We are halfway through the 2024 NFL Season. So far there have been some dynamic players, surprise teams and talented rookies on display. In anticipation of the end-of-the-season awards, here are my picks at the mid-season point.
Most Valuable Player: Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson
Jackson is looking to become the first player to win back-to-back Most Valuable Player awards since Aaron Rodgers did it in 2020 and 2021. He led the Ravens to a solid 6-3 start and threw for an efficient 2,379 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, with only two interceptions. Jackson has also rushed for 505 yards along with two touchdowns. While the Ravens only hold a 6-3 record to start the season, Jacksons’ efficiency on offense in both the running and passing game makes him the most coveted player in the league. He doesn’t turn the ball over often and gives the Ravens a real chance to beat any team in the league.
Offensive Player of the Year: Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry
Henry has the best start of any running back to start the season, already eclipsing over 1,000 yards in just nine games. He’s rushed for 11 touchdowns, 1,052 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. Henry has played a huge role in the Raven’s 6-3 start, as he and quarterback Lamar Jackson make one of the best-rushing duos in the league. He’s on the right path to win his first Offensive Player of the Year award since the 2020 season.
Defensive Player of the Year: Steelers DE T.J. Watt
Watt has been the focal point of the Steelers 6-2 start. The Steelers had a bye in week nine. Before entering last Sunday’s games, Watt was tied for second in the league in tackles-for-loss with 10 and tied for first with four forced fumbles. He currently has 6.5 sacks on the year and 33 total tackles. The Steelers would be a completely different team without Watt, as he gives the Steelers a real chance to win a playoff game this year. Watt is looking for his second Defensive Player of the Year award after winning his first in 2021.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels
Daniels has been one of the best stories in the NFL so far this season. He is exceeding expectations in the Nation’s Capital, leading the Commanders to an impressive 7-2 start. He has thrown for 1,945 yards, nine touchdowns,and only two interceptions. Daniels has also been efficient on the ground, rushing for 459 yards and 4 touchdowns. Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has played a big role in Daniels’s success, calling plays that complement his skill set. The sky is the limit for the Commanders with Daniels, and he’s just getting started.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Rams DE Jared Verse
Verse has been a refreshing surprise for the Rams pass rush this season. The 19th overall pick has 29 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble through eight games. His ability to shed blocks and pressure the quarterback is as good as any rookie so far this season. Entering this past Sunday’s game versus the Seahawks, Verse had a 21% pass rush win rate, which is the fourth highest in the NFL. The former Florida State Seminole has been everything the Rams expected him to be and will play a huge role in their defense as they chase a playoff spot.
Coach Of The Year: Commanders Dan Quinn
Without a doubt the biggest surprise in the NFL this season is the success of the Washington Commanders. They hold a 7-2 record and are in sole possession of first place in the NFC East. Going into this season, the Commanders’s roster was nothing to write home about. Quinn got his players to buy in and are playing exceptionally in all three phases. He led the Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance in 2016 and is on the right path to returning to the big game this time with the Commanders.
Comeback Player of the Year: Falcons QB Kirk Cousins
Coming off a torn achilles last season with the Vikings, the Falcons offered Kirk Cousins a 4-year, 180 million dollar free-agent contract to come play football in Atlanta. Going into the season, there was a lot of speculation about Cousins’ achilles and whether he’s able to return to his old self. The 36-year-old put in a lot of rehab work this offseason, and is now back to health and playing great football. He has led the Falcons to a hot 6-3 start while throwing for 2,328 yards and 17 touchdowns. Atlanta is in sole possession of first place in the NFC South at the halfway point of the season. Safe to say Cousins’ achilles is holding up just fine.
