The NFL has reached its mid-season point, and that means this is a perfect time to reflect on how everything has played out.
There have been some teams and players who have played to and met expectations, such as the Buffalo Bills and Josh Allen. There have also been surprises such as the Indianapolis Colts, Daniel Jones, Sam Darnold, and the collapse of the Miami Dolphins. While keeping all of this in mind, we wanted to offer up our choices for various NFL awards, while also giving you our backup options for the award.
Here is our choices for NFL awards as we get ready for Week 9.
MVPWinner: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Runner-Ups: Pat Mahomes, Drake Maye
Jonathan Taylor has a league-leading 1,056 total yards and 14 touchdowns in total. He is a significant reason why the Colts are on track to become one of the best teams in the NFL this year, and they currently hold the best record. Without Taylor, this offense and Daniel Jones may still be struggling. However, due to his efficiency, this unit has become one of the most complete in the NFL.
Coach of the YearWinner: Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts
Runner-Ups: Todd Bowles, Dan Campbell
The turnaround the Colts have had from 2024 to 2025 is monumental. Not many people projected them to make the playoffs, let alone lead their division and have the best record in the NFL. Both of those make Steichen a shoe-in for the award if results stand pat for the rest of the year.
Defensive Rookie of the YearWinner: Jacob Parrish, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Runner-Ups: Carson Schwesinger, Abdul Carter
Jacob Parrish has become a star for the Bucs‘ defense, and he isn’t likely to win the award despite it. He has been effective getting after the passer, breaking up passes, and has provided excellent run support. He has become a complete defender and is a big reason for the Bucs’ defense finding success.
Offensive Rookie of the YearWinner: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Runner-Ups: Tyler Warren, Quinshon Judkins
Emeka Egbuka has been a standout in the Bucs’ passing attack in 2025, despite the injuries suffered by Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan; Egbuka has played well enough to allow Baker Mayfield to be in the MVP conversation. He is leading rookies in receiving yards and touchdowns, so he was an easier choice for the award as well.
Comeback Player of the YearWinner: Daniel Jones, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Runner-Ups: Dak Prescott, Aidan Hutchison
Daniel Jones has been a complete anomaly in 2025 and has turned things around in a way that no one could have predicted. He could even find himself in MVP contention but for now we will be a little more tempered in terms of expectations.
Offensive Player of the YearWinner: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Runner-Ups: Pat Mahomes, Baker Mayfield
We highlighted Taylor above when we suggested he would be the MVP. He is a complete player in the NFL this year and is a threat in the run and pass game. As a result, he is an easy pick for this award regardless if he wins MVP or not.
Defensive Player of the YearWinner: Myles Garrett, Edge, Cleveland Browns
Runner-Ups: Micah Parsons, Brian Burns
Myles Garrett is coming off a five-sack performance and is now up to double digits with half the season remaining. He has been the lone bright spot on a rather difficult-to-watch Browns defense in 2025. He has shown to be worth every penny of his massive extension he signed this Summer.
Assistant Coach of the YearWinner: Kelvin Sheppard, Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator
Runner-Ups: Joe Brady, Matt Burke
Kelvin Sheppard has somehow raised the play of the Lions‘ defense after the departure of Aaron Glenn. He could easily be in contention for a starting job in the NFL or at his alma mater, LSU. The team is playing with a renewed fury, and as a result, the Lions are among the best teams in the NFL once again.