Now that I summed up all the divisions, its time to take on the awards and playoff predictions…which is always pretty much a crap shoot, but here goes….
NFL MVP – Adrian Peterson, Vikings – Peterson could have very realistically won this award last year, had Tom Brady not had the record breaking season. Only QBs and RBs have won this award every year since 1987 (Jerry Rice) so its a pretty safe bet to got with a running back here. I see the Vikings winning the NFC North with a total lack of a passing game, having to rely a lot on Peterson, giving him the MVP.
Coach of the Year – Mike McCarthy, Packers – This usually goes to a surprising team’s coach, and looking back at my picks, I definitely didn’t pick many surprises this year. I could see McCarthy getting it by leading the Packers to a wild card spot with Aaron Rodgers for keeping the team togehter during the Favre saga.
Offensive Player of the Year – Tom Brady, Patriots – I think Brady has another great season and wins this again, but his efforts don’t earn him the MVP
Defensive Player of the Year – DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys – I see the Cowboys dominating the NFC this year, and if DeMarcus Ware can put up 14 sacks again in the tough NFC East, he gets the nod.
Comeback Player of the Year – Isaac Bruce, 49ers – I’m not sure if this counts or not, but Bruce hasn’t been in the news for a few years. Now, he is reunited with the man that made him a star, Mike Martz, on a team where even at age 35, he probably is the most talented WR. This could be a nice year that puts the cap on a hall of fame career.
Walter Payton Man of the Year – Jason Witten, Cowboys – I asked Ryan if he wanted to do this one too, since it’s always fun to speculate who will do the most humanitarian work over the course of a season. Reggie Bush has been doing a lot of stuff like this lately, and I know Ryan wants to pick him, so I turned to the United Way website to find 4 videos of player helping kids. They were of Alex Smith of the 49ers, Brian Waters of the Chiefs, Jason Witten of the Cowboys, and Mike McKenzie of the Saints. Since this is an award for talent and humanitarian work, it eliminates Smith immediately, Waters is an unloved OL, and McKenzie has scary dreads, so I’m going with Witten.
Postseason Predictions
AFC Playoff Teams: 1. Chargers 2. Patriots 3. Colts 4. Steelers 5. Titans 6. Jaguars
NFC Playoff Teams: 1. Cowboys 2. Seahawks 3. Vikings 4. Saints 5. Giants 6. Packers
Wild Card Playoffs
Jaguars over Colts: The Jags stun the Colts on the Oil Field, Hoosiers forced to think about Matt Painter and Roy Hibbert
Steelers over Titans: Two similar strong defensive teams meet, but the Steelers pass attack and better running game makes the difference
Vikings over Packers: The Vikings defense shuts down the run and gives Aaron Rodgers nightmares for months
Giants over Saints: The Giants are going to have trouble putting pressure on Brees, but the Saints are due for an inconsistent game.
Divisional Playoffs
Jaguars over Chargers: The Chargers get an easy schedule wake up call from the Jags, blowing their chance to defeat the Patriots at home for the 2nd time in a year
Patriots over Steelers: I can see the Steelers trash talking the Patriots again like last year, the the Patriots finally going full speed and dominating them
Cowboys over Giants: In a rematch of last year, the Cowboys finally shake the demons and knock off the banged up and not nearly as hot Giants
Seahawks over Vikings: I really don’t think Seattle is that great, but I can’t imagine Tarvaris Jackson winning a road playoff game, especially in the home of the 12th man.
Conference Championships
Patriots over Jaguars: Just like last year, when San Diego came in extremely banged up, the Patriots luck out again by hosting the 6th seed for a trip to the Super Bowl. The Pats cash in.
Cowboys over Seahawks: Seattle puts up a surprising fight, but the Cowboys have just too much talent
Super Bowl XLIII
Patriots over Cowboys: Some history will be made here. The Patriots get their 4th Super Bowl title, putting them in the 60’s Packers, 70’s Steelers, 80’s 49ers, 90’s Cowboys discussion, while the Cowboys are denied a chance to win their record setting 6th Super Bowl in franchise history. As much as I’d hate to see this happen, because I’ve grown to hate the Patriots a lot over the past years, I’m also going to predict one bright spot to this. This will be the end of the Patriots dynasty. The defensive age will reach critical mass in 2009, maybe Brady gets hurt, maybe Belichick retires…..I just have a feeling after this season they sink back to a mediocre or perenial playoff loser.
Hopefully my picks turn out a little better than my atrocious baseball ones. It’s kind of funny to see how baseball seems to have more parity than football these days, despite having a salary cap.
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