Here’s a look at the first half of the season for the Seattle Seahawks (5-2-1) and a preview of what to expect in the second half:

Grade: B Russell Wilson's health has been the dominant storyline thus far. The fifth-year quarterback has battled through a right high ankle sprain, a sprained MCL in his left knee and a right pectoral strain. Wilson's injuries, along with inconsistencies on the offensive line, have led to a performance that's been tough to watch. But the offense turned in an encouraging performance against the Buffalo Bills. The defense had a hiccup Monday night but is mostly responsible for the Seahawks being in first place in the NFC West.

Midseason MVP: Cliff Avril. Really, this could go to any number of defensive players: cornerback Richard Sherman, safety Earl Thomas, linebacker Bobby Wagner or linebacker K.J. Wright. They have all stayed healthy and played at an extremely high level on one of the best defenses in the league. But Avril gets the nod here. He leads the Seahawks in sacks and forced fumbles and has been one of the most consistent pass-rushers in the NFL. Avril makes plays on a weekly basis, even when the numbers don't reflect his impact. Often his hurries from left defensive end lead to sacks for teammates, and Avril is excellent against the run as well. Given Michael Bennett's injury (knee), the Seahawks' pass rush would have really struggled without Avril.

Best moment: Wagner stuffing Arizona Cardinals RB David Johnson at the goal line. In overtime of the Week 7 matchup, the Cardinals faced a second-and-goal from the Seahawks' 1-yard line with a chance to win. But Wagner stood Johnson up before he crossed the goal line. The Cardinals went on to miss a 24-yard field goal and the Seahawks escaped with a tie. The play is representative of the resilience of the defense. Wagner played 102 snaps in that game, but the defense kept the Cardinals out of the end zone. Wagner has played at a Pro Bowl level all season.

Worst moment: Wilson going down with a sprained MCL in Week 3. Already playing on a right high ankle sprain, Wilson tried to scramble and stiff-arm San Francisco 49ers linebacker Eli Harold. Wilson went down awkwardly and suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee. Wilson admitted later he should have thrown the ball away. The knee sprain has been the most serious injury he has suffered. Wilson said doctors told him he probably should have missed three or four weeks. He deserves credit for the work he's put in to not miss a start, but Wilson's limited mobility has put the offense in a bind.

Player to watch: RB Thomas Rawls. The Seahawks' run game has struggled to get going through the first half of the season, but they're expecting Rawls to come back in the next couple of weeks. The second-year back missed most of the summer while recovering from an ankle injury and he injured his fibula in Week 2. Whether Rawls will be the same player he was last season (led the NFL in yards per carry) is uncertain. But the Seahawks love his physical style and they're hoping Rawls can be a difference-maker down the stretch.

Second-half outlook: Pete Carroll's teams generally finish strong. The Seahawks are hoping Wilson will get healthier and players such as Bennett, Rawls and strong safety Kam Chancellor should return to the lineup. Questions on the offensive line remain and there's no guarantee Wilson eventually will get to 100 percent. But given the talent and pedigree of the defense, the Seahawks still are on the short list of favorites to come out of the NFC.