2016 NFL Predictions: Midseason Award and Super Bowl Picks

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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Oct 23, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio walks off the field after a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Oakland Raiders won 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio walks off the field after a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Oakland Raiders won 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

Coach of the Year

Top 5 contenders:

  • Jack Del Rio (Oakland)
  • Jason Garrett (Dallas)
  • Bill Belichick (New England)
  • Dan Quinn (Atlanta)
  • Mike Zimmer (Minnesota)

“Black” Jack Del Rio has reinvented himself as quite the high-stakes gambler in Oakland of late. So far it’s been paying off huge. Garrett has lost just one game despite starting two rookies at quarterback and running back. Belichick was and still is tops in the game after cruising to 3-1 without Tom Brady. Quinn is steadily showing an impact in Atlanta, having them play some inspired football and starting to beat good teams. Zimmer was a heavy favorite not too long ago. His recent slump can’t erase what he’s managed to do with a decimated Vikings roster.

Winner:  Jason Garrett

Del Rio may look like the favorite but frankly what Garrett has done is more impressive. This team was 4-12 last season. He then lost most of his pass rush to suspension and Tony Romo to a back injury. No big deal. He made adjustments around Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott and the Cowboys are playing some of the best football in the league. That isn’t a good job. That’s a phenomenal job. Whether he can keep it up for another eight games is the big question.