As we reach mid-November, races across the league are starting to heat up. Both from teams and individual players fighting for awards and accolades. There are some close races right now, and with the season just over halfway through, it’s time to take a look at who is leading the pack for each award.
MVP- Lamar Jackson QB (BAL)
Following his second MVP campaign, Jackson has outdone himself in year 7 with his best effort yet. Lamar has 2,669 yards and 24 touchdowns passing to just 2 interceptions with an EPA total on pace for the highest of all time. Jackson’s Ravens are 7-3 and in the heat of the AFC North race with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jackson has not completely erased everyone else as it is just November, but with each passing week he closes the door that much more.
OPOY- Derrick Henry RB (BAL)
Jackson’s running mate in the backfield is in the lead to take home this year’s Offensive Player of the Year Award. Although Saquon Barkley has been incredibly impressive, Derrick Henry at age 30 is on pace for over 1,900 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground. Henry and his QB are the reason Baltimore may have their best chance yet in the Lamar era to win the Lombardi Trophy.
DPOY- TJ Watt EDGE (PIT)
Watt, who won the award in 2021, is leading the league’s 7th best defense in terms of EPA/play on a team that is 7-2. Watt has registered 6.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles, as well as being 2nd in QB hits. Watt is leading a pass rush unit that is 7th in pass rush win rate. Watt seeks his second DPOY as the brother of JJ, who won the award 3 times.
OROY- Jayden Daniels QB (WAS)
Daniels has catapulted the Commanders to the top of the NFC East with his heroics as a rookie. Daniels is 2nd in EPA/play and has been one of the league’s best dual threats, with 2,611 total yards and 13 TDs. With a looming showdown against the Eagles on TNF, Daniels can strengthen his case even more. If Drake Maye had started from Week One, he would likely be in contention, but Daniels is the leader in the clubhouse.
DROY- Jared Verse EDGE (LAR)
Similar to Daniels, Verse is pulling away from the field big time on the defensive side of the football. As a rookie, the Rams DE has totaled 44 pressures and 6 sacks. On MNF against Miami, Verse had 5 pressures and a sack against Tua Tagovailoa. Quinyon Mitchell likely is the nearest fellow rookie to Verse.
COTY- Dan Campbell (DET)
After Campbell was overlooked in 2023 for the award, he will be hard to ignore this season as his Lions are 8-1 and heading towards a second straight NFC North crown. The team has improved from a very good 2023 and is the most dominant force in the NFC right now. Dan Quinn and Raheem Morris are also in the mix, but a ways behind.
CPOTY- Kirk Cousins QB (ATL)
Cousins, fresh off of an Achilles tear, has the Falcons leading the NFC South by 2 games in year one. Cousins has a 500-yard game under his belt and sits at 6-4 with 2,634 yards and 17 touchdowns. Aaron Rodgers was the preseason favorite with the same injury but seems to be fading away.
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