It's a little crazy to track an NFL awards race after only a quarter of the season. Yes, we're going to do it anyway.
Here are leading candidates for the biggest awards to be given out at NFL Honors in Arizona in late January...
MVP
1. J.J. Watt
2. Philip Rivers
3. Peyton Manning
4. Andrew Luck
5. Le'Veon Bell
The bias against defensive players when considering MVP needs to stop. It's not the most valuable quarterback or most valuable offensive player award. Watt is dominating like few defensive players since Lawrence Taylor won the MVP in 1986. He could have a real shot at the award if no quarterbacks truly stand apart from the pack. Rivers is a strong No. 2 on this list. He limits mistakes just as well as Manning but has pulled off more impressive game-changing plays.
Defensive Player of the Year
1. J.J. Watt
2. Kyle Williams
3. DeAndre Levy
Offensive Rookie of the Year
1. Kelvin Benjamin
2. Brandin Cooks
3. John Brown
Defensive Rookie of the Year
1. Khalil Mack
2. Kyle Fuller
3. Anthony Barr
4. C.J. Mosley
Coach of the Year
1. Bruce Arians
2. Mike McCoy
3. Jim Caldwell
Comeback Player of the Year
1. Rolando McClain
2. It doesn't matter
