2025 NFL awards watch: Rams QB Matthew Stafford’s MVP case highlights midseason picks

With the 2025 NFL season at its midpoint, it's the perfect time to take stock of the leading candidates for this year's top individual awards.

Here are five midseason picks for this year's biggest individual honors — including MVP. (We're looking at you, Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford).

Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year: Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell

The defending Super Bowl champs already have 2024 All-Pro Zack Baun, 28, at linebacker, and Campbell's strong start to his career suggests the Eagles should be set at the position for years to come. Per Pro Football Focus, Campbell's 4.3 missed-tackle rate is the fourth lowest among 90 linebackers with at least 125 defensive snaps. He's solid in coverage, allowing 10 receptions on 18 targets, a completion rate (55.6 percent) 12 percentage points worse than expected. (h/t NFL Pro)

AP Offensive Rookie of the Year: Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka

A hamstring injury threatened to derail Egbuka's OROY case, but the NFL's leading rookie receiver still edges stiff competition. New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren and Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan are among the other top candidates, but Egbuka (34 receptions, 562 yards, 16.5 yards per catch, five TDs) is too good to deny.

On Oct. 7, NFL Pro noted that Egbuka had an NFL-high seven receptions on tight-window throws (defined as targets with less than a yard of separation from the nearest defender). He also became the third player in the Super Bowl era to have at least 425 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns in his first five games, joining former Offensive Rookies of the Year Ja'Marr Chase (2021) and Randy Moss (1998). 

AP Defensive Player of the Year: Denver Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto

The Broncos could become just the fourth franchise in NFL history to have separate players receive back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year honors, joining the Baltimore Ravens (2003-04), Buffalo Bills (1995-96) and Pittsburgh Steelers (1974-76). Cornerback Patrick Surtain II won the award last season, and Bonitto has the inside track to take the 2025 award.

Bonitto’s 21.7 percent pressure rate leads all defenders with at least 100 pass-rush snaps, 1.8 percentage points ahead of the next closest player with at least 100 pass-rush snaps, Houston DE Will Anderson Jr. (h/t: Per NFL Pro). He's also tied with Anderson for most quick pressures (under three seconds). And while Bonitto is rarely used in coverage, he has held his own there, allowing just 15 yards on four receptions (seven targets).

AP Offensive Player of the Year: Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor

Taylor is the engine that's kept the NFL's best offense running. The 2021 first-team All-Pro once again looks like the league's best running back, leading the league in rushing (895 yards), yards per attempt (5.7) and rushing touchdowns (12). He has gained 194 yards over expected, second only to Bills running back James Cook, while leading in yards after contact (663). Per Sumer Sports data, Taylor has been excellent rushing against stacked boxes (eight or more defenders), gaining 676 yards (549 after contact) and posting a 13.64 percent explosive run rate, the highest among backs with at least 50 attempts.

AP MVP: Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford

It's beyond remarkable what Stafford, 37, has done this season. He has been nearly flawless for the Rams (6-2), who might be the NFC's best team, completing 67.2 percent of his pass attempts for 2,147 yards, an NFL-high 21 passing touchdowns and two interceptions. Stafford is still making throws that only an elite few could make, such as this ridiculous no-look pass on a deep dig to Davante Adams in a 34-10 win in Week 9 over the New Orleans Saints.