Now that we’re halfway through the NFL season, it’s worth talking about the year-end awards. Though there is still a lot of football left to play, and though so much can still change, there is value in knowing who should be favored to win every honor at season’s end. We’re here to help you by making our picks for the seven main yearly distinctions.

Whether you’re a casual fan or someone looking to place some bets on potential winners, these picks are for you. For the gamblers out there, though, please note that these odds were current at the start of the season. Sportsbooks don’t update them very often, so be sure to double-check their accuracy before submitting any wagers.

 

 

 

 

Comeback Player of the Year: DeMarco Murray, Tennessee Titans (+4000)

DeMarco Murray won the NFL’s rushing title in decisive fashion with the Dallas Cowboys less than two years ago. But then he left for the Philadelphia Eagles. Without Dallas’ talented offensive line in front of him, his numbers cratered. He averaged less than 50 rushing yards per game and ran for only six touchdowns.

Murray has matched that touchdown total through Week 8. He has already ran for more yards than all of last year and is on pace for the second 1,500-yard season of his career.

If he doesn’t take home this honor, it will be a shock.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys (Even)

It’s possible that this award could go to Ezekiel Elliott’s teammate, quarterback Dak Prescott, who is also getting even odds. But we’re banking on his gaudy numbers stealing the show.

Elliott is on track to explode past the 1,800-yard plateau, and he’s also on pace to rack up more than 11 touchdowns. He’s even in line to surpass 300 receiving yards, having established himself as a viable pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Here’s something to monitor, though: Elliott could be subject to a lengthy suspension following the NFL’s investigations into domestic violence allegations that were lobbied at him. While that issue is bigger than football, the Offensive Rookie of the Year pick defaults to Prescott in the event Elliott is suspended.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jalen Ramsey, Jacksonville Jaguars (unknown)

Odds on the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year race are hard to find. But there’s no doubt right now that Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey is the favorite.

No, the Jaguars’ defense isn’t especially good. But they rank in the top 10 of passing yards allowed per game and are pleasantly middle of the road in passing touchdowns allowed. And that’s largely because of Ramsey, who often finds himself matched up against the other team’s No. 1 receiver.

Offensive Player of the Year: Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons (+1200)

Matt Ryan should really be in the conversation for the NFL’s MVP award. But that recognition will belong to a certain someone we will talk about later.

Ryan is leading the best offense in the league. He has the best wideout in football, Julio Jones, to throw it to. But, with that caveat, Ryan is enjoying an otherworldly season. He is completing a career-high 69.2 percent of his passes and is on pace to throw for 5,272 yards and a whopping 38 touchdowns.

The Falcons are clinging to a lead in the NFC South Division, along with the playoff berth that it promises, and are lucky to have him under center.

Defensive Player of the Year: Von Miller, Denver Broncos (+3300)

Could it really be anyone else?

Von Miller is the face of the Denver Broncos defense. The same defense that ranks in the top five of points allowed per game. The same defense that ranks in the top three of passing yards and touchdowns allowed. The same defense that is ferrying the playoff and Super Bowl hopes of an entire franchise, almost solely on its own.

None of that would be possible without Miller, the ultimate outside linebacker and overall defensive anchor.

Coach of the Year: Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings (+650)

Many will be inclined to hand this award to New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick. He has, after all, kept the team at the top of the league despite playing without quarterback Tom Brady for the first quarter of the season.

But we cannot ignore the job Mike Zimmer has done with the Minnesota Vikings. They lost quarterback Teddy Bridgewater for the season. They lost star running back Adrian Peterson. And yet they still have one of the best records in the NFC, thanks in large part to a defense that ranks first in points allowed per game.

If the Vikings win between 11 and 12 games, as they are currently on pace to do, there is no other choice worth noting—not even Belichick.

MVP: Tom Brady, New England Brady (+15)

Call this year Tom Brady’s giant middle finger to the NFL’s brass. They suspended him for four games, but they couldn’t keep his team out of the Super Bowl conversation, and now they’re failing to keep him out of the MVP discussion.

Even though Brady missed those four tilts, he is still on course to finish the year with nearly 4,000 passing yards and around 36 touchdowns. He is also currently posting the best completion rate of his long and historic career.

Matt Ryan in Atlanta, and perhaps Matthew Stafford in Detroit, will take some votes away from Brady, and he must still overcome the stigma outside New England that’s associated with his early absence. But if voters choose the actual MVP to be the MVP, it will be him.