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2012 NFL Midseason Awards: Peyton Manning in running for multiple honors

MVP – Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons: Ryan edges Peyton Manning, Eli Manning and Aaron Rodgers for an award that probably should become the MVQB pretty soon. That's just the nature of the NFL these days.

Top Offensive Player – Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings: The show he put on in Seattle on Sunday was simply ridiculous. With his 957 yards through nine games, this is a no-brainer.

Top Defensive Player – J.J. Watt, Houston Texans: I would love to see Watt and Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul compete in a football version of a decathlon.

[More: All-Midseason Team]

Top Comeback Player – Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos: The arm strength is not fully there and probably never will be again. But to come back at this level with a new team after a year away? Incredible.

Offensive Rookie of the Year – Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins: He holds off Andrew Luck (and some others, such as Doug Martin and Russell Wilson) for now. But you can put an emphasis on "for now." This is going to be a special year for this award.

Defensive Rookie of the Year – Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers: There are a number of really good defensive players from this draft class, including Melvin Ingram, Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower. However, Kuechly has stepped in and made the Panthers semi-respectable on D.

Coach of the Year – Bruce Arians/Chuck Pagano, Indianapolis Colts: While one team (New Orleans) has been crush by the loss of its head coach (Sean Payton), the Colts have made an improbable run to the playoffs with the help of interim Arians' wit and Pagano's soul.

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