Passing: Geno Smith (362/512, 70.7% comp, 3,886 yards, 27 TD, 9 INT)
Rushing: Kenneth Walker III (176 att, 803 yards, 9 TD)
Receiving: DK Metcalf (86 rec, 1,005 yards, 6 TD)
Tackles: Jordyn Brooks (157)
Sacks: Uchenna Nwosu (9.0)
Interceptions: Tariq Woolen (6)
CB Sauce Gardner vs CB Tariq Woolen and WR Garrett Wilson vs RB Kenneth Walker III
This week’s matchup between the Seahawks and the Jets is going to be a rookie showcase on both sides of the ball. Jets first-round cornerback Sauce Gardner has looked every bit of the part since entering the league last April. The same can be said for fellow rookie Tariq Woolen for the Seahawks, with an added bonus of value given that he was a 5th-round selection. Both have shown a tremendous amount of ball skills, with Woolen leading all rookies with 6 interceptions, and Gardner leading all DBs in pass breakups with 16. The Defensive Rookie of the Year race is likely to come down to these two, with Aidan Hutchinson getting a lot of consideration as well, so this game could go a long way in deciding a victor.
On the offensive side of the ball, a similar picture can be painted for two rising playmakers in each offense. Seattle’s running back Kenneth Walker III has been as advertised coming out of Michigan State, leading all rookies with 803 rushing yards. His physical running style makes him a fun player to watch, and scoring 9 times as a rookie will always get you early love with both fans and voters. Garrett Wilson, a top-10 draft pick this past spring, has proven that his success is imminent in the NFL, regardless of who is throwing him the ball. Just 4 yards shy of 1,000 with two games left to play, Wilson is not only breaking, but shattering, every Jets rookie receiving record he can. With Mike White medically cleared, and the offense being handed back to him for the remainder of the season, Wilson has a true chance to shine down the stretch and solidify his name as Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Both Gardner and Wilson are current favorites for both awards on FanDuel Sportsbooks, and other sites. Gardner is -1200 and Wilson is -170. For comparison, Walker is +340 in 2nd place and Woolen is in 3rd at +1400.