In writing a NFL midseason review, it takes a lot of work to come up with something for all 32 teams. I learned that this week, passing the milestone of having written 200 articles (all but eight of them done since mid-July 2011).
But even after making playoff predictions and second-half predictions for the teams, one thing I did not write anywhere were my picks for the individual awards, so here they are. The picks are based on who I think has deserved it in the first half, and not necessarily who willl win the award at the end of the season.
First-Half Awards
- MVP: Matt Ryan
- Offensive Player of the Year: Adrian Peterson
- Defensive Player of the Year: J.J. Watt
- Offensive Rookie of the Year: Andrew Luck
- Defensive Rookie of the Year: Chandler Jones
- Coach of the Year: Mike Smith
- Comeback Player of the Year: Peyton Manning
This Week’s Articles
Captain Comeback Week 9: New York Giants Shell-Shocked by Pittsburgh Steelers – Cold, Hard Football Facts
Pittsburgh came back on the road from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win for the third time in the Ben Roethlisberger era. Andrew Luck led his fourth game-winning drive in just his eighth game. Matt Ryan (27 years, 171 days) became the youngest QB to reach 20 game-winning drives. Also included is a review of how each team’s offense has done in 4QC/GWD opportunities this season. Only Houston and San Francisco has yet to face one.
NFL Midseason Report – NBC Sports
This is one of three articles I did for NBC Sports this week as part of a midseason review special, and this is the central piece that looks at all 32 teams: where they have been this year, and where they are headed.
Five Biggest Surprises of 2012 NFL Season – NBC Sports
Which surprises continue to amaze us halfway through the season? A look at Peyton Manning’s comeback in Denver, Andrew Luck and the Colts’ quick rebuild, the five rookie quarterbacks, the disappointment of the New Orleans Saints, and the recent dominance of Tampa Bay rookie Doug Martin.
Are These NFL Teams Pretenders or Contenders? – NBC Sports
Finally, I take a look at some playoff hopefuls and just how legit their chances are, focusing on the remaining schedule and conference playoff races. Teams included: Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, San Diego, Miami, NY Giants, Seattle, Minnesota, Detroit, and Tampa Bay. I conclude with a prediction for the 12 playoff seeds when it’s all said and done.
Andrew Luck: Midseason Review for Colts’ Rising Star – Bleacher Report
How good has Andrew Luck been so far? I break down his first eight games by the numbers and find all the records he’s already set or is on pace for. Hint: there are a lot of them.
Following a Legend: Andrew Luck Week 9 vs. Miami Dolphins – Colts Authority
My traditional Luck column, breaking down his record-setting performance by Miami where he passed for 433 yards and converted 12 of 17 third-down opportunities.
The Thinking Man’s Guide: NFL Week 10 Predictions – Bleacher Report
You voted for change? Well, not really, but change has come. Not only did I give a marquee preview of Texans/Bears, followed by Colts/Jags, Chargers/Bucs and Falcons/Saints, but I picked every game this week, and will continue to do s.
Predicting the Second Half of a NFL Season Using the First Half – Cold, Hard Football Facts – Cold, Hard Football Facts
Is the second half of the season just a repeat of the first half? Not quite, but we can learn some things from it. Since 2002, 71.3 percent of teams leading their division through eight games go on to win the division. Also some interesting results on the sustainability of offense versus defense, and more playoff predictions.
2012 NFL Week 10 Predictions
Dallas didn’t quite come through last week, marking the first time I picked against Atlanta this season. I am doing it again this week, but promise to only do it one more time at most going forward (regular season at least).
Winners in bold:
- Raiders at Ravens
- Broncos at Panthers
- Giants at Bengals
- Titans at Dolphins
- Lions at Vikings
- Bills at Patriots
- Falcons at Saints
- Chargers at Buccaneers
- Jets at Seahawks
- Cowboys at Eagles
- Rams at 49ers
- Texans at Bears
- Chiefs at Steelers
Season results:
- Week 1: 12-4
- Week 2: 11-5
- Week 3: 4-12
- Week 4: 10-5
- Week 5: 10-4
- Week 6: 5-9
- Week 7: 12-1
- Week 8: 10-4
- Week 9: 11-3
- Season: 85-47
Captain Comeback: NFL Analysis by Scott Kacsmar 