Woodley among best

By BARRY WILNER

AP Pro Football Writer

Their work is only half completed, yet they deserve front-runner status for this season’s NFL awards. And yes, we know how everything can change in the next eight weeks.

For now, though, here’s the who’s who of honorees for 2011.

Offensive player

Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit

“Megatron” to the Max best describes what Johnson has achieved in eight games: 11 TDs, joining Randy Moss as the only players since the 1970 merger with 11 TD catches in his team’s first eight games. His combination of speed, size, moves and moxie make Johnson not only the most dangerous receiver in the league this year, but the most impressive offensive player. And the competition is fierce.

Runners-up: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay; Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota; Wes Welker, WR, New England; Matt Forte, RB, Chicago; Fred Jackson, RB, Buffalo.

Defensive player

LaMarr Woodley, LB, Steelers

Woodley is dealing with a left hamstring problem, about the only thing to slow him this season. Forget James Harrison or Troy Polamalu, Woodley has been the best and most influential player on the Steel Curtain. It’s amazing how Pittsburgh always seems to find the perfect linebacker for its system.

Woodley is dynamite as a pass rusher, in coverage and, especially, against the run. He has become a leader on a defense not lacking for them, and he’s only in his fifth year.

Runners-up: Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota; Darrelle Revis, CB, New York Jets; Haloti Ngata, DT, Baltimore; DeMarcus Ware, LB, Dallas; Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco.

COMEBACK PLAYER

Steve Smith, WR, Carolina

Nobody has been recharged more than Smith, who was expecting to ask out of Carolina after last season’s two-win season. He even contemplated retirement.

Now, energized by the addition of quarterback Cam Newton and a new coaching staff, Smith is as dangerous and dynamic as ever. He is averaging 20 yards a reception for his 46 catches, has scored four times, and also has provided guidance for Newton and several other younger Panthers in what could be his fifth Pro Bowl season.

Runners-up: Will Smith, DE, New Orleans; Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit; Chris Houston, CB, Detroit; Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco; DeMeco Ryans, LB, Houston.

MVP

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay

As the NFL has evolved into a quarterback-driven league, that position has dominated the headlines, the highlight shows and this award. Unquestionably the best QB in the league this year is Rodgers, who has parlayed his superb playoff run last winter, his Super Bowl MVP trophy and an unmatched sense of confidence — call it swagger — into a spectacular start.

Runners-up: Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit; Darrelle Revis, CB, New York Jets; Haloti Ngata, DT, Baltimore; LaMarr Woodley, LB, Pittsburgh; Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants; Matt Forte, Chicago.