First disclaimer, this article was done on Sunday night, so sorry to those who have played their games on Monday or have played a week 8 game. I would also like to point out, that this is just one person looking over all of the stats for the league, so my apologies if anyone was missed, feel free to post them below.

 

Now that we each have 6-7(This is being typed as of week 7, after about 60-70% of the games have been played) games into the season, I just wanted to do an article about the front runners for each award. I was originally planning on doing this after week 8, but to get it out in time for the radio show, I am doing it a week early. I will post who I think the front runners, dark horses and who I would vote for with an explanation and some key stats for each. 

 

Most Valuable Player:

 

Front Runners: 

Ryan Tannehill | Miami | 5 Games Played | 126.8 QBR, 1,492 Pass Yards, 14 Pass Td's, 4 Int, 73 Rush Yards, 1 Rush Td

Tony Romo | Dallas | 6 Games Played | 118.9 QBR, 1,283 Pass Yards, 10 Pass Td's, 3 Int, 20 Rush Yards, 1 Rush Td

Tyrod Taylor | Buffalo | 7 Games Played | 113.3 QBR, 1,573 Pass Yards, 18 Pass Td's, 5 Int, 144 Rush Yards, 0 Rush Td

Tyler Bray | Kansas City | 6 Games Played | 113.0 QBR, 1,261 Pass Yards, 10 Pass Td's, 2 Int, 0 Rush Yards, 0 Rush Td

Brandin Cooks | New Orleans | 7 Games Played | 20 Receptions, 713 Receiving Yards, 8 Rec Td's

Demarco Murray | Philadelphia | 7 Games Played | 776 Rush Yards, 5 Rush Td's, 167 Receiving Yards, 2 Rec Td's

 

Dark Horses:

Brett Hundley | Arizona | 7 Games Played | 112.1 QBR, 1,460 Pass Yards, 10 Pass Td's, 3 Int, 77 Rush Yards, 2 Rush Td's

Ben Roethlisberger | Pittsburgh | 6 Games Played | 104.3 QBR, 1,725 Pass Yards, 16 Pass Td's, 6 Int, 27 Rush Yards, 9 Rush Td's

Jamaal Charles | Kansas City | 6 Games Played | 585 Rushing Yards, 3 Rushing Td's, 227 Receiving Yards, 1 Rec Td

Aaron Donald | St. Louis | 6 Games Played | 20 Tackles, 6 Tackles For a Loss, 9.5 Sacks, 2 Deflections, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Fumble Recov

Tyrann Mathieu | Jacksonville | 7 Games Played | 53 Tackles, 1 For a Loss, 5 Interceptions, 6 Deflections, 1 Forced Fumble

 

My Vote: 

Tannehill would get my vote because of his QBR and due to him averaging the most Passing Td's per game out of any QB. The fact that he is leading an unbeaten team definitely helps him as well. Number 2 on my voting, would be Brandin Cooks. He's been the most dynamic play maker so far, and would have gotten my vote if he didn't play for a sub .500 team that is only 2nd in their division.

 

Offensive Player of the Year:

 

Front Runners: 

Ryan Tannehill | Miami | 5 Games Played | 126.8 QBR, 1,492 Pass Yards, 14 Pass Td's, 4 Int, 73 Rush Yards, 1 Rush Td

Tyrod Taylor | Buffalo | 7 Games Played | 113.3 QBR, 1,573 Pass Yards, 18 Pass Td's, 5 Int, 144 Rush Yards, 0 Rush Td

Brandin Cooks | New Orleans | 7 Games Played | 20 Receptions, 713 Receiving Yards, 8 Rec Td's

Demarco Murray | Philadelphia | 7 Games Played | 776 Rush Yards, 5 Rush Td's, 167 Receiving Yards, 2 Rec Td's

Jamaal Charles | Kansas City | 6 Games Played | 585 Rushing Yards, 3 Rushing Td's, 227 Receiving Yards, 1 Rec Td

 

Dark Horses:

Tony Romo | Dallas | 6 Games Played | 118.9 QBR, 1,283 Pass Yards, 10 Pass Td's, 3 Int, 20 Rush Yards, 1 Rush Td

Tyler Bray | Kansas City | 6 Games Played | 113.0 QBR, 1,261 Pass Yards, 10 Pass Td's, 2 Int, 0 Rush Yards, 0 Rush Td

Brett Hundley | Arizona | 7 Games Played | 112.1 QBR, 1,460 Pass Yards, 10 Pass Td's, 3 Int, 77 Rush Yards, 2 Rush Td's

Ben Roethlisberger | Pittsburgh | 6 Games Played | 104.3 QBR, 1,725 Pass Yards, 16 Pass Td's, 6 Int, 27 Rush Yards, 9 Rush Td's

Dez Bryant | Cowboys | 6 Games Played | 35 Receptions | 592 Yards Receiving | 4 Rec Td's

 

My Vote:

As you can see, my Front Runners differ from the MVP Front Runners. I tend to think QBR and efficiency matter more when it comes to talking about MVP candidates. With Offensive Player of the year, I typically throw the records and efficiency out the window and look at who is the most impressive player at their position. To me it is hard to argue that Cooks has been the most impressive player. If you look at the QB's, you can make a case for a number of QB's to be considered the best. Same goes for the RB's with Charles, Murray and some of the other RB's. Currently in the league, it is clearly Cooks who is the best receiver and he is keeping pace yard wise, with the top running backs and has more touchdowns than any other skill player. Cooks would get my vote, Tannehill 2nd, Taylor 3rd, Murray 4th and Charles 5th.

