Why LT2 Will Make a Comeback (and Maybe Even Win the MVP) This Season

I'm betting you left Mickey Rourke, Kiefer Sutherland and Britney Spears for dead at some point in your life. Yet, while their sobriety may forever be in question, there's no denying they clawed their way back from career hell to achieve new celebrity.

I think the same think will happen to LaDainian Tomlinson in the NFL this season. Most fans think 2008 was his swan song, at least as a starter. But they're wrong, and here's why:

1. THE CHARGERS WILL HAVE MORE LEADS TO PROTECT IN 2009. With a healthier defense, the Chargers will allow fewer points. We know they can score, so they should lead more often, and by wider margins, earlier in games. That means they'll run the ball more and they'll need a chain mover; that's not Darren Sproles' game, is it?

2. LAST SEASON'S WORKLOAD WAS THE LIGHTEST OF HIS CAREER. It's not like LT was totally kicked to the curb, but he never touched the ball fewer times in his pro career than he did last season. He should be fresher.

3. HE'S IN CHUNKY SOUP COMMERCIALS. I love that stuff. Got me through college.

4. HE CAN FOCUS ON FOOTBALL. Even if he loses carries to Sproles, at least LT2 knows he isn't getting nudged out the door in San Diego. He can just think about doing whatever he can to boost the Chargers' NFL odds of winning. That's it.

It's no sure thing -- I think Maurice Jones-Drew is the real breakout star of 2009 -- but I'm be willing to bet that LT2 shocks the world and wins the MVP this season.