: Russell Wilson, quarterback (Seahawks)
He might not have the eye-popping TD total of Carson Wentz or the efficiency of Tom Brady, but no player in the league has thrived under adversity more than Russell Wilson. Wilson has overcome porous offensive line play and a non-existent running game to string together a series of gutsy, clutch performances that has resulted in a 5-2 start for the Seahawks.
Honorable Mentions: Tom Brady, quarterback (Patriots), Carson Wentz, quarterback (Eagles), Alex Smith, quarterback (Chiefs)
Top Offensive Player: Antonio Brown, wide receiver (Steelers)
With Julio Jones having a tame season by his lofty standards (37 REC, 540 YDS, 1 TD in 7 games) and Odell Beckham Jr. suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 5, Antonio Brown has used the first 8 games to re-establish his claim for the title of best wide receiver in the league. The 29-year old currently leads the league in receptions (57) and yards (835) in a season where Ben Roethlisberger has been wildly erratic. If he can stay healthy and take advantage of the plethora of favorable matchups (Colts, Titans, Packers, Patriots, Browns) he has down the stretch, making a run at Calvin Johnson's single-season receiving record (1,964) isn't out of the question.
Honorable Mentions: Kareem Hunt, running back (Chiefs), Le'Veon Bell, running back (Steelers), Todd Gurley, running back (Rams)
Top Defensive Player: Calias Campbell, defensive end (Jaguars)
The signing of versatile, workhorse veteran defensive lineman Calias Campbell in free agency this past March seemed like a smart move that would help bolster Jacksonville's promising young defense, but I never expected him to help turn the Jaguars D into a sack-and-takeaway machine overnight. Campbell's dominance up front (32 tackles, 10 sacks, 2 forced fumbles) has been crucial to the Jags defensive renaissance that has put them in the unlikely position of contending for a division title a year after finishing 3-13.
Honorable Mentions: Joey Bosa, defensive end (Chargers), DeMarcus Lawrence, defensive end (Cowboys), Marshon Lattimore, cornerback (Saints)
Top Offensive Rookie: Kareem Hunt, running back (Chiefs)
As impressive as Deshaun Watson has been over the past month, Kareem Hunt is still the king of this draft class in my eyes. Hunt has taken full advantage of his opportunity to start following Spencer Ware's season-ending knee injury by ripping off a league-leading 763 rushing YDS, 6 TD's (4 rushing, 2 receiving) and 100+ yards from scrimmage in 7 straight games to start off his NFL career.
Honorable Mentions: Deshaun Watson, quarterback (Texans), Leonard Fournette, running back (Jaguars), JuJu Smith-Schuster, wide receiver (Steelers)
Top Defensive Rookie: Marshon Lattimore, cornerback (Saints)
If there was any lingering doubt that Marshon Lattimore was a steal with the #11 overall pick in the draft, the first 7 games of his professional career have shattered it. Lattimore has yet to allow more than 38 YDS in a game and his status as a legit lockdown corner has been instrumental in helping the Saints defense look competent for the first time since 2013.
Honorable Mentions: Tre'Davious White, cornerback (Bills), Carl Lawson, outside linebacker (Bengals), Eddie Jackson, safety (Bears)
Top Coach: Sean McVay (Rams)
The speed in which Sean McVay has turned this seemingly helpless franchise around is absolutely remarkable. Within his first 2 months on the job, he's breathed into a long-stagnant offense with dynamic playcalling, restored quarterback Jared Goff's confidence after a miserable rookie campaign and reminded the football world how dominant Todd Gurley can be when he's utilized properly. I haven't been this impressed with a 1st-time NFL head coach since Bruce Arians and barring a monumental collapse down the stretch, he should win Coach of the Year by a landslide.
Honorable Mentions: Doug Pederson (Eagles), Sean McDermott (Bills), Doug Marrone (Jaguars)
Playoff Predictions:
AFC:
1.Steelers
2.Patriots
3.Chiefs
4.Jaguars
5.Texans
6.Bills
Wild Card:
Chiefs over Bills
Texans over Jaguars
Divisional Round:
Steelers over Texans
Patriots over Chiefs
Conference Championship:
Patriots over Steelers
NFC
1.Eagles
2.Seahawks
3.Saints
4.Vikings
5.Rams
6.Panthers
Wild Card:
Saints over Panthers
Rams over Vikings
Divisional Round:
Eagles over Rams
Saints over Seahawks
Conference Championship:
Saints over Eagles
Super Bowl:
Patriots over Saints
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