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2018 NFL Honors: Early front-runners for MVP and other awards

By Erik Lambert

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during warmups before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on September 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during warmups before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on September 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 16: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 16: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Offensive Rookie of the Year

  1. Saquon Barkley (New York Jets)
  2. Sam Darnold (New York Jets)
  3. Phillip Lindsay (Denver Broncos)

The Giants are 0-2 on the season so the logic behind their drafting Saquon Barkley to help them win can be debated, but there’s no question the #2 overall pick is a legit player. He already has 134 yards rushing with a touchdown and caught 16 passes for 102 yards as well. His versatility is evident and should only continue to thrive as his experience in the offense grows.

Sam Darnold looks like the real deal at quarterback for the New York Jets. He’s already producing a number of big plays, showcasing that live arm and touch accuracy. Like any young quarterback he has to work on his decision-making but he’s by far the most productive passer among rookie QBs. Lindsay is the big surprise of this group. He’s averaging a whopping 6.1 yards per carry for 178 yards and has three catches for 35 yards and a touchdown. Watch him carefully.

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