Lions tackle Penei Sewell has dominated the Protector of the Year award race at the NFL’s midseason point, receiving 12 of 15 votes from CBS Sports HQ’s panel. Sewell’s performance in the first nine weeks has set him apart as the top offensive lineman, a distinction that continues to draw attention across the league.
The Protector of the Year category saw the clearest consensus among voters. Zach Pereles, a CBS Sports analyst, explained Sewell’s stronghold on the award, noting how the Lions’ offensive line has improved significantly with him anchoring the tackle spot. Sewell’s ability to neutralize pass rushers and create running lanes has been a defining factor in Detroit’s offensive progress so far this season.
The Rookie of the Year contests are tighter. On defense, Arvell Reese and David Bailey have emerged as the primary contenders. The offensive race remains wide open. Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston leads the pack with seven votes, while Broncos running back Jonah Coleman follows with three. Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate and Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza each earned two votes, and Browns wide receiver KC Concepcion received one.
As the NFL season reaches its halfway mark, CBS Sports HQ’s staff have also placed their bets on the teams most likely to make strong Super Bowl runs. Jacksonville Jaguars top the list as favorites to win the championship this year. The Bears and 49ers are considered the most competitive challengers, though John Breech of CBS Sports has his sights on different teams for the playoffs, projecting shifts in the NFC West standings in the second half of the season.
This projection reflects an evolving league dynamic, where early-season form provides clues but no guarantees. Jacksonville’s combination of a strong defense and efficient offense has impressed the CBS panel, positioning them ahead of more established contenders.
Beyond professional football, college football’s Week 11 promises drama with a significant Big Ten clash between No. 9 Indiana and No. 18 USC at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS. Both remain in the Big Ten title race, but the game carries extra weight for USC, which holds only a 9% chance of reaching the conference championship game. Analyst David Cobb expects USC to cover the 7.5-point spread, but an outright win would mark a turnaround for Lincoln Riley’s tenure.
The SEC also features notable matchups. No. 6 Texas visits LSU in Death Valley, where the Tigers are four-point favorites. Meanwhile, No. 8 Tennessee faces Texas A&M in a game that draws attention for a possible upset, as the Volunteers are slight favorites on the road.
The week’s NFL schedule includes a unique international matchup between the Patriots and Lions in Munich, airing at 9:30 a.m. on NFL Network. Other notable games feature the Chiefs at Falcons and Vikings at Packers, both kicking off at 1 p.m.
CBS Sports HQ’s daily newsletter, which offers detailed analysis and picks, remains a go-to source for fans tracking awards races and playoff projections as the season unfolds. Sewell’s strong lead for Protector of the Year and the Jaguars’ place atop Super Bowl predictions provide early markers for what could shape up to be a competitive finish.
The midseason report card also suggests a close Rookie of the Year fight on offense, with several players receiving votes, reflecting a deep pool of emerging talent across the league. Defensive rookies Reese and Bailey are the clear frontrunners, but with nearly half the season remaining, those standings could change.
As the NFL heads into its second half, the performances of these players and teams will be crucial in shaping the final awards and playoff picture. Sewell’s dominance at tackle and Jacksonville’s championship odds remain the clearest narratives at this point.
According to CBS.
