Handing out the Kansas City Chiefs midseason awards

Comeback Player of the Year

Winner: Harrison Butker, Kicker

The second no-brainer of the day. After a tumultuous 2022 season, where he missed 6% of extra points and 22.5% of field goals, Harrison Butker has been perfect this year. He's one of two kickers (Nick Folk of Tennessee) to miss zero kicks of any kind so far in 2023.

Though his struggles in 2022 can be attributed to an injury suffered in Week 1, Butker was under pressure to bounce back and he absolutely has. Although the Chiefs have settled for field goals more often than they would have hoped, there hasn't been any doubt about Butker getting those three points.

Defensive Player of the Year

Winner: Trent McDuffie, Cornerback

On a defense that's been absolutely special over the first two months, Trent McDuffie has been the best player. He's as complete of a cornerback as there's been in the NFL this season. He's been great in coverage, awesome against the run, and effective as a blitzer.

McDuffie is tied with Myles Garrett for the most forced fumbles among all defenders with four, according to Pro Football Focus ($), including the game-changing fumble against Tyreek Hill in Week 9. He's also tied for second among NFL cornerbacks in defensive stops at 20.

On an elite unit filled with players having the best seasons of their career, Trent McDuffie is having the best season. It doesn't matter that he has yet to record his first career interception, because he's establishing himself as one of the best players at his position. That status should stay that way for years to com