Offensive Rookie of the Year: Desean Jackson. I really wanted to pick one of the running backs that were taken in the first round of the draft but I just don't feel that any of them will get enough carries as a feature back to put up great stats. Jackson on the other hand will be a starting receiver and the Eagles really need him now more than ever, due to the injury of Kevin Curtis. He will probably have the most highlight-reel plays, especially in the return game, which gives him a slight edge. Watch out for Jonathan Stewart.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jerod Mayo. Yes, it pains me, but the Patriots needed some youth in their linebacking corps and Mayo is a great fit. In that system the linebackers are counted on to make plays and he should make plenty. He will also get great exposure due to playing for New England. Watch out for Leodis McKelvin and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
Offensive Player of the Year: See MVP Award
Defensive Player of the Year: Jared Allen. I'll go with a fairly safe pick. He is one of the game's best pass rushers and he goes from a bad team to an average team with an already solid defense. I'm not sure how high his sack total will be, but he should win this award by being the best player on a great defense. Watch out for Antonio Cromartie.
Most Valuable Player: Tom Brady. I don't think he will match the 50 touchdowns total from a year ago. But he is still the MVP.
Now on to part two, the division and wild card winners
AFC
- East: New England Patriots. This is the easiest pick. No matter how good the Jets, Bills and Dolphins could be, they just can't challenge the dynasty of this division. The only way I see the Patriots not getting the job done is if Tom Brady is hurt and misses time.
- North: Pittsburgh Steelers. This division should be close and I don't think the division winner will have more than 10 wins, but Pittsburgh will get it done. Cincinnati and Baltimore should be better but not good enough and Cleveland will not match last years success.
- South: Jacksonville Jaguars. Mark this down as the first bold prediction. The Colts have won 12 or more games in five consecutive years, but this is the year to get them. I just feel that it is the Jaguars time to finally win the division. The Titans and Texans should be good, but I don't think this division will produce three playoff teams again.
- West: San Diego Chargers. They are loaded with talent and even without Shawn Merriman they should win this division with ease. The Broncos are still mired in mediocrity and the Raiders and Chiefs are simply not ready to challenge for a playoff spot.
- Wild Cards: Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills. The Colts are still a good team and should be the number five seed easily and possibly have a better record than one or more division winners. The Bills will grab the sixth playoff spot, probably in a tiebreaker. Their schedule isn't too difficult and last year they learned how to win. The big game for them will be hosting Cleveland in week eleven.
- East: Dallas Cowboys. Yes any team can win it. These four teams could finish in any order and it wouldn't be too surprising. I'm going with Dallas though because they have done it before, and have the most talent in the division. I don't think they will reach 13 wins again, but they should edge out the other three for another division title. Will they win a playoff game though?
- North: Minnesota Vikings. I don't like how everyone is dismissing the Packers just because Favre is gone and Aaron Rodgers is the guy, They have a great defense and should not drop off much. I do think the Vikings will win it though. They may have the best defense and their offense should be good enough with the solid play of Adrian Peterson
- South: New Orleans Saints. This division has been unpredictable in recent years but this is the one when it should go true to form. The Saints are the most talented team. They shot themselves in the foot last year by starting out 0-4. As long as they get out of the gates okay, they should cruise in this division.
- West: Seattle Seahawks. Seattle has been one of the more quiet divisional dynasties in recent memory. They have made the playoffs five straight years and won four division titles during that time. It doesn't stop this year. They have an underrated defense and should have an improved running game.
- Wild Cards: Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants. I hate doing this but I think it will be another year with three playoff teams from the NFC East. Philly should be much improved and if they stay healthy, are good enough for a Super Bowl run. The Giants will have a much harder time than last year but I don't buy that they have fallen out of the playoff ranks.
- Dallas Cowboys defeat San Diego Chargers. Your guess is as good as mine. I find it hard to believe the Cowboys will continue to struggle in the playoffs. This just seems like their year to me. They have a great mix of proven players and exciting young guys.
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