2012 NFL Award and Playoff Predictions

Well, I know the season started up yesterday and we were too busy to get our awards and playoff predictions out before kickoff, but nonetheless, we had it all prepared and figured we'd post it anyway. Week one WAS NOT taken into account for any of this.

AWARD PREDICTIONS

MVP: QB Tom Brady, New England- Brady has as many weapons at his disposal now than at any other point in his career. Also, the Pats' improved running game should open up the field even more for him. He should be in the top 3 in yards passing, TD's and QB rating by the end of the year and very well could lead the Pats back to the Super Bowl.

Offensive POY: RB Arian Foster, Houston- Foster looks primed for a career year with close to 100 percent health and the return of Matt Schaub. Now teams won't be able to load 8 in the box like they did so often last year after Schaub went down. With a full season, Ben Tate keeping him fresh and running behind that O-Line, I could easily see 2,250 total yards and maybe 20+ total touchdowns in 2012 for the elusive back.

Defensive POY: LB Aldon Smith, San Francisco: He had 14 sacks as a part-time rookie in 2011, and now he's an every down player. With a year under his belt and the extra opportunity, look for him to easily approach 20 sacks and 80+ tackles. There are a lot of players in this league who can get after the passer, but Smith has the chance to make in impact in a variety of ways.

Offensive ROY: QB Robert Griffin III, Washington: RG3 can do a little bit of everything, and although he may not match Cam Newton's incredible rookie season of a year ago, he should come pretty close. 3,500 passing yards, 500 rushing yards and 20 total TD's is well within range for the talented Baylor alum.

Defensive ROY: CB Morris Claiborne, Dallas: The uber-talented cover corner is the reason why the Cowboys expect their secondary to be a strength in 2012, rather than the weakness it was last year. Claiborne is a picture perfect corner, with size, physicality and speed to match up with any reciever in the league. Look for him to become a shut-down guy early one.

Comeback POY: QB Peyton Manning, Denver: Unless Manning goes down with another injury, he's the clear-cut favorite in this category and this the easiest selection of all the post-season awards. He may not be the arm he was in Indy, but after watching him torch the Niners secondary in the dress rehearsal preseason game, I have no doubts he'll throw for 30+ scores if he stays on the field.

Coach of the Year: Romeo Crennel, Kansas City: I have to agree with the consensus pick on this one. Crennel has enough talent in KC this year to make the Chiefs a serious contender. If he pushes the right buttons, they'll be a playoff team and that's what most are expecting.

Executive of the Year: Phil Emery, Chicago: The first-year Chicago GM has the Bears looking to make a huge impact in 2012. He didn't make a whole lot of additions, but the ones he did make should provide a lift to this teams offense. He brought in one of the most talented WR's in the league and a guy who's had tremendous success with Cutler. He also added Michael Bush, one of the best short-yardage backs in the league. The improvements should make Chicago a force in the NFC.

PLAYOFF PREDICTION

AFC

Wild Card

Baltimore 27, Denver 23

Kansas City 21, Pittsburgh 17

Divisional

New England 31, Baltimore 24

Houston 28, Kansas City 13

Championship

Houston 34, New England 27

NFC

Wild Card

Packers 37, Saints 33

Chicago 24, NY Giants 20

Divisional

49ers 26, Bears 20

Falcons 31, Packers 27

Championship

49ers 20, Falcons 17

Super Bowl

San Francisco 49ers 27, Houston Texans 24