Offensive Player of the Year
Russell Wilson (Sea)—Wilson has helped this team win both with his arm and his legs. He's already thrown for over 2,500 yards with 22 touchdowns through the air, three on the ground. He has an astonishing 118.2 quarterback rating, more than 5-points more than Patrick Mahomes 113.1. The 'Hawks are 7-2 and are smoking hot, only the undefeated 49ers have a better record in their division. Wanna hear something fun? Seattle and San Francisco play this weekend.
Defensive Player of the Year
Devin McCourty (NE)—McCourty has made opposing quarterbacks leary of passing to his side of the field. In the nine-games he's started this season he's picked off five-passes for 49-yards. Has the makings of a dominant player for the season. He has 26-interceptions in his 10-yards and is the 11th among the active defensive backs in interceptions.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Nick Bosa (SF)—In the 8-games Bosa has played (starting 6) he has amassed 7 sacks, been involved in 21 tackles, and has an interception he's returned for 46-yards. He has helped the Niners stay the only undefeated team in the NFL.
Coach of the Year
Sean Payton (NO)—Bill Belichick is the easy choice on this, but if a "Coach of the last two decades" award is ever given, he would win this hands down. Payton lost his quarterback in a week 3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Drew Brees would miss the next seven weeks rehabbing his thumb. Yes, Teddy Bridgewater had started in the NFL before. He was the 32nd pick of the Minnesota Vikings in the 2014 draft, played college ball at Louisville. While the future hall-of-famer Brees was out the Saints didn't lose a single game.
Most Valuable Player
DeShaun Watson (Hou)—After a devastating knee injury a couple of seasons ago, DeShaun Watson has really taken the role of leader for the Texans. If he can get them past the first round of the playoffs this will prove my point. Currently he has over 2,400 yards passing, with 279-yards on the ground with 5-touchdowns. He's thrown 18-touchdowns with only 5-interceptions. His offensive line has improved slightly and he's been sacked 25-times, which is fewer than five other quarterbacks.
Games of the week (9)...
Kansas City (26) Minnesota (23)—Matt Moore has done a nice job filling in for the Chiefs in Patrick Mahomes' absence, he did not disappoint this week. Damien Williams added 125-yards rushing and a touchdown to assist in the win. Mahomes will be back under center this week, after dislocating his kneecap a couple weeks ago on a Thursday night.
Baltimore (37) New England (20)—Did we see a changing of the guard in Baltimore last Sunday night? I'm not going to count out Tom Brady just yet. But we did see some new talent in Lamar Jackson, the final pick of the draft last year. He has taken the Ravens on a ride that could send them to a big game in February.
Games to watch...
Los Angeles Rams (5-3) @ Pittsburgh (4-4)—A month ago this would not be even close to an intriguing game. Ben Roethlisburger is out for the season with an arm injury. Pittsburgh had their 2nd string quarterback Mason Rudolph in as a replacement and he's done very well. He did miss a game with a concussion and was relieved by rookie Devlin Hodges, who did an admirable job. Rudolph is back and should do fine against a porous Rams defense. Los Angeles has had an up and down season, after a romp last year that got them to the Super Bowl. They have attempted to bolster their defense in their trade for Jalen Ramsey. Should be a very good game.
Carolina (5-3) @ Green Bay (7-2)—The Packers just lost a close one to the Chargers. Carolina has had an amazing season and Cam Newton hasn't played since game 2 against Tampa Bay. Kyle Allen has filled in admirably as the Panthers quarterback.
Minnesota (6-3) @ Dallas (5-3)—Dallas has had peaks and valleys this season, winning against teams they are supposed to, and losing against others. The last two games they've rebounded against Philadelphia and the New York Giants. Minnesota, however, has had some turmoil in the locker room that seems to have settled down and they are all on the same page and winning. Can they win in Dallas? This is going to be a fun Sunday night game.
Seattle (7-2) @ San Francisco (8-0)—The 49ers are the only undefeated team at this point and they are facing their biggest rivals in the NFC West. This should be the absolute biggest game this week and could easily give the Niners their first loss of the season.
Before I let you know what to watch for this week, I will give my playoff PIX. They way I list them is the seeding I think they'll have (1-6)
AFC: Baltimore, New England, Kansas City, Houston, Buffalo, Indianapolis
NFC: San Francisco, New Orleans, Green Bay, Dallas, Seattle, Carolina
My pick for Super Bowl LIV: Kansas City v. San Francisco.
What to watch for this week...
Frank Gore (Buf) needs just one touchdown to pass Lenny Moore to become 14th all-time scoring touchdowns; he also needs just 82-yards to pass Barry Sanders for third all-time leading rusher.
Julio Jones (Atl) needs only 3-receptions to pass Charlie Joiner for 26th all-time leading receiver (number of receptions).
LeSean McCoy (KC) needs 170-yards to pass Rickey Watters for #25 all-time leader in scrimmage yards.
Terrell Suggs (AZ) needs only 1-sack to pass John Randle and Richard Dent to tie for 8th all-time sack leader.
Robbie Gould (SF) only needs 2-points to pass Eddie Murray to become 20th all-time scorer in NFL history.
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