What happened: Pro Football Focus selected Joe Burrow as its midseason Most Valuable Player and Arvell Reese as Defensive Rookie of the Year. The honors recognize standout individual campaigns across the NFL through the first half of the 2026 season.
Why it matters: Burrow has driven Cincinnati to a 6-2 start to keep the Bengals firmly in AFC playoff contention. Reese, selected fifth overall in the 2026 draft, has quickly established himself as a disruptive front-seven playmaker for New York.
By the numbers: In 2026 through 8 games, Burrow has completed 219 of 296 passes for 2386 yards with 23 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. In 2026 through 8 games, Reese has made 68 tackles with 4.5 sacks and 1 interception.
What to watch: Both players return to regular-season action in Week 10 as midseason award races continue to take shape.