Top Player: Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
Somehow, Jackson has been even better to start 2024 than he was during his MVP Campaign last season. He's having easily his best season as a passer by any meaningful metric you want to use (CMP%, QBR, YPA, TD's), has improved at getting the ball out quickly/evading the rush without upping his pick total (13 sacks taken, 2 INT's thrown in 9 games played) and remains the most lethal rushing QB in the league-clearing 500 YDS on only 84 attempts. A potentially tough stretch run that includes games with the Chargers, Texans and a pair of meeting with their archrival Steelers could disrupt his momentum, but if he can at least come close to maintaining this level of play during the final 7 games, he should be adding a 3rd MVP award to his trophy case.
Honorable Mentions: Joe Burrow (Bengals), Josh Allen (Bills), Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)
Top Offensive Player: Derrick Henry (Ravens)
Another huge factor in Jackson's incredible start to 2024 has been Henry. The 30-year-old back continues to deify conventional wisdom surrounding aging workhorse backs as he not only refuses to break down but looks about as good as he ever has. John Harbaugh and Todd Monken have done a masterful job of giving him some prolonged stretches of rest throughout the game and it's allowed him to come on like a freight train going 100 mph whenever the Ravens are trying to impose their will on the ground, which has resulted in him putting up some ridiculous numbers (6.0 YPC, 13 total TD's, season-long run of 87 YDS, clearing 1,000 YDS on the ground in only 9 games) that are well ahead of every other starting back in the league.
Honorable Mentions: Justin Jefferson (Vikings), Saquon Barkley (Eagles), George Kittle (49ers)
Top Defensive Player: T.J. Watt (Steelers)
The Steelers defense is once again among the league's best, and Watt is the top reason why. His ability to disrupt a game is as reliable as ever-logging 33 tackles, 10 TFL's, 6.5 sacks, 14 QB hits, 16 pressures and 4 forced fumbles through 8 games and the depth-bolstering addition of Preston Smith at the trade deadline could set him up to feast even more to close out 2024.
Honorable Mentions: Dexter Lawrence (Giants), Fred Warner (49ers), Kerby Joseph (Lions)
Top Offensive Rookie: Jayden Daniels (Commanders)
After all the buzz surrounding the 2024 QB class, Daniels has solidified himself as the clear top dog (as a rookie at least). While he's unquestionably benefitted from a really soft schedule, he's looked poised as a passer and explosive as a rusher from the jump and his high level of play is one of the top reasons the Commanders are off to such a surprisingly great start.
Honorable Mentions: Brock Bowers (Raiders), Malik Nabers (Giants), Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars)
Top Defensive Rookie: Jared Verse (Rams)
The gap between the level of play of the offensive and defensive players in the 2024 rookie class has already proven to be enormous. Among the handful of defensive rookies that have gotten off to strong starts, Verse stands alone at the top of the mountain by a colossal margin. The Florida State product has been borderline elite as a Day 1 starter on the edge-particularly over the past month as the Rams have clawed their way back to .500 after a 1-4 start-picking up 33 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 13 QB hits, 22 pressures and a forced fumble.
Honorable Mentions: Andru Phillips (Giants), Kamari Lassiter (Texans), Evan Williams (Packers)
Top Coach: Dan Quinn (Commanders)
We all know how Quinn's tenure with the Falcons ended after a great 2-season run from 2016-17 that included the infamous Super Bowl Collapse versus the Patriots. His (potential) redemption arc that started during his successful tenure as the Cowboys DC from 2021-23 has really kicked into high gear with the triumphant start to his 2nd head coaching gig with the Commanders. They've considerably improved in all 3 phases of the game after a horrific 2023 under Ron Rivera, OC Kliff Kingsbury has done an outstanding job of building a system that accentuates Jayden Daniels' strengths and best of all, his players have really bought into him as a leader.
