The NFL’s ninth week wraps up tonight as the Los Angeles Chargers battle the New York Jets. This is an interesting game that has big implications for both teams as we approach the season’s mid-point. I’ll preview the game below but first, as we approach mid-season, the next two weeks I’ll be looking ahead toward the post-season. This week, that means my picks for mid-season Rookie of the Year, NFL MVP and Fantasy MVP.

Mid-Season Rookie of the Year: C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans

Stroud probably was the third quarterback taken in most rookie drafts, but he’s been the best on the field. There have been growing pains for Bryce Young in Carolina while Anthony Richardson saw his season come to an end early with a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, Stroud just keeps humming. He has the Texans at 4-4, in position to push for a Wild Card spot. And he’s done it with some big passing days, like the 470 yards and five touchdowns he tossed in Week 9.

Mid-Season NFL MVP: Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are 7-2 and that’s a credit to Jackson. He’s been a force for the Ravens as a passer and on the ground. He’s a big part of the reason the Ravens are in position to win the AFC North and earn a top seed. Now, we’ve been here before and seen injuries curb the team’s run. But through nine weeks, the Ravens have been dominant.

Mid-Season Fantasy MVP: Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers

Prior to the season, you could have gotten Thielen as a low-end WR5. And yet, despite the struggles of the Carolina Panthers, Thielen has thrived with the Panthers. He came into Week 9 as WR8 in fantasy. In short, his production against his draft position has made him something of a league-winner candidate, which makes him an easy choice as the mid-season MVP.

Now, on to the Monday night game.

Los Angeles Chargers (3-4) at New York Jets (4-3)

The AFC is a tough conference. All the teams in the AFC North are at .500 or better. For the Jets, there are two teams ahead of them in their own division. The Chargers, meanwhile, enter this game four games back of the Chiefs in the win column. Both teams are hungry and desperate for a win. Who can get it?

For fantasy, for the Chargers, I’m starting Herbert. He’s a QB1, despite the matchup, in a week like Week 9. I also like Austin Ekeler as a solid start at running back and Keenan Allen as a start at wide receiver. With Josh Palmer out, I have more interest in Quentin Johnson. He’s a boom-or-bust flex for me.

For the Jets, I’m starting Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson. I’d also start the Jets’ defense if you play in a league with defense. Despite the QB landscape, I’m still not bullish on Zach Wilson. He’s a very low QB2 option.

I’m picking the Jets to get just enough to win.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.