NFL Predictions: Matthew Stafford Will Be the 2012 MVP

Matthew Stafford, the 2012 NFL Most Valuable Player? Outrageous.

Not really. If last year's success and this offseason's moves are any indication, the Detroit Lions' quarterback will snag the prestigious award from conventional favorites Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees.

Nine of the past 11 years, the award has gone to a quarterback in the increasingly pass-happy NFL. That offers a strong tip that the winner will continue to be a quarterback more often than not.

2012 will be no exception, and it will be Stafford with arguably the strongest arm in the NFL. You'd swear it was developed and attached by Lockheed Martin.

Stafford missiles the ball to the best receiver in the game, Calvin "Megatron" Johnson. The nickname paints him as some kind of man-machine hybrid, prototype athlete in a futuristic sci-fi film.

Aside from forming one of the league's most dynamic duos with Johnson, he may actually have a running game to support him this season.

The Lions lost Jahvid Best to lingering post-concussion symptoms in the middle of 2011, and powerful rookie back Mikel Leshoure didn't play one snap before tearing his ACL.

The return of both versatile runners should provide a lift, although Leshoure may face suspension for offseason run-ins with the law.

Chew on this for a second: Best was the team's leading rusher with 390 yards. August Rush could provide better rushing support.

Beyond the 2011 team's 29th-ranked rushing numbers sure to be bested, Stafford will have enhanced protection by rookie first-round pick Riley Reiff.

The University of Iowa offensive tackle is very athletic, and will start in some regard on an offensive line that allowed Stafford to take a lot of hits.

In addition to Best and Leshoure, and Reiff contributing to a more two-dimensional offensive attack, the Lions are loaded with targets for Stafford to throw to.

Johnson, a resurgent Nate Burleson, second-year player Titus Young, and second-round pick Ryan Broyles of Oklahoma form one of the best and youngest receiving corps in the league.

Even undrafted rookie receiver Patrick Edwards, who scored 20 TDs for Houston last year, could be a formidable option. He definitely won't be short on motivation to make the final roster.

One of the most positive aspects of last season is that Stafford proved he could stay healthy enough to make it through 16 games, and even an extra one.

It's not like he petered out in his NFL postseason debut. Stafford threw for 380 yards and 3 TDs in a 45-28 loss.

One would be hard pressed to find a better combination of arm talent, youth, potential, and clutch ability than Stafford.

By clutch, I mean four consecutive 20-point comebacks during the regular season. This supported the team's playoff hopes week to week seemingly by a thread.

In that vein, the Lions' defensive unit must improve from a year ago to avoid such heavy reliance on its offense.

Pulling out ten wins with a similar performance to last year's unit will be a tall order even for a seemingly improved offensive attack.

Although, it may help Stafford improve his outrageous rank of No. 41 on the top 100 NFL players of 2012.

While the defensive unit is a concern, it isn't for Stafford's numbers. More points allowed means more passes on offense when playing from behind.

Exhibit A: Stafford's NFL-high 683 attempts last season.

It's hard to imagine Stafford eclipsing his 2011 totals of 5,000-plus yards and 41 touchdowns if he won't throw the ball as much.

However, the offense will not only sport a more balanced attack, but will also have two able pass-catchers out of the backfield and enhanced protection.

This should translate to a higher completion percentage, less hits, and more efficiency, leaving the sturdy 24-year-old Stafford in prime position to take his game to an even higher level.

Led by a newly-crowned MVP quarterback, beware the roar of Ford Field and the 2012 Detroit Lions.