It's hard to believe, but the NFL regular season is just about halfway over. Like every season, the 2018 one has brought plenty of surprises. The Kansas City Chiefs are dominant with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, the Los Angeles Rams are the last undefeated team remaining, and the defending champs have been tested significantly.

But one of the biggest surprises of the 2018 season has been the Redskins stellar run defense. A year ago, Washington ranked dead last in the NFL against the run. Halfway through 2018, the team has the second-best run defense in the NFL, with opponents averaging just 80.1 rushing yards per game. Over the last three weeks, Christian McCaffrey, Ezekiel Elliott, and Saquon Barkley have rushed for less than 100 yards combined.

Part of this significant change has been the impact rookie Daron Payne has presented. While his numbers may not pop out, he has already established himself as one of the best run defenders in the league. The Redskins have relied on the combination of Payne and second-year man Jonathan Allen, who were teammates at Alabama, to improve the run defense, and so far they have been extraordinary.

CLICK HERE FOR NFL DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR RANKINGS THROUGH WEEK 8

While defensive lineman may not produce the statistics that linebackers and members of the secondary do, they certainly have an important presence. Payne may not have the tackles or sacks numbers as some of the fellow rookies in his class, few rookies have been more impactful on the defensive side of the ball.

So, who is the favorite to win NFL Defensive ROY? We looked at all the possibilities halfway through the season.

CLICK HERE FOR NFL DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR RANKINGS THROUGH WEEK 8



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