NFL End of the Year Awards

It's that time of year again. The football season is just about over, and it's time to decide who are the best players in the league and most deserving of these awards. I have included defensive rookie of the year, offensive rookie of the year, coach of the year, breakout player of the year, defensive player of the year, offensive player of the year, and, of course, MVP.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Brian Cushing, linebacker, Texans

As a rookie, Cushing is fifth in the league in tackles and has also recorded four sacks and four interceptions. Not to mention he was voted to the Pro Bowl.

Runners-up: Bills safety Jairus Byrd, Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo, Packers linebacker Clay Matthews, and Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Percy Harvin, wide receiver, Vikings

Harvin didn't take long to prove that he could be a threat in the NFL. He became one of Brett Favre's most trusted receivers and with his blazing speed has proven himself to be one of the most dangerous kick returners in the league.

Runners-up: Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher, Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno, and Colts wide receiver Austin Collie.

Coach of the Year: Jim Caldwell, Colts

As a rookie head coach, Caldwell led the Colts to a 14-0 start. Granted he has Peyton Manning as his quarterback, but winning your first 14 games as well as clinching home-field advantage in the playoffs in your first year is pretty impressive.

Runners-up: Saints coach Sean Payton and Bengals coach Marvin Lewis.

Breakout Player of the Year: Miles Austin, wide receiver, Cowboys

Not a lot of people had heard of Austin at the beginning of the season, and now he is one of the best receivers in the league and headed to his first Pro Bowl. No-name to Pro Bowl...not bad.

Runner-up: Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice

Defensive Player of the Year: Elvis Dumervil, defensive end/outside linebacker, Broncos

It didn't take long for Dumervil to adjust to the Broncos new 3-4 defense. Not only did he adjust, he thrived. With one game left to play, Dumervil leads the league with 17 sacks and has been voted to his first Pro Bowl.

Runner-up: Packers cornerback Charles Woodson

Offensive Player of the Year: Chris Johnson, running back, Titans

If the Titans had made the playoffs this season, Johnson would be a serious MVP candidate. Johnson has already amassed over 2,200 total yards and will probably reach the 2,000 rushing yards plateau on Sunday. He was no doubt the silver lining for the Titans this season.

Runners-up: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, and Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson.

Most Valuable Player: Peyton Manning, quarterback, Colts

Manning is the obvious choice here. He helped lead the Colts to their best start in franchise history, as well as home-field advantage in the playoffs. He is also second in the league in passing yards and touchdowns. He is the most valuable player for his team out of anyone else in the league.

Runners-up: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers.