2012 NFL Predictions: Dark-Horse Candidates for Each Major NFL Award

Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have split the last five NFL MVP awards among themselves.

Yawn.

The NFL is due for a surprise MVP after years of predictability. In fact, every major NFL award has a few dark-horse candidates that could have a legitimate chance to win the award.

Here is an under-the-radar candidate for each major NFL award.

MVP—Jay Cutler

Jay Cutler may not be a sexy pick, but he is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the NFL. Further, Cutler is due for a big breakout year.

Cutler's receiving corps is greatly improved with the additions of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey, and the offensive line should be improved as well.

Further, the NFL learned just how important Cutler is to the Bears after Cutler's injury kept the Bears out of the playoffs.

To win the award, Cutler will need to do a few things.

First, he must guide the Bears to the playoffs, which is easier said than done. The Bears will have to take down the Lions and the Packers to take the division crown, which is a difficult task for any team. The Bears are talented enough to do it, but they will need good luck with injuries and an improved offensive performance.

Second, Cutler must carry the offense in 2012. As a Bear, Cutler hasn't been asked to do much, as the Bears have been content to let Matt Forte carry the offense. This year, though, the Bears have the firepower to be a top passing team. Cutler needs to turn that potential into reality to earn an MVP award.

Cutler definitely has the talent and supporting cast to make this happen. While it will take a little luck, Cutler should finally have the breakout season that we've been waiting for en route to a potential MVP-caliber season.

Offensive Player of the Year—Calvin Johnson

Calling Calvin Johnson a dark-horse anything seems ridiculous, but a closer look at this award shows that receivers rarely win. The last receiver to be named Offensive Player of the Year was Jerry Rice in 1993.

If any receiver can earn the award, though, it's Calvin Johnson.

At this point in his career, there is no question that Johnson is the top receiver in the NFL, and many would say he is the best athlete in the NFL as well.

With a full season with Matthew Stafford under his belt, Calvin Johnson could be even better in 2012. Johnson will also be helped by the continued development of Brandon Pettigrew, Titus Young and the Lions' offensive line.

With a few highlight reel plays and another strong season, Calvin Johnson could firmly insert himself into the discussion for Offensive Player of the Year.

Defensive Player of the Year—Lardarius Webb

Lardarius Webb burst onto the scene last year as one of the premiere cover corners in the NFL, but the best is still yet to come for the Baltimore Ravens' corner.

Webb will be asked to do even more this season, as the Ravens will have a struggling pass rush.

On the flipside, though, teams know that they can pick on Cary Williams and Jimmy Smith, so Webb probably won't be targeted much in 2012.

That could lead to Webb shutting down some top receivers this season, including A.J. Green, Wes Welker, Andre Johnson and Hakeem Nicks.

Webb still lacks the reputation of some other cornerbacks, though, which should guarantee him opportunities to rack up interceptions.

With a similar performance to last year, Webb would cement his status as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. With a few more interceptions, he could insert himself into the discussion for Defensive Player of the Year.

Coach of the Year—Leslie Frazier

The Coach of the Year award skews towards unexpected success stories, so odds are that the award will go to a dark-horse candidate this year regardless.

Still, very few are talking about Leslie Frazier as a potential Coach of the Year candidate. The Vikings, though, are a better team than many realize, and contention for a playoff spot would insert Frazier right into the discussion for the Coach of the Year award.

This is a Vikings team that was in nearly every game last season. They lost a lot of close games en route to a 3-13 season, but they showed a lot of talent and moxie that should progress into real results in 2012.

Christian Ponder will be the key to the season. Ponder showed a lot of toughness last season, and he also kept the team in some games that they had no business being in. If he displays legitimate progression and consistency, the Vikings' offense should be solid.

On defense, the Vikings have the best pass-rusher in the NFL and an improved secondary. While they won't be an elite unit by any means, they should be improved.

If Frazier manages to keep the Vikings competitive in a tough NFC North, he should be a legitimate candidate for Coach of the Year. A playoff berth would virtually guarantee him the award.