 

Defensive Player of the Year:

 

Front Runners: 

Aaron Donald | St. Louis | 6 Games Played | 20 Tackles, 6 Tackles For a Loss, 9.5 Sacks, 2 Deflections, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Fumble Recov

Tyrann Mathieu | Jacksonville | 7 Games Played | 53 Tackles, 1 For a Loss, 5 Interceptions, 6 Deflections, 1 Forced Fumble

 

Dark Horses:

Calais Campbell | Arizona | 7 Games Played | 17 Tackles, 2 For a Loss, 8 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble

Ryan Davis | Jacksonville | 7 Games Played | 22 Tackles, 4 For a Loss, 8 Sacks, 1 Deflection

Nigel Bradham | Buffalo | 7 Games Played | 48 Tackles, 7 For a Loss, 1 Sack, 4 Interceptions, 4 Deflections, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Fumble Recov

Daryl Washington | Arizona | 7 Games Played | 40 Tackles, 4 For a Loss, 3 Sacks, 4 Interceptions, 2 Deflections 

Glover Quinn | Detroit | 6 Games Played | 42 Tackles, 4 For a Loss, 4 Interceptions, 2 Deflections

 

My Vote:

This one is really a 2 horse race at this point, and it really comes down to preference of DL to DB or if you prefer sacks to turnovers. I personally would vote for Mathieu because I think Interceptions outweigh sacks and the difference in the number of tackles is heavily in Tyrann's favor.

 

Offensive Rookie of the Year:

 

Front Runners: 

Brett Hundley | Arizona | 7 Games Played | 112.1 QBR, 1,460 Pass Yards, 10 Pass Td's, 3 Int, 77 Rush Yards, 2 Rush Td's

David Johnson | Arizona | 7 Games Played | 575 Rush Yards, 5 Rush Td's, 139 Receiving Yards, 0 Rec Td's

TJ Yeldon | Jacksonville | 7 Games Played | 520 Rush Yards, 4 Rush Td's, 105 Receiving Yards, 1 Rec Td

Todd Gurley | St. Louis | 6 Games Played | 489 Rush Yards, 6 Rush Td's, 76 Receiving Yards, 0 Rec Td

 

Dark Horses:

Marcus Mariota | Tennessee | 5 Games Played | 104 QBR, 759 Pass Yards, 2 Pass Td's, 1 Int, 40 Rush Yards, 0 Rush Td's

Tevin Coleman | Atlanta | 6 Games Played | 524 Rush Yards, 1 Rush Td, 139 Receiving Yards, 0 Rec Td

Ameer Abdullah | Detroit | 6 Games Played | 504 Rush Yards, 3 Rush Td's, 76 Receiving Yards, 1 Rec Td

Amari Cooper | Oakland | 5 Games Played | 20 Receptions, 357 Receiving Yards, 4 Receiving Td's

 

My Vote:

Due to the importance of the QB position, my vote would go to Hundley. The Cardinals commitment to youth, shines through here as they have 2 players that are Front Runners. The difference between the top 3 RB's is very small and don't be surprised to see Abdullah surge past those RB's once he starts to get more touches(due to his ridiculous 7.3 Yards Per Carry).

 

Defensive Rookie of the Year:

 

Front Runners:

Landon Collins | Giants | 7 Games Played | 57 Tackles, 5 For a Loss, 2 Sacks, 1 Interception, 2 Deflections

 

Dark Horses:

Vic Beasley Jr | Falcons | 6 Games Played | 19 Tackles, 3 For a Loss, 3 Sacks

Stephone Anthony | Saints | 7 Games Played | 38 Tackles, 4 For a Loss, 1 Sack, 3 Deflections

Bud Dupree | Steelers | 6 Games Played | 31 Tackles, 5 For a Loss, 1 Sack, 4 Deflections

 

My Vote:

This category is dominated by Landon Collins and it is not close. Not a surprise to see teams shy away from rookie defenders early in the season, but the Giants dedication to the young safety has made him by far the clear favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

 

Special Teams Player of the Year:

Front Runners: 

Shane Wynn | Buffalo | 7 Games Played | 545 KR Yards, 30.3 KR Average, 0 KR Td, 201 PR Yards, 15.5 PR Average, 2 PR Td's

Kenjon Barner | Philadelphia | 7 Games Played | 557 KR Yards, 26.5 KR Average, 1 KR Td, 233 PR Yards, 13.7 PR Average, 0 PR Td

 

Dark Horses:

Jamison Crowder | Washington | 7 Games Played | 660 KR Yards, 26.4 KR Average, 1 KR Td, 83 PR Yards, 9.2 PR Average, 0 PR Td

Chandler Catanzaro | Arizona | 7 Games Played | 14/15(93%) on FG Attempts, 53 Long FG, 3/3 on FG over 50 Yards

Brandon Fields | Vikings | 5 Games Played | 9 Punts Inside the 20, 3 Touchbacks, 64 Long Punt

 

My Vote:

My vote for this would go to Wynn, due to the better averages and having 1 more return TD than Barner. I would not be surprised if my vote is swayed by a few more big returns by the Philly return man. Catanzaro or Fields could possibly steal votes depending on how people value kickers and punters.

