NFL Midseason Award Winners

(from left to right) Peyton Manning, Darren Sharper, Cedric Benson, Percy Harvin and Jairus Byrd.

MVP-Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

This is a two horse race between Manning and Brees, but Manning despite the loss of legendary wide receiver Marvin Harrison is having a career year and through his effort this season, he has made names out of rookie wide outs Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon and aiding in a successful debut year for Jim Caldwell as the head coach. Not to mention, the Colts are 8-0.

Honorable Mention: Drew Brees, Matt Schaub, Ben Roethlisberger, Brett Favre

Coach of the Year: Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints

Now Jim Caldwell does earn consideration for this award, Peyton a previous recipient of the coach of the year clearly is the front runner, turning around a below .500 team last season to an undefeated record this year.

Honorable Mention: Jim Caldwell, Mike Tomlin, Wade Phillips, Marvin Lewis

Offensive Player of the Year: (Tie) Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

The captains of the remaining undefeated teams,who are both in the top five in every statistical category for quarterbacks this season.

Honorable Mention: Matt Schaub, Ben Roethlisberger, Brett Favre, Cedric Benson

Defensive Player of the Year: Darren Sharper, New Orleans Saints

The big free agent pickup for the Saints this year, Sharper has anchored a once pourous defense for the Saints and is currently tied for the league lead in interceptions, plus three of those interceptions returned for touchdowns.

Honorable Mention: Elvis Dumervil, Jairus Byrd, Dwight Freeney, Jared Allen

Most Improved Player of the Year: Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals

Now sure, most people will say Brett Favre for this category, but Benson has had a remarkable turnaround from his years struggling with the Bears, currently he is the fourth best running back in the league.

Honorable Mention: Brett Favre, Kyle Orton

Comeback Player of the Year: Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Brady, whose was injured all throughout last year, has returned at 100%, and is on pace for yet another 30 touchdown season and surpassing 4,000 yards.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings

Percy Harvin, WR-KR, Vikings: There are some worthy challengers, such as Colts WR Austin Collie and Bears WR-KR Johnny Knox, but Harvin should be the front runner. Currently, Harvin has three TD catches, two kickoff returns for touchdowns and six catches of at least 20 yards.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jairus Byrd, Buffalo Bills

A second-round draft pick, Byrd is tied with veteran Sharper for the NFL lead in interceptions with seven. Byrd also has 16 passes defensed.