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2016 NFL Predictions: Midseason Award and Super Bowl Picks

By Erik Lambert

Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) meets with Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) after the game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Falcons defeated the Raiders 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) meets with Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) after the game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Falcons defeated the Raiders 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 6, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) dances on the field before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) dances on the field before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Player of the Year

Top 5 contenders:

  • Von Miller (OLB, Denver)
  • Marcus Peters (CB, Kansas City)
  • Sean Lee (LB, Dallas)
  • Lorenzo Alexander (LB, Buffalo)
  • Landon Collins (S, New York)

The MVP of Super Bowl 50 has continued to dominate since February. With J.J. Watt out of the picture Miller now leads the league with 9.5 sacks. Peters continues his ridiculous pace of interceptions with five. He already has 13 in one and a half seasons of pro ball. Sean Lee doesn’t show much on the stat sheet but anybody watching the Cowboys can see he their principal playmaker and leader. Alexander is just a half sack behind Miller and has more forced fumbles while Collins is emerging as a force at safety.

Winner:  Von Miller

At the end of the day it comes down to the big names. Von Miller has the biggest of that bunch. The Broncos are the defending champions and should get back to the playoffs. He’s on pace to flirt with 20 sacks this season and that’s despite constant attention from opposing offenses. Peters is probably the biggest threat to him at this point but cornerbacks typically have a hard time winning Defensive Player of the Year in the NFL.

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