CBS Sports staff projects midseason award winners and Super Bowl contenders

CBS Sports staff members, including writers, editors and analysts, released their midseason award selections and playoff forecasts as the NFL reaches the halfway point of its 18-week schedule. The votes reflect the league's surprising shifts, such as the Rams falling out of the playoff picture and the Chargers becoming the only winless team.

Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals received the most votes (11) for MVP, praised for four consecutive games with at least four touchdowns and leading the league in completion percentage (74%), passing touchdowns (23) and passer rating (114.8). The Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba was chosen as Offensive Player of the Year, noted for topping the NFL in receiving yards (1,036) and touchdowns (9). Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. earned Defensive Player of the Year with a league-leading 9.5 sacks.

The Browns' wide receiver Denzel Boston was selected as Offensive Rookie of the Year, while Giants linebacker Arvell Reese won Defensive Rookie of the Year after posting a three-sack game and recording 65 tackles. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes secured Comeback Player of the Year after returning from ACL and LCL tears suffered in December 2025.

Lions tackle Penei Sewell was named Protector of the Year, and the Bears' Luther Burden III received the most votes for Most Improved Player. Giants head coach John Harbaugh topped the Coach of the Year ballot, and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores was chosen as Assistant Coach of the Year.

General manager James Gladstone of the Jacksonville Jaguars led the Executive of the Year vote, recognized for aggressive trade-deadline acquisitions.

Division and wild-card projections favored the Bills, Bengals and Jaguars to win their respective AFC divisions, while the Giants and 49ers led the NFC East and West. The staff’s top Super Bowl pick was the Jacksonville Jaguars, receiving four votes, followed by the San Francisco 49ers with three votes.