 

Most Improved:

 

Front Runners: 

Tyrod Taylor | Buffalo | 7 Games Played | Tyrod played in the NFL for 4 years and never threw a touchdown. This season, he is off to a hot start with 18 touchdowns in 7 games and is leading the Bills to a 5-2 record.

Tyler Bray | Kansas City | 6 Games Played | As irrelevant as Tyrod was before this season, at least he had taken snaps. Bray had previously never even entered a game for the Chiefs and is now leading them with 10 touchdowns to just 2 interceptions.

Christine Michael | Cowboys | 6 Games Played | Michael came into the season with 250 total rushing yards and 0 touchdowns for his career. He currently is leading the Cowboys with 515 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground.

 

Dark Horses:

Blake Bortles | Jacksonville | 7 Games Played | Bortles finished his rookie year with 11 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He came into the 2015 season with an emphasis on limiting turnovers and currently has 13 touchdowns to just 8 interceptions.

Ryan Davis | Jacksonville | 7 Games Played | Davis finished 2014 with an impressive 6.5 sacks and has been building on that momentum so far in 2015. Through 7 games, he already has surpassed that total with 8 and is on pace to almost triple the previous years total.

Benson Mayowa | Buffalo | 7 Games Played | What was seemingly a throw in piece in a trade between the Raiders and Bills, has turned into a regular contributor on Buffalo's defensive line. Before this year, Mayowa had 1 career sack. He already has 5 through 7 games this year.

 

My Vote: 

This is a tough vote that would come down to Bray or Taylor. Both come from no where and have led their teams efficiently and are now MVP candidates. Tyrod's 18 touchdowns to 10 for Bray, would be the deciding factor for me.

 

Comeback Player of the Year:

 

Front Runners: 

Sam Bradford | Philadelphia | 7 Games Played | Bradford has never been able to live to his top pick status, and the main reason is injuries. After tearing his ACL twice and having other leg injuries in previous seasons, Bradford has avoided any major injuries and is enjoying the success that comes with it. He's thrown 12 touchdowns to just 3 interceptions and is on pace to 27 touchdowns. Eagles fans are rubbing their rabbit feet hoping his health issues are finally over.  

Adrian Peterson | Indianapolis | 5 Games Played | After a nightmare of a season, that saw Peterson suspended for 15 games, a fresh start is just what was needed. Since being traded to Indianapolis, Peterson has ran for 483 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns.

Navarro Bowman | San Fran | 7 Games Played | After missing the 2014 season with an ACL injury, Bowman has racked up 51 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 interceptions. If Bowman continues at this pace, he could see himself sneaking into the DPOY talk.

 

Dark Horses:

Derrick Johnson | Kansas City | 6 Games Played | After tearing his achilles during the first game of 2014, many wondered if that was going to be the end of this 32 year old LB's career. Johnson has not only proved the doubters wrong, but is on pace for the most tackles that he's had since 2012. 

Jairus Byrd | New Orleans | 7 Games Played | After playing in only 4 games in 2014, Byrd has bounced back and is now leading the Saints in tackles(already more than doubling his total from last year, 22 to 46). Byrd is still looking to get back to his turnover machine mentality that he had early in his career at Buffalo, but has managed to get 1 interception so far.

 

My Vote: 

My vote would come down to Bradford or Bowman, due to not thinking that Peterson deserves recognition for coming back from suspension. I would end up picking Bowman because I think he has potential to finish the season as the best MLB, where as Bradford, even if he stays at this pace, is still toward the bottom 10. Both very impressive comebacks to be sure though.

 

Coach of the Year:

 

My Vote:

Not going to do a front runner/dark horse for this category, but I will point out that I think DJM(5-0 with Dolphins), Bird(5-0 with Raiders) and Rog(5-2 with Jaguars) have all done a great job turning low rated teams into Division Leaders. 

 

Highlight of the Year:

 

We currently have a handful of entrants for the award(I would personally vote for my entry :p ). Remember that Papi, on behalf of daddyleagues, is putting up 50$ PSN card for the winner of this award. The only requirement is that we have to get 15 participants. If anyone still has any questions on how to upload a highlight, feel free to let me know. Here is the forum to post your nominations; http://daddyleagues.com/mbc/forum/topic/28329

 

Joker will be going over these on his radio show, feel free to call and debate with your own picks or nominations.