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The candidates for the NFL’s Rookie of the Year awards are narrowing as the season comes to an end, though there are still rookies doing everything they can to get noticed heading into the season’s final three weeks.

The race for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award lost one of its prime candidates, unfortunately, when Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu suffered torn anterior and lateral cruciate ligaments in his left knee during the team’s win against the St. Louis Rams.

The No. 1 player in our rookie rankings remains the favorite to win the award on the defensive side of the ball, but the offensive award remains more open. San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen continued to make a strong push in Week 14 with two touchdown receptions in a win against the New York Giants, but Detroit Lions right guard Larry Warford, Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy and Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard are all strong candidates as well.

This week’s Bleacher Report Rookie Rankings continue to delve into the top candidates in those races, while also looking at the other rookies whose play has been worthy of recognition throughout the season.

Note: All advanced statistics and snap counts, unless otherwise noted, courtesy of Pro Football Focus' premium statistics database (subscription required).