FTW: NFL awards favorites at quarter-season mark

The first quarter of the 2016 NFL season, which seems like a good time get an early look at the league's award races. We've picked out the leaders for the eight major awards given out at the end of the season…

MVP: QB Matt Ryan, Falcons

Ryan's been the best quarterback in the league ( by far) and that's basically what the MVP award has become, right? As long as the Falcons keep winning (or Tom Brady doesn't go nuts over these next 13 weeks) the award will be his. Ryan leads the league in every major passing category, and though he does get to throw to Julio Jones, it's not like his supporting cast is teeming with superstars.

Offensive Player of the Year: WR Julio Jones, Falcons

Really, this award should also go to Ryan, but voters tend to give it to someone other than the MVP. After his 300-yard performance against Carolina, Jones is on pace for 1,952 yards and 12 touchdowns. And it's not like Atlanta is just forcing him the ball. 18 receivers have been targeted more often than Jones this season, but the Falcons receiver is averaging a ridiculous 22.2 yards per reception.

Defensive Player of the Year: LB Von Miller, Broncos

Aaron Donald has been the league's most dominant defensive player, but the Rams tackle hasn't been able to turn all of the pressure he's creating into sacks, and voters love numbers they can read in a box score. So Miller gets the nod here thanks to his league-leading 5.5 quarterback takedowns. His sacks have also come during big moments in prominent games. Miller had a big sack late in Week 1 against Cam Newton and his strip sack of Andrew Luck sealed the win over the Colts.

Comeback Player of the Year: RB DeMarco Murray, Titans

This award doesn't always go to a guy coming off an injury. I'd say Murray's nightmare season in Philadelphia was something that qualifies him for this award. The Titans running back is in the top-five in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and rushing average. There are a lot of close contenders for this award, including Kelvin Benjamin and Jordy Nelson.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: QB Carson Wentz, Eagles

While Prescott has been slightly more impressive this season, Wentz is not in danger of losing his job, which makes him the long-term favorite for the award. He's played well enough to earn it even if Prescott manages to stay on the field. The gap between the two is small, and the Cowboys rookie could lose votes to teammate Ezekiel Elliott, who leads the league in rushing. The voting could come down to which team wins the NFC East. Of course, Tony Romo returning and reclaiming the starting job would clinch it for Wentz.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: DE Yannick Ngakoue, Jaguars

The Jaguars' lauded draft class is living up to the hype it received back in the spring. Second-rounder Myles Jack hasn't seen much of the field just yet, but Ngakoue and Ramsey have been superb.

We'll give Ngakoue the edge over his teammate because he has the better counting stats. The third-round pick has notched three sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception.

Ramsey has been everything the Jaguars thought they were getting when they drafted the Florida State product fifth overall. He's been stellar in coverage and a beast against the run.

Coach of the Year: Doug Pederson, Eagles

I don't think anyone expected the Eagles offense to be as good as it has been. I certainly did not. But Pederson has put together a well-designed offense that has really simplified things for Wentz. Pederson also gets credit for getting his rookie QB ready to start on short notice after the Sam Bradford trade. Wentz looks like a totally different player than he did in college. He's been calm in the pocket and his lower body mechanics have been revamped. That's a sign of good coaching.

Assistant Coach of the Year: Kyle Shanahan, Falcons

It's like the Falcons offense is playing a different sport. Atlanta is the top scoring team in the league and is averaging eight points more than the second-place team. The Falcons are averaging 80 more yards than the second-place team and are currently on pace to smash the single-season yardage record. Shanahan has done a masterful job of designing a creative and unpredictable offense, which puts him in the lead for this award.

Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels are right behind him in this race.