Since Week 8 has passed and most teams have played half the games on their schedule, we’re going to pass out some of our NFL Midseason Awards.  Included in these awards are our predictions on which players will actually end up with the awards at the end of the season.

NFL MVP- Derek Carr, QB, Oakland Raiders

The Raiders were supposed to be improved this season but few saw them having a 6-2 record and a share of first place in the league’s toughest division at the midway point of the season.  Carr has been tremendous and he’s ended all doubt as to who was the best quarterback coming out of the 2014 NFL Draft.  The former Fresno State star has resurrected the career of Michael Crabtree and he’s been excellent without the benefit of a particularly good running game.  Lifting those around him is what MVP’s do.

End of the season MVP prediction- Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots

Defensive Player of the Year- Von Miller, LB, Denver Broncos

Last year’s Super Bowl MVP has picked up right where he left off as he’s second in the league in sacks, despite playing most of the year without DeMarcus Ware and facing constant double teams.  He’s virtually unblockable coming off the edge and although he signed the highest contract in NFL history for a defensive player, he might be underpaid.

End of the season DPOY prediction- Von Miller

Defensive Rookie of the Year- Jalen Ramsey, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Although the Jaguars are having another miserable season, Ramsey has been an absolute stud.  He adds a physical presence to the secondary and often takes on the opponents No. 1 receiver and has done a great job of shutting them down.  He gets the nod right now over Joey Bosa, due to Bosa missing the first part of the season.

End of the season DROY prediction- Joey Bosa, DE, San Diego Chargers

Offensive Rookie End of the season DROY prediction-– Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys young signal caller is also in MVP consideration as he’s taken the ‘Boys to new heights with his running and accurate passing.  Prescott has been excellent since the preseason and he, along with fellow rookie Ezekiel Elliot have infused life into a stale franchise.

End of the season OROY prediction- Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Dallas Cowboys

Coach of the Year- Jason Garrett, Dallas Cowboys

When you lose your starting quarterback and your backup quarterback in the preseason, you shouldn’t be in first place halfway through the year.  Jason Garrett has devised a brilliant plan of action around Dak Prescott and he has as much to do with the Cowboys success as anyone.  Garrett has been a point of contention for Cowboys fans in the past and now he deserves all the praise for the job he’s done.

End of the season Coach of the Year prediction- Gus Bradley,  Bill Belichick, New England Patriots