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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Nov 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) reacts to a pass thrown against the Cleveland Browns in the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) reacts to a pass thrown against the Cleveland Browns in the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Rookies of the Year

Top 5 contenders (offense)

  • Ezekiel Elliott (RB, Dallas)
  • Dak Prescott (QB, Dallas)
  • Carson Wentz (QB, Philadelphia)
  • Jordan Howard (RB, Chicago)
  • Michael Thomas (WR, New Orleans)

Of course leading the charge are the Dallas twin tandem of Prescott and Elliott. Not only are they playing well but they are perhaps the biggest reasons the Cowboys are winning. Wentz isn’t far behind. He’s played above expectations thus far, despite being hampered by limited weapons. No surprise Michael Thomas is excelling with Brees throwing him the ball. The biggest stunner is Howard. A 5th round pick out of Indiana, he was third string on the depth chart when the season started and now has over 500 yards rushing.

Winner:  Dak Prescott

Most will assume Elliott but what Dak Prescott has done is far more impressive. He was a 4th round pick whom nobody expected to play and hasn’t blinked since getting on the field. His lone defeat of this year was in the final seconds of the opener against the Giants.

Top 5 contenders (defense)

  • Joey Bosa (DE, San Diego)
  • Yannick Ngakoue (DE, Jacksonville)
  • Leonard Floyd (OLB, Chicago)
  • Deion Jones (LB, Atlanta)
  • Jatavis Brown (LB, San Diego)

It’s pretty much a front seven showcase this year. Bosa, Ngakoue and Floyd have all emerged as dynamic pass rushers for their respective teams. Jones and Brown on the other hand have become versatile playmakers who can make tackles while also playing active coverage.

Winner:  Joey Bosa

It’s all about who is having the most impact and the San Diego Chargers defense has been totally different since Bosa stepped on the football field. He missed the first three games of the season and yet still leads all rookies with four sacks.