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 16, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) scores in the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee won 28-26. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) scores in the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee won 28-26. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Comeback Player of the Year

Top 5 contenders:

  • Andrew Luck (QB, Indianapolis)
  • Demarco Murray (RB, Tennessee)
  • Michael Crabtree (WR, Oakland)
  • Terrelle Pryor (WR, Cleveland)
  • Jordy Nelson (WR, Green Bay)

A year makes a big difference in this award category. Eric Berry was the runaway favorite in 2015, now there isn’t a single defender in contention. Andrew Luck missed half of last season with various ailment but is now carrying his seemingly depleted team to victories. Murray looked dead in the water in Philadelphia and has regained his old form, ranking 2nd in the NFL in rushing. Crabtree has become a productive target in Oakland. Pryor reinvented himself as a receiver in Cleveland and it’s paying off. Nelson has steadily recovered from his torn ACL last year.

Winner:  Andrew Luck

It’s a tough competition but what Luck is doing shouldn’t be possible. Normally it wouldn’t be but that is just how elite he is. Little pass protection? Minimal help from the defense? None of it seems to matter. The Indianapolis Colts keep finding ways to win and it’s often because he’s pulling them out of the fire late in games. If that team somehow finds a way to win the division, Comeback Player of the Year won’t be a good enough award for what Luck has done.