Now through more than half of the NFL season, it's good timing to look at the NFL Award candidates. These players and coaches are the favorites for the awards through Week 11.
After playing only two games last season due to a major ankle injury, Prescott is the overwhelming favorite for the award. The Cowboys signal caller is in line for a career year, completing 70% of his passes for 2,341 yards and 20 touchdowns through Week 10.
Interceptions have been a problem for Burrow, but he's still having a strong sophomore season after suffering a knee injury last year. The former Heisman Trophy winner has thrown for nearly 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns through Week 10.
Wentz has made some mistakes in critical moments, but his stats still stand out. After leading the league in interceptions last year, Wentz had 17/3 TD/INT through Week 10.
Bosa played only two games last year due to a knee injury, but he's picked up where he left when he won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2019. He recorded an impressive eight sacks through nine games.
Conner has been in a rotation with Chase Edmonds for much of the season, but he's performed well in the Cardinals offense. The former Steeler leads the league with 12 touchdowns through 10 weeks.
No team faced more major injuries in training camp, and yet the Ravens are in the thick of the playoff race again. Baltimore has continued to win in all ways imaginable, and are set for another playoff push.
Vrabel has done an excellent job to lead his team to first place in the AFC South, but his best coaching could be ahead after the team lost Derrick Henry. The Titans have a realistic shot at the No. 1 seed in the AFC if Vrabel can keep the team on course.
Kingsbury has turned his team into a contender in his third season, seeing the offense become elite while the defense has also made great strides in 2021. The team has also done a great job overcoming the recent injuries of Kyler Murray, DeAndre Hopkins, and J.J. Watt.
The Pats rebuilt their roster in the offseason under Belichick's guidance, but have entered the AFC conversation earlier than most expected. The defense is now playing at an elite level, while the offense has been efficient with rookie Mac Jones at quarterback.
After a 2020 season plagued by injuries, the Cowboys are back in NFC contention this year. Mike McCarthy has helped lead an elite offense, while the defense has also made a comeback.
Parsons is the clear frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, helping turn around one of the worst defenses in the league. He's performed in a variety of roles, recording six sacks and 58 tackles through 10 weeks.
The Ravens have seemingly become a factory for edge rushers, with Oweh their newest pupil. The first-round pick has four sacks through nine games.
Surtain is proving that his status as the ninth pick in the draft wasn't due to nepotism. He's been an elite cover corner for the Broncos and has 32 tackles and one pick in 10 games to show for it.
The Giants needed pass-rush help in the offseason, and Ojulari has been able to answer the call. The second-round pick has 5.5 sacks through 10 weeks.
Samuel has shown a nose for the ball with two interceptions and 24 tackles through 10 weeks. He's played a key role for a Chargers defense that has struggled at times.
After sitting out the 2020 college season, Chase hasn't skipped a beat in his first NFL year. He's become an elite deep threat with 19 yards per reception, recording 835 yards and seven touchdowns through his first nine career games.
Jones is putting together one of the strongest seasons from a rookie quarterback in recent memory. The former Alabama star has completed 70% of his passes with 14 touchdowns in 11 games, leading the Pats back to contention.
The Steelers have been insistent that they want a more balanced offense this season, and that effort has been led by Harris. The first-round pick has over 900 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns through nine games.
Smith has made a smooth transition to the NFL after winning the Heisman Trophy at Alabama last year. He's Philly's leading receiver with 603 yards and four touchdowns through 10 games.
There have been some major hiccups but also signs of progress from the first overall pick in the draft. Lawrence has struggled with his accuracy but has thrown for nearly 2,000 yards in his first nine career games.
Garrett has already recorded double-digit sacks for the fourth consecutive seasons and is well on his way to winning Defensive Player of the Year. The Browns star leads the league with 13 sacks and 13 tackles for loss in his first 10 games.
Diggs has shown a nose for the ball in his second season, leading the league with eight interceptions and two pick-sixes over his first nine games. He began the season with an incredible streak of six consecutive games with an interception.
Like Myles Garrett, Watt has recorded double-digit sacks for the fourth straight year. After leading the NFL with 15 sacks last season, he has 12.5 sacks through Week 10.
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year, including last year, is in contention once again. Donald's numbers are down slightly, but he still has six sacks and 45 tackles through 10 games.
Byard has helped hold down a transitioning Titans secondary this season. He's rebounded to record five interceptions through Week 10.
Kupp has been on a record-breaking pace for the incredible Rams offense. Through Week 10, he leads the league in receptions (85), receiving yards (1,141), and receiving touchdowns (10).
Two missed games have stopped Murray's momentum, but he remains a top candidate for Offensive Player of the Year. He leads the lack with a 72.7% completion rate, along with 8.9 yards per pass attempt. He hasn't run as often this season but recorded nearly 2,300 yards passing and 17 touchdowns through eight games.
Adams is having another elite season with 96 receiving yards per game. He hasn't been able to keep up last year's incredible touchdown pace when he led the league with 18 receiving touchdowns.
With Derrick Henry sidelined, Taylor is well on his way to leading the NFL in rushing. He currently holds that crown with 1,122 rushing yards, along with 13 touchdowns. His 1,444 yards from scrimmage also leads the league.
Jackson's overall numbers took a big hit after a loss in Miami, but he's still having a great year with over 2,400 yards passing and over 600 yards rushing through nine games.
Allen has emerged as a top MVP candidate with Buffalo sitting near the top of the AFC again. He had over 2,600 yards passing and 19 touchdowns through nine games.
Brady has three MVP Awards in his career and has a realistic shot for his fourth at age 44. He leads the league with 27 touchdown pass through nine games, also throwing for nearly 2,900 yards.
The rebound season continues for Prescott, who has completed over 70% of his passes with 2,341 yards and 20 touchdowns through Week 10. He hasn't done as much running this season after getting injured last year but leads the NFL in QB Rating.
Stafford's MVP candidacy took a major blow after back-to-back struggles against the Titans and 49ers, but he still has a shot. He leads the NFL in passing yards through Week 10, also throwing for 24 touchdowns in 10 games.
Jackson not only has an MVP case with his raw numbers, but also because he's helped the Ravens remain in contention despite major injuries at running back, the offensive line, and in the secondary. He's far from his 2019 MVP touchdown pace but has generated four fourth quarterback comebacks already.
Seth Trachtman is a fantasy sports expert and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter @sethroto.
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