Halfway through the NFL season, there have been some major surprises in the standings and award leaders.
Last season’s best teams have mostly remained consistent as the defending champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, lead the entire league and stout a record of 9-0. The Buffalo Bills lead the uncompetitive AFC East as the only team with an above .500 record. The team currently sits at 8-2 with the New York Jets behind in second. The AFC North race remains one of the closest in the league as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens are only separated by one loss.
The NFC North is the most competitive division, as three of the four teams are above .500. The division is led by the resurged Detroit Lions who sit at an impressive 8-1. Only three seasons ago, Detroit produced a record of 3-13. The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers are in the chase of the Lions as the Vikings sit at 7-2 and Green Bay at 6-3.
On the other hand, one of the biggest surprises of the year has been the rookie-led Washington Commanders. They are led by 2023 Heisman winner and second overall pick in this past year’s draft, quarterback Jayden Daniels. Washington leads the race in the NFC East over the Philadelphia Eagles who currently sit at 6-2 with a four game win streak.
In the NFC West, the Arizona Cardinals lead the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams who both have made deep playoff runs in the past few seasons. Both San Francisco and Los Angeles have been riddled with injuries. Some big names include one of the top running backs, Christian McCaffery and wide receiver duo Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. McCaffery carried the 49ers as he led the league in yards rushed throughout the 2023 regular season.
As the season makes its turn towards the finish line, Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin leads the award race for Coach of the Year. He is followed by Dan Quinn of the Commanders and Minnesota’s Kevin O’Connell. In the rookie race, Daniels of the Commanders strongly leads the debate for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Some may have expected the first overall pick in Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams to be in the lead.
On the other side of the ball, Rams edge rusher Jared Verse leads Eagles’ cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and Beanie Bishop Jr. of Pittsburgh for the Defensive Rookie of the Year title. In the MVP race, Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson looks to claim his third. Jackson is in front of rookie sensation Daniels and Lions quarterback Jared Goff.
