NFL Playoff and Award Predictions

NFL AWARDS

NFL MVP: QB Drew Brees, N.O.- Probably should have won it in 2009, for all he meant to the Saints and their Super Bowl run. I think he puts up even bigger numbers this year (40 TD/ 5,000 yards in reach) and the Saints should once again be one of the powerhouses in the NFC.

Offensive Player of the Year: RB Ray Rice, Bal.- It's tough not to go with the popular choice in Chris Johnson with this pick, but I think Rice has the chance to be equally as impressive on offense in 2009. The Ravens have an established passing game now, opening up plenty of holes for Rice to run through, and he'll be a large factor in that very passing game.

Defensive Player of the Year: LB Patrick Willis, SF- Willis is already one of the top-3 all around linebackers in the league, and the scary thing is, he's yet to develop a consistent pass rush. I think that will arrive in 2010, as he leads a mean Niners defense with a 10 sack, 150+ tackle year with a few interceptions to boot.

Offensive R.O.Y.: RB Ryan Matthew, SD- The young back has huge shoes to fill, replacing Charger icon LaDanian Tomlinson, but there are very high expectations for Matthews. He was the first back taken in April's draft, and I think he's going to leave a lot of teams kicking themselves for passing on him. 1,200 rush yards and 8 TD's are well within reach in that powerful offense and I expect him to get there.

Defensive R.O.Y.: SS Eric Berry, KC- The Chiefs are banking a lot of hope of turning their defense around on their top pick (#5 overall) and I think he's going to hold his share of the load. Keep an eye on Ndamukong Suh as well, but rookie D-lineman tend to take a little longer to develop in the NFL.

Coach of the Year: Mike Singletarry, SF: The hard-nosed coach has been pushing the right buttons in SF, and I think this is the year it's going to start paying off. The Niners should win the NFC West and be a factor throughout the league, and Coach Singletary needs to get a lot of credit for that.

Comeback Player of the Year: RB Clinton Portis, Was.- I think the Redskins are in store to surprise some people this year, with their new QB in tow and a rejuvenated offense. Clint Portis is no spring chicken in terms of NFL running backs, but is in the best shape of his career, and should return to his 1,100+ yard form. Keep an eye on Brian Urlacher and fellow Redskin Chris Cooley here as well.

NFL PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

AFC Playoffs:
Wild Card Round

Jets over Chargers
Pats over Steelers

Divisional Round:

Colts over Jets
Bengals over Steelers

Championship:
Bengals over Colts

NFC Playoffs
Wild Card Round:

49ers over Eagles
Vikings over Cowboys

Divisional Round:
Saints over Niners
Packers over Vikings

Championship:
Packers over Saints

SUPER BOWL XLV:
Packers 27, Bengals 20