Honorable Mentions: Jim Harbaugh (Chargers), Raheem Morris (Falcons), Sean McVay (Rams)
Top Comeback Player: Kirk Cousins (Falcons)
Outside of an ugly Week 1 showing against the Steelers, Cousins has gracefully returned to form following a devastating Achilles injury that cost him the majority of the 2023 season. His accuracy has been excellent, he's on the same page as all of his top targets (Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Kyle Pitts) and has generally been the stabilizing force the Falcons wanted him to be when they brough him in free agency to succeed Desmond Ridder as their starting QB.
Honorable Mentions: J.K. Dobbins (Chargers), Sam Darnold (Vikings), Damar Hamlin (Bills)
Mid-Season All-Pro Team
Quarterback
1st team: Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
2nd team: Joe Burrow (Bengals)
Running Back
1st team: Derrick Henry (Ravens), Saquon Barkley (Eagles)
2nd team: Josh Jacobs (Packers), Bijan Robinson (Falcons)
Wide Receiver
1st team: Justin Jefferson (Vikings), Zay Flowers (Ravens)
2nd team: Garrett Wilson (Jets), Nico Collins (Texans)
Tight End
1st team: George Kittle (49ers)
2nd team: Brock Bowers (Raiders)
Tackle
1st team: Trenton Armstead (Dolphins), Penei Sewell (Lions)
2nd team: Tristian Wirfs (Buccaneers), Zach Tom (Packers)
Guard:
1st team: Quenton Nelson (Colts), Trey Smith (Chiefs)
2nd team: Joe Thuney (Chiefs), Chris Lindstrom (Falcons)
Center:
1st team: Creed Humphrey (Chiefs)
2nd team: Aaron Brewer (Dolphins)
Defensive End
1st team: Aidan Hutchinson (Lions), Myles Garrett (Browns)
2nd team: Nick Bosa (49ers), Trey Hendrickson (Bengals)
Defensive Tackle
1st team: Dexter Lawrence (Giants), Cameron Heyward (Steelers)
2nd team: Chris Jones (Chiefs), Alim McNeill (Lions)
Outside Linebacker
1st team: T.J. Watt (Steelers), Khalil Mack (Chargers)
2nd team: Jonathan Greenard (Vikings), Kyle Van Noy (Ravens)
Inside Linebacker
1st team: Fred Warner (49ers), Logan Wilson (Bengals)
2nd team: Bobby Wagner (Commanders), Zack Baun (Eagles)
Cornerback
1st team: Zyon McCollum (Buccaneers), Marlon Humphrey (Ravens)
2nd team: D.J. Reed (Jets), Jalen Ramsey (Dolphins)
Safety
1st team: Kerby Joseph (Lions), Brian Branch (Lions)
2nd team: Xavier McKinney (Packers), Brandon Jones (Broncos)
Kicker
1st team: Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys)
2nd team: Austin Seibert (Commanders)
Punter:
1st team: A.J. Cole (Raiders)
2nd team: Jack Fox (Lions)
Return Specialist:
1st team: Kalif Raymond (Lions)
2nd team: DeeJay Dallas (Cardinals)
Special Teamer:
1st team: Feleipe Franks (Panthers)
2nd team: Miles Killebrew (Steelers)
Playoff and Super Bowl Predictions:
AFC:
1.Chiefs
2.Bills
3.Ravens
4.Texans
5.Steelers
6.Chargers
7.Bengals
Wild Card:
Bills over Bengals
Ravens over Chargers
Steelers over Texans
Divisional Round:
Chiefs over Steelers
Bills over Ravens
Conference Championship:
Chiefs over Bills
NFC:
1.Lions
2.Falcons
3.Commanders
4.Cardinals
5.Packers
6.Vikings
7.Eagles
Wild Card:
Falcons over Eagles
Vikings over Commanders
Packers over Cardinals
Divisional Round:
Lions over Vikings
Falcons over Packers
Conference Championship:
Falcons over Lions
Super Bowl:
Chiefs over Falcons
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