As the PML season crosses the halfway point, the NFC’s award races are taking shape — and while familiar names dominate the conversation, a few breakout stars are putting their stamp on 2025. Let’s dive into the midseason awards picture across the conference.
MVP & Offensive Player of the Year: Saquon Barkley, Eagles
There’s no debate — Saquon Barkley has been the story of the first half. Not only does the Eagles’ workhorse lead the NFC in rushing, but he’s pacing the league in scrimmage yards while keeping Philadelphia’s offense humming. His dominance has him positioned as both the league-wide MVP and NFC Offensive Player of the Year frontrunner. Barkley’s mix of burst, balance, and workload has made him nearly impossible to scheme against, and if the Eagles keep winning, he’s the clear favorite to take home both honors.
Defensive Player of the Year: Malik Hooker, Cowboys
The Dallas defense has found its heartbeat in Malik Hooker. The veteran safety has been everywhere in the secondary, forcing turnovers and setting the tone as a true playmaker. Hooker edges out heavyweights like San Francisco’s Fred Warner and Arizona’s Owen Pappoe thanks to his consistent impact in big games.
Coach’s Take (Cowboys HC): “Malik is the kind of player who makes everyone’s job easier. His range and leadership let us be aggressive up front, because we know he’s got the back end covered. He’s earned every bit of this recognition.”
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Commanders
The Commanders may have struck gold with Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The rookie back has injected life into Washington’s offense, providing balance and explosiveness that defenses are struggling to bottle up. With the Bears’ Colston Loveland and the Giants’ Jaxson Dart looming, Croskey-Merritt will need to keep producing — but for now, he’s the frontrunner.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Kain Medrano, Commanders
It’s a clean sweep of the rookie awards for Washington at the midseason point. Linebacker Kain Medrano has shown instincts and athleticism beyond his years, quickly establishing himself as the centerpiece of the Commanders’ front seven. His challenge will be holding off the Giants’ Abdul Carter and the Niners’ Noah Martin as the season grinds on.
Best Quarterback: Michael Penix Jr., Falcons
The Falcons have been waiting for stability under center — and they’ve found it in Michael Penix Jr. The young QB has risen above Caleb Williams (Bears) and Jaxson Dart (Giants) to claim the NFC’s top QB spot at midseason. Penix’s poise and accuracy have fueled Atlanta’s offense and positioned him as a dark horse in the overall MVP race.
Best Running Back: Saquon Barkley, Eagles
Barkley’s reign extends here too. With Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions) and Christian McCaffrey (49ers) close behind, Barkley’s versatility and scoring punch keep him firmly in first.
Best Wide Receiver: Malik Nabers, Giants
In just his second year, Malik Nabers is proving to be a nightmare for defensive backs. His chemistry with the Giants’ offense has catapulted him above CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys) and Mike Evans (Buccaneers).
Coach’s Take (Cowboys HC): “When we prep for the Giants, Nabers is the guy you circle. He can win at every level, and it forces you to mix coverages. That’s the mark of a great receiver.”
Best Defensive Lineman: Abdul Carter, Giants
If the Giants’ defense has a face, it’s Abdul Carter. Dominant in the trenches, Carter is swallowing run games whole and consistently collapsing pockets. He edges out Atlanta’s J.J. Walker and the Rams’ Byron Young at this point.
Best Defensive Back: Malik Hooker, Cowboys
It’s no surprise Hooker leads both the DPOY and Best DB races. His ball-hawking instincts and ability to erase mistakes on the back end have been unmatched in the NFC.
The Takeaway
At midseason, Saquon Barkley looks like the NFC’s unstoppable force on offense, while Malik Hooker is staking his claim as the conference’s defensive anchor. Washington’s rookie duo of Croskey-Merritt and Medrano headline the next generation, and the Giants boast a pair of young stars in Malik Nabers and Abdul Carter.
Coach’s Closing Perspective: “It’s a loaded conference — every week feels like a playoff game. To see our guys like Hooker getting recognition is huge, but we know the second half is where legacies are made.”
The NFC is stacked with stars, and if the second half is anything like the first, the race for hardware — and playoff seeding — is going to be must-watch football.
