Getting into Week 9, the races for key end-of-season awards are taking form.
Within the AFC, a former nationwide champion is a number one contender for Offensive Rookie of the 12 months. In the meantime, a convention quarterback is making a terrific case that he is deserving of one other MVP, however he should maintain off this AFC East and AFC South QB.
Here’s a nearer look.
AFC East
BUFFALO BILLS | QB Josh Allen, MVP | After ending inside the highest 5 in MVP balloting in every of the previous two seasons, Allen might lastly take house the award this season. Along with main Buffalo to an AFC East-leading 6-2 document, Allen has thrown for 1,766 yards (and only one interception) and accounted for 17 complete touchdowns, the third most amongst quarterbacks.
MIAMI DOLPHINS | RB De’Von Achane, Offensive Participant of the 12 months | Achane will not win this award, nevertheless it’s truthful to wonder if he’d be a number one candidate had beginning QB Tua Tagovailoa not missed 4 video games attributable to a concussion. In spite of everything, Ravens RB Derrick Henry leads the NFL in complete yards per recreation with 126.5, and within the three contests Achane has performed with Tagovailoa, he is averaging 137.3 complete yards per recreation and scored three touchdowns.
NEW YORK JETS | DT Quinnen Williams, Defensive Participant of the 12 months | Though the protection hasn’t lived as much as expectations this season, Williams continues to face out as one of many high defensive tackles within the NFL. By means of eight video games, the two-time Professional Bowler has 18 tackles (two for loss), 9 QB hits and three.5 sacks. Plus, he has generated 24 pressures, the sixth most amongst inside defenders, per Professional Soccer Focus.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS | CB Christian Gonzalez, Defensive Participant of the 12 months | Regardless of taking part in towards high-profile wideouts Tyreek Hill, Ja’Marr Chase, DK Metcalf and Davante Adams, the 2023 first-round decide has been one of many high shutdown cornerbacks within the league this season. Not solely has the Oregon product tallied 4 move breakups and one interception, however in accordance with Professional Soccer Focus, he has additionally solely allowed 305 yards in protection, the fifth fewest amongst cornerbacks who’ve performed at the least 500 snaps. — Colum Dell
AFC West
DENVER BRONCOS | CB Patrick Surtain II, Defensive Participant of the 12 months | No cornerback has gained DPOY since former New England Patriots star Stephon Gilmore in 2019, however Surtain is making a compelling case. By means of his first seven video games, he has solely allowed one TD catch and has three interceptions (through Professional Soccer Focus).
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS | DT Chris Jones, Defensive Participant of the 12 months |
Based on Professional Soccer Focus, Jones ranks second amongst DTs in pressures (33) and has posted a stellar 91.2 pass-rush grade via his first seven video games. He’s additionally a cause Kansas Metropolis (7-0) has allowed the league’s fifth-fewest factors per recreation (17.6).
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS | TE Brock Bowers, Offensive Rookie of the 12 months | Bowers, a nationwide champ at Georgia, is among the many few vivid spots on the Raiders (2-6). By means of eight video games, the No. 13 general decide leads the league in receptions (52) and is eleventh in receiving yards (535).
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS | RB J.Okay. Dobbins, Comeback Participant of the 12 months | Dobbins missed 43 video games in his first three seasons with the Ravens due to hamstring, knee and Achilles accidents. Nevertheless, he has stayed wholesome in 2024 and powered L.A.’s floor assault, dashing for the league’s Tenth-most yards (535) in seven video games. — Clark Dalton
AFC North
BALTIMORE RAVENS | QB Lamar Jackson, MVP | Don’t be stunned if Jackson turns into the sixth participant in NFL historical past to win consecutive MVPs. By means of his first eight video games, he has the league’s second-most TD passes (17) and second-best QBR (74.9).
CINCINNATI BENGALS | WR Ja’Marr Chase, Offensive Participant of the 12 months | Chase — who has two years left on his rookie deal — is exhibiting why the Bengals ought to reward him with a payday subsequent offseason. In eight video games, he leads the league in receiving yards (674) and TD catches (seven).
CLEVELAND BROWNS | DE Myles Garrett, Defensive Participant of the 12 months | The reigning DPOY is off to a different glorious begin. By means of eight video games, he ranks seventh amongst edge-rushers in pressures (36) and second in pass-rush grade (92.8), per Professional Soccer Focus.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS | LB T.J. Watt, Defensive Participant of the 12 months |
After ending second behind Garrett in DPOY voting final season, Watt is seemingly utilizing that as gas in 2024. By means of eight video games, he’s tied for seventh within the league in sacks (6.5) and tied for first in compelled fumbles (4). — Clark Dalton
AFC South
HOUSTON TEXANS | QB C.J. Stroud, MVP | The second-year quarterback has Houston within the driver’s seat for its second consecutive AFC South title. Stroud is seventh within the league in passing (1,948 yards) and has already produced two profitable drives, tied for the second most via Week 8.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS | Edge-rusher Laiatu Latu, Defensive Rookie of the 12 months | The No. 15 general decide in April’s 2024 NFL Draft is second on the Colts with 17 QB pressures, together with two sacks. Latu has additionally compelled two fumbles, recovered a fumble and deflected a move to refill his stat line in solely eight video games.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS | WR Brian Thomas Jr., Offensive Rookie of the 12 months | The LSU product is likely one of the few vivid spots in Jacksonville. Thomas has 33 receptions for 573 yards (17.4 yards per reception) and 5 touchdowns — all of which lead the Jaguars (2-6).
TENNESSEE TITANS | DB L’Jarius Sneed, Defensive Participant of the 12 months | Sneed, who missed Week 8 with a quad harm, hasn’t been the issue throughout Tennessee’s 1-6 begin. The 2-time Tremendous Bowl winner with the Chiefs has been excellent in protection, permitting 9 receptions on 21 targets (42.9 p.c), per Professional Soccer Focus. — Eric Smithling
