NFL Individual Award Predictions

It's that time of year again. No, not the time for my semi-annual blog post (it's only been 8 months). It's time for some PIGSKIN ACTION BABY. Fantasy football fans, real-life football fans who actually root for their teams, degenerate gamblers, etc., rejoice...tomorrow night marks the return of everyone's favorite business/entertainment entitiy, the National Football League.

With its return I feel I should list my predictions for the upcoming season. Not that these predictions will win me any type of monetary prize or trophy or even a simple "thadda boy", for shits and giggles I put them out there for mocking purposes.

To start things off, my individual award predictions.

MVP: Peyton Manning
Yes, he is the starting QB for my fantasy football teams. Bias aside, this is Peyton's award to lose. He has the deepest and most talented receiving corps of his career. I strongly believe this will be his best statistical season ever, though the Colts won/loss record won't be 15-1 again.

Offensive Player of the Year: Aaron Rodgers
There is often that strange line between how a player can win the MVP award and not Offensive or Defensive Player of the Year. I think we will see that happen again this season as Aaron Rodgers produces one of the greatest statistical seasons by a quarterback in NFL history. Put him down for 5000 yards passing and 40 TD's.Green Bay's inferior record to Indianapolis and the worlds infatuation with Peyton Manning will prohibit Rodgers from capturing the MVP award.

Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Willis
Willis is the definition of a tackling machine. While the 49ers have mired in relative obscurity during his first few seasons, their ascent to the top of the NFC West this season will give Willis the media and national exposure he deserves.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ryan Mathews
I think this is an absolute no-brainer. Mathews has a great blend of speed/power, will be the featured back in a multi-dimensional office, and any running back in Norv Turner's office is guaranteed 1000 yards plus.

Defensive Player of the Year: Rolando McLain
While I think Ndamukong Suh will be the best defensive rookie of the year, it is often hard to gauge the impact defensive tackles have since they do not register many sacks or tackles. McLain is just what the doctor ordered for the Raiders...a big, physical linebacker to replace the smallish-smurf style linebackers Oakland has utilized the past few seasons. He's going to have at least 125 tackles and I think that type of number will be what warrants his DPY award.

Coach of the Year: Mike Singletary
I do not think Singletary is even a Top 10 coach. But, when you factor in their schedule and maturation of key players on both sides of the ball, San Francisco is poised to have a 12-4 or 11-5 type record this season. With that type of jump in record and his 'name' as Hall of Fame player, I think he will be a very trendy pick at the end of the season.