Midway through the 2024 NFL season, it is the perfect time to check in on where things stand with the major individual awards. Though it will be hard for some leading candidates to maintain their current pace, it's good to recognize them for their inspired efforts at this halfway point.
So, here are my current picks -- along with an additional name to watch for each award.
Most Valuable Player
With two MVPs under his belt -- including last year's award -- the 27-year-old is trending toward taking home the hardware once again with a sensational 2024 campaign that has showcased his all-around playmaking skills. Jackson leads the NFL with a 123.2 quarterback rating and a 24:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio, reflecting his astounding efficiency as a passer. With Jackson also averaging a league-best 9.3 yards per attempt, the Ravens' star quarterback has been able to keep the offense on schedule while remaining in attack mode as a big-play hunter. Throw in his 538 rushing yards and two ground scores, and we're looking at the ultimate dual-threat dynamo.
NAME TO WATCH: Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions
The Lions' red-hot quarterback has posted a passer rating of 109.0 or better in six straight games. On the season, he boasts an NFL-best 74.9 percent completion rate, having thrown just 10 incomplete passes over his last three games. Though the Lions opt for a balanced approach with the ground game leading the way, the former No. 1 overall pick enables offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to punish overaggressive defenses intent on slowing down Detroit's dynamic backfield duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Offensive Player of the Year
The two-time NFL rushing champion is currently on pace to wear the crown once again. "King Henry" has already topped the 1,000-yard mark (1,120) in just 10 games, posting five 100-yard efforts as the Ravens' workhorse, and he's scored at least one touchdown every time out. As the sidekick to an MVP quarterback who possesses dangerous playmaking ability as a dual-threat, the big-bodied runner has re-emerged as the league's RB1 in Baltimore.
NAME TO WATCH: Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles' marquee free-agent addition has been as good as advertised as a multi-faceted playmaker from the backfield. Barkley's ability to produce big plays as a runner and receiver forces opponents to tweak their game plans to account for the dynamic back's whereabouts at all times. With 1,071 scrimmage yards and eight total touchdowns, the 27-year-old could swipe the award with a series of strong performance down the stretch.
Defensive Player of the Year
The Packers' decision to switch to a "see ball, get ball" approach under Jeff Hafley has enabled their marquee free-agent signee to thrive as a center fielder in a zone-based scheme. McKinney is tied for the league lead with six interceptions, including five picks in his first five games with Green Bay. As the Packers force more opponents into one-dimensional game plans built around the aerial attack, McKinney could finish with double-digit picks as the team's designated ballhawk in the defensive backfield.
NAME TO WATCH: Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers
The do-it-all defender has made splash play after splash play for the 49ers. Warner has totaled 66 tackles with a sack, two interceptions, three tackles for loss and four forced fumbles through eight games. Moreover, he is the spark plug for a defense that is finding its way under new coordinator Nick Sorensen.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
The No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft could legitimately challenge Lamar Jackson for the MVP award. Right now, he's running away with Offensive Rookie of the Year. Daniels' ridiculous production and clutch factor suggest he is wise beyond his years, with the talent to take over the game as a runner or passer when needed. As a high completion percentage passer with a master's degree in efficiency (71.5 percent completion rate and 106.7 passer rating), the Commanders' QB1 could be the new gold standard for rookie quarterbacks.
NAME TO WATCH: Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders
The rookie pass-catching machine has quickly emerged as one of the elite tight ends in the league. Bowers' versatility and playmaking ability make him nearly impossible to stop, as opponents struggle finding the right defender to match his size and speed. With the Raiders building their aerial attack around his pass-catching talents, Bowers could post ridiculous numbers as the team's No. 1 option on the perimeter.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
The energetic pass rusher has helped the Rams' defense survive the loss of a three-time Defensive Player of the Year (Aaron Donald). Though his sack total (3.5) doesn't pop off the page, Verse's pressure numbers (nine tackles for loss, 13 QB hits and 39 pressures, per Next Gen Stats) reflect how he makes the game easier for his teammates. Given his impact and dominance at the point of attack, Verse gets the nod over his pro/college teammate in this space.
NAME TO WATCH: Braden Fiske, DT, Los Angeles Rams
The Rams' second-round pick could overtake his first-round teammate (and fellow Florida State product) for the rookie honor if he sustains his pace as a disruptive interior pass rusher. Fiske is a persistent playmaker with a high-revving motor and heavy hands. With a sack total (three) that rivals Jared Verse's production, Fiske is a dark horse to watch in the race.
Comeback Player of the Year
Perhaps the Falcons knew what they were doing when they doubled down on the quarterback position to ensure Atlanta had enough firepower to make a playoff push now and plan for the future. Cousins has given the Dirty Birds the consistent QB needed to maximize the talented playmakers around him. From his pinpoint passes to Drake London and Kyle Pitts between the numbers to his quick-rhythm throws to Darnell Mooney, the veteran is forcing opponents to defend the entire field. As Cousins settles in as the Falcons' franchise quarterback, the league could see the 13th-year pro finish with ridiculous numbers directing a high-powered offense that hits its stride down the stretch.
NAME TO WATCH: Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Despite the Bengals' struggles, it is hard to knock the former No. 1 overall pick for his efforts as a point guard-like distributor from the pocket. Burrow torches defenses when he is protected and allowed to attack the field with five eligible receivers in the route. Though the free-release concepts expose him to more hits, Burrow's efficiency (68.7 percent completion rate, 108.1 passer rating) and effectiveness (24:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio) make it hard to question Zac Taylor's tactics with his QB1 thriving from the pocket.
Coach of the Year
The competitive culture created by Dan Quinn in Washington is suddenly transforming the Commanders into a destination franchise. Observers have witnessed a dramatic turnaround in the energy, effort and execution of a collection of players driven by a competitor with experience building a Super Bowl contender. With Jayden Daniels inspiring his teammates and coaches with MVP-like performances, Washington has emerged as a contender in Quinn's first season on the job.
NAME TO WATCH: Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Super Bowl-winning coach has the Steelers poised to make another playoff push despite an imperfect roster. Tomlin has figured out how to get this group going amid a quarterback battle between a previously struggling journeyman (Russell Wilson) and an inconsistent-but-promising young playmaker (Justin Fields). After initially opting for the youngster, the savvy head coach made a controversial switch to the veteran with Super Bowl experience. Thus far, the results have been superb. The move is one of many tactical decisions Tomlin has made to help his overachieving squad vault to the top of the AFC North.
