Midseason NFL Predictions and Awards: Tua MVP, Ravens win AFC
The NFL Season has officially hit the midway point, and a lot has happened in merely two months of action. From upset losses to surprise teams, this season has been breathtaking and thrilling to watch. With November approaching, here are my official NFL Midseason Predictions and Awards...
Player and Coach Awards
MVP: Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins QB
Tua is finally putting it all together in Year four, as he has the Dolphins sitting at 6-2 and tied for the best record in the AFC. On the season, Tagovailoa has thrown 2,416 yards, 18 T.D.s, and seven interceptions. He leads the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns, respectively. Though Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts are prominent candidates for this award, Tua's Dolphins rank first in every significant offensive stat, including points per game and yards per game. The former Alabama Star is quarterbacking one of the greatest offenses of all time and has the individual stats to strengthen his MVP Case further...
OPOY: A.J. Brown, Eagles WR
After an unusually sluggish start, Brown has been the best WR in the NFL since October commenced. A.J. shattered Clavin Johnson's record for the most consecutive 125-yard games ever this past week and has been a touchdown machine lately. On the year, Brown has hauled in 60 catches for 939 yards and five touchdowns. Though Tyreek Hill and Christian McCaffrey have more prolific numbers, Arthur Juan is the best player on the best team in the league currently and has been putting up MVP-type numbers since Week 3...
DPOY: Myles Garrett, Browns Edge
Garrett is establishing himself as one of the most dominant players of our generation and will finally be rewarded with the trophy he has coveted for years. On the season, Garrett has recorded 8.5 sacks, 7 TFLs, and a whopping 17 QB hits. The former Aggie has been unblockable all season, and Browns' DC Jim Schwartz has had joy moving him around on the D-Line. Much like Tua, Garrett is the commander of arguably the best defense in the league, which bolsters his DPOY Case even more...
CPOY: Damar Hamlin, Bills Safety
We all know why, moving on—fantastic comeback and story.
OROY: Puka Nacua, Rams WR
If you bet this at the beginning of the season, you'll be a millionaire pretty soon. The 177th overall pick has outplayed every rookie WR by a long shot and has established himself as the pristine security blanket for Matthew Stafford. On the season, Nacua has pulled in 61 catches for 795 yards and two touchdowns. Jordan Addison's recent explosion has given Puka some competition, but the former BYU Star should run away with this award.
DROY: Devon Witherspoon, Seahawks DB
Jalen Carter is the current favorite, but Devon Witherspoon has been electric this season. The former Illinois superstar has formed the best young CB duo in the NFL with Tariq Woolen and isn't scared to get his hands dirty in the run game. On the season, Witherspoon has 33 tackles, one interception, eight passes defended, two sacks, and two TFLs. Opposing QBs' passer rating and completion percentage when targeting the Spoon: 74.7 and 55%. Devon has established himself as a lockdown corner in just six games and has been the most impactful rookie defensive player...
COY: Dan Campbell, Lions HC
After years of mediocrity and suffering, the Lions finally have an impressive team to cheer for. Detroit is 6-2 for the first time since 2011, and Dan Campbell is a significant reason why. Motor City Dan has transformed the culture in Detroit and has Jared Goff playing the best football of his career. The Lions should quickly run away with the NFC North in a few weeks and host a home playoff game in January. When that happens, Campbell will have this award latched...
NFC/AFC Champion, SB PICK
AFC Champion: Baltimore Ravens
Before the season, Kansas City was my AFC Champion and Super Bowl pick, but they have yet to look as assertive as I thought. On the other hand, the Ravens have been dominant since their loss in Pittsburgh. Lamar Jackson has returned to MVP form, and Baltimore has found a reliable run game behind Gus Edwards. Outside of Mark Andrews, their pass catchers concern me, but Lamar Jackson has the talent to overcome it. KC and Miami will give the Ravens a run for their money, but my faith is in LJ8...
NFC Champion: Seattle Seahawks
The Eagles are the obvious pick here, but I'm sticking with my preseason pick. Seattle is 5-2 on the year, overtaking the 49ers for first place in the NFC West after defeating the Browns. The Seahawks' defense has been the story of their season, as they are letting up just 19 points per game. Seattle's run defense has been excellent as well, allowing just 3.6 yards per carry. On the other hand, the Seattle Offense has been sluggish to start the season. Turnovers and carless football have plagued the unit, but when they're clicking, there's no better offense in the NFC. The Eagles will pose a noteworthy threat, and the 49ers adding Chase Young makes them frightening, but I'm sticking with my preseason pick. The addition of Leonard Williams will make the defense even more dangerous, and the offense will get it going with all that young talent...
SB PICK: Seattle Seahawks
Though they aren't nearly as dominant as the Legion of Boom, this Seattle team reminds me of the early 2010s Seahawks teams. Exceptional defense, run-first offense, efficient play-action passes. Many will call this pick foolish, but if Geno can play clean, mistake-free football in January, Seattle will bring the Lombardi back to the 12s!!
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