The best and worst from first half of NFL season: Josh Allen, Justin Herbert and a tale of two Harbaughs

Josh Allen is named the NFL’s best player and most valuable player at the season’s midpoint, after thriving under new Bills coach Joe Brady. His all-round production has helped keep Buffalo’s Super Bowl ambitions on track during an unusually chaotic season.

Allen has an 11-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio, averages a career-best 8.75 yards per completion, and has added 270 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. Brock Purdy and Joe Burrow were close behind. Seahawks receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba is also singled out: he has 64 catches for 985 yards and nine touchdowns, putting him on pace to challenge Calvin Johnson’s 1,974-yard season record and potentially reach 2,000 yards.