With Week 9 in the books, we’ve officially reached the halfway point of the 2025 NFL season.
As we look back on the first nine weeks, we’ve seen a number of outstanding individual performances. From Daniel Jones’ revival in Indy to Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s record-breaking pace in Seattle, there are several players making a serious case for major NFL awards.
The league won’t be handing out any hardware until February, so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to acknowledge some of the best performers from the first half of the season. From Rookie of the Year to MVP, we’ve got all the top honours covered with our 2025 NFL midseason awards.
Most Valuable Player – Josh Allen, Bills QB
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Despite impressive play from guys like Baker Mayfield, Daniel Jones and Drake Maye, Josh Allen gets the nod for midseason MVP. The Buffalo Bills quarterback is the league’s reigning MVP and it’s not hard to see why; everything Buffalo does on offence starts with Allen.
His passing numbers won’t blow you away (1,833 yards, 13 touchdowns, 4 interceptions), but his dual-threat ability keeps defences on their heels. He’s already rushed for 280 yards and 7 touchdowns, and he does all the little things right to keep his team rolling. When it matters most, Allen is arguably the most unstoppable player in the NFL.
Honourable Mentions: Baker Mayfield, Daniel Jones, Drake Maye
Offensive Player of the Year – Jonathan Taylor, Colts RB
Some awards are easier to decide than others, and that’s definitely the case with the midseason Offensive Player of the Year. With 895 rushing yards in his first 9 games, Jonathan Taylor is running away with this award (no pun intended).
The Colts running back has already scored 14 touchdowns and could be within reach of LaDainian Tomlinson’s single-season record (31). Taylor leads the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns, while averaging 5.7 yards per rush despite racking up 157 carries to this point. He’s also been an integral part of the turnaround in Indianapolis, with the Colts at 7-2 and sitting first in the AFC South.
Honourable Mentions: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Christian McCaffrey, Puka Nacua
Defensive Player of the Year – Myles Garrett, Browns DE
Through the first nine weeks of the season, no defensive player has made a bigger impact than Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. At 6’4” and 270lbs, Garrett is a terror on the front line, using a combination of speed and brute force to chase down opposing quarterbacks.
Cleveland’s All-Pro pass rusher is no stranger to the Defensive Player of the Year award, having just earned this honour in 2023. Garrett already has 10 sacks on the season and currently leads the NFL in tackles for a loss with 14. All of this while leading a Browns defence giving up the second-fewest yards per game.
Honourable Mentions: Brian Burns, Micah Parsons, Aidan Hutchinson
Offensive Rookie of the Year – Jaxson Dart, Giants QB
While he may not have started the season under centre, Jaxson Dart has completely transformed this Giants team since taking over the starting quarterback job in Week 3. The rookie passer has been beating defences with his arms and his legs, leading New York to major upsets over the Chargers and Eagles.
Dart’s energy and dual-threat ability have recharged a Giants team that’s been searching for an identity. He may be a rookie and playing in a high-profile market, but his poise and maturity have been on full display. The former Ole Miss quarterback has given the franchise hope and been the most impressive offensive rookie through the season’s opening nine weeks.
Honourable Mentions: Tyler Warren, Emeka Egbuka, Cam Skattebo
Defensive Rookie of the Year – Abdul Carter, Giants DE
First Dart and now Abdul Carter; the Giants have swept our midseason Rookie of the Year awards. Selected with the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Carter has become a key contributor to the Giants’ defensive line and leads all rookies in pressures (13), QB hits (8) and pass-rush wins (17).
This award has been dominated by pass rushers in recent years, with six of the last seven won by defensive ends and linebackers. Carter could benefit from boosting his sack total (0.5) and converting his pressure into some turnovers, but he’s done enough over his first eight games as a pro to take home our midseason Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Honourable Mentions: Jihaad Campbell, Nick Emmanwori, Carson Schwesinger
Comeback Player of the Year – Christian McCaffrey, 49ers RB
Everyone loves a good comeback story and Christian McCaffrey is giving us a great one in 2025. Coming off an injury-plagued season that saw him miss 13 games with a myriad of injuries, the 49ers running back has returned to form and is leading the way for San Francisco.
McCaffrey has been a workhorse for the 49ers, leading the NFL in carries while picking up 596 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground. He’s also been a force in the passing game with 61 receptions, 626 yards and another 4 scores through the air. A beloved player with a history of injuries, McCaffrey’s comeback in the first half of this season has been a treat for fans and fantasy players alike.
Honourable Mentions: Dak Prescott, Daniel Jones, Stefon Diggs
Bet on the 2025 NFL Awards
It’s always fun to come up with midseason award winners, but you can also cash in on the real NFL awards handed out in February. With odds available on all the major categories, you have the opportunity to bet on your predictions and turn your football knowledge into a profit. With just nine weeks remaining in the regular season, now’s the time to lock in your picks on your favourite players.