AFC Champion – San Diego
It’s a close race between San Diego, New
England, and Indianapolis, but I give the nod to the Chargers because of
their overall balance and depth.
NFC Champion – Chicago
Dallas probably has more talent, but
thanks to their easier schedule, the Bears will likely have home-field
advantage throughout the playoffs.
Super Bowl Champion – San Diego
Whoever wins the AFC will win the Super
Bowl.
Offensive MVP – RB LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego
Peyton Manning and Tom Brady have shots,
but if LT stays healthy, he’ll likely run away with this award.
Defensive MVP – OLB Shawne Merriman, San Diego
Last season, Merriman had 17 sacks in
just 12 games. The NFL sack record is in jeopardy if he stays healthy this
season. DeMarcus Ware, the Merriman of the NFC, Brian Urlacher, and Lance
Briggs will likely be in the running.
Offensive Rookie of the Year – RB Adrian Peterson, Minnesota
Marshawn Lynch will likely get more
touches, but the explosive Peterson will do more with less.
Defensive Rookie of the Year – MLB Paul Poslusny, Buffalo
The Bills defense will likely be
dreadful, but Poslusny should put up DeMeco Ryans-like numbers. Other
candidates are Tampa Bay DE Gaines Adams and Washington S LaRon Landry.
Coach of the Year – Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh
Tomlin is following a legend, and not
many give the Steelers much of a chance. However, the rookie head coach is
adopting a team that still has most of the key players that won the Super
Bowl just two years ago, including a healthy Ben Roethlisberger.
Pleasant Surprise of the Year – QB Eli Manning, NY Giants
Thanks to Tiki “Benedict” Barber, Eli
will play with fire this season and finally start to look like he is related
to Peyton. My runner-up would be the passing combination of Phillip Rivers
and Vincent Jackson.
Biggest Disappointment of the Year – WR Randy Moss, New England
Moss is an anti-Patriot. His coaches
and teammates will quickly grow weary of his lousy attitude, and his impact
will be nominal either because: 1) he’s benched, 2) he is “injured,” or 3)
Brady will continue to spread the ball around. My runner up would be WR
Calvin Johnson. Nothing against the rookie – I think he’ll be a Pro Bowler
in a few years – but this season, he’ll have a mediocre QB throwing the ball
to him, and Detroit has too many other reliable receivers for Johnson to
make a huge impact.
