Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin was named the rookie of the year and running back Adrian Peterson was picked as the best game-breaker in a midseason poll of 99 veteran NFL players done by The Sporting News.
Quarterback Brett Favre was voted the second-biggest surprise behind Denver outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil. Peterson was No. 2. on a list of toughest to game-plan for behind Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.
The same poll also picked a top three for the offensive and defensive MVPs at the halfway point. Favre was No. 3 behind New Orleans' Drew Brees (No. 1) and Manning (No. 2); Saints safety Darren Sharper, a former Viking, was picked as the defensive MVP, followed by Dumervil and Vikings defensive end Jared Allen.
The Saints were picked to win the Super Bowl, followed by Indianapolis and New England.
The Sporting News also had staff writer Clifton Brown choose a midseason All-Pro team. Brown picked left guard Steve Hutchinson, defensive end Jared Allen and Harvin for his work on kick returns. Hutchinson, who has played much of the season while battling a back injury, did not make the All-Pro squads selected by Pro Football Weekly and Sports Illustrated. Allen and Harvin also made the SI and PFW teams.
