NFL Midseason Predictions: Will Peyton Manning Win MVP Number Five?
Everybody is doing it. With week 9 in the books, its time to look ahead and predict (with some degree of accuracy i hope) who will be scooping the awards and trophies at the end of the season.
With the season so equal, this becomes a difficult task, but some players do stand out, like Michael Vick and Phillip Rivers.
So strap on your (metaphorical) seat belts, enjoy the ride and feel free to comment on whoever is missed out in your opinion.
Offensive Rookie Of The Year
1 of 14
This one is a no-brainer. Sam Bradford has exceeded the wild expectations that St. Louis Rams fans had for him after the draft, leading the Rams to a .500 record and showing the signs of being the quarterback of the next decade or two.
He is poised, and has solid stats despite throwing to a bunch of no names further decimated by injuries.
One of the easiest picks at the moment. And I know I'm not scoring any points for originality.
2010 stats: 1674 yards, 11 TD's, 8 Ints, 58.6% completion percentage, 75.9 rating
Prediction: 3,140 yards, 20 TD's, 16 Ints, 56.1% completions, 75 rating
Defensive Rookie Of The Year
2 of 14
Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh. The new catchline of the Detroit Lions rings loud in Ford Field, and come voting time will be first on almost all the ballots for defensive rookie.
His stats arguably make him the best defensive tackle in the league at the moment, he is sacking quarterbacks at an alarming rate and is also becoming solider against the run each week.
His influence has also turned the Lions front four from laughing stock to the second best in the league, commanding double teams and allowing Cliff Avril to run around single blockers on the edge.
2010 stats: 30 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 1 Int, 1 fumble recovered, 1 TD
Prediction: 71 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 1 Int, 1 fumble recovered, 1 TD, 2 forced fumbles
Rookie Of The Year
3 of 14
And the winner is... Sam Bradford. Although Suh has probably performed better so far in the season statistically, Bradford has had a redonkulus effect on the team by turning them into winners. This even Suh hasn't done.
Also, as with the MVP award, there is a heavy bias towards any quarterback who performs decently.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Offensive Player Of The Year
4 of 14
This season, it could also be called breakout player of the year. The candidates are Roddy White, Hakeem Nicks, Arian Foster, Darren McFadden and Kyle Orton. All these players have been statistical monsters this year, the prerequisite of this award, and would be expected to continue on their ways of dominance.
However, I think the winner will be Darren McFadden. After suffering through too many seasons of injury and inconsistent line play by the Oakland Raiders, he has finally had the chance to shine, and shine he has.
Run DMC has been electric, and has the most yards from scrimmage despite missing two games with a hamstring injury. He is the man I wish was playing for my fantasy team.
2010 stats: 999 yards from scrimmage, 6 TD's, 5.4 yards per carry
Prediction: 2080 yards from scrimmage, 15 TD's, 5.1 yards per carry,
Defensive Player Of The Year
5 of 14
The voters always love sack leaders, and for this reason, I just have to go with Clay Matthews, even although I know that Revis Island is back after shutting down Calvin Johnson this week.
Matthews has been a monster off the edge, sacking, tackling and tipping passes. He has great speed and a high motor style.
Watch for him to continue his sacking ways in the second half of the season while expanding his game into pass coverage more.
2010 stats: 10.5 sacks, 30 tackles, 1 pass defended, one forced fumble, 1 Int TD
Prediction: 16 sacks, 57 tackles, 7 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 2 Ints, 1 TD
League MVP
6 of 14
Disclaimer alert! This will be a quarterback. And his name will be Phillip Rivers. Although the San Diego Chargers got off to a slow start this season, Rivers was not the cause of this, passing for the most yards ever through the first 8 weeks of a season. Unbelieveably, he is on track to surpass Dan Marino's record for passing yards.
His leadership is also undeniable, and when the Chargers make a late season charge that they have perfected over the years and make the wildcard spot in the AFC West (you heard it here first), he will shoot up to the top of the MVP ballot.
Rivers' climb to the top of the ladder will sadly take the trophy away from our friend Peyton Manning, the second in the ballots.
2010 stats: 2944 yards, 19 TD's, 8 Int's, 65.3% completion, 102.9 rating
Prediction: 5120 yards, 36 TD's, 12 Ints, 66% completion, 104.2 rating
Comeback Player Of The Year
7 of 14
Everyone linked to the NFL seems to be certain that the winner of this award will have to be the Mike Williams from Seattle, but I for one am sure the winner will be the man in that photo, Mr. Michael Vick.
When Kevin Kolb was slammed into the turf against the Packers, Vick came on and almost pulled the Eagles back into the lead. He then proceeded to play better than he ever had before, and after a brief break from injury has returned to give defenses headaches.
He still has his trademark speed, but combines that with an ability to pass from the pocket like never before.
2010 stats: 1017 yards passing, 261 yards rushing, 9 TD's, 0 Ints, 60.8% completion, 105.3 rating
Prediction: 3050 yards passing, 610 yards rushing, 27 TD's, 61% completion, 95 rating
Coach Of The Year
8 of 14
The contenders for this award are currently Todd Haley, Pete Carrol, Bill Belichick (if the Patriots recover from their loss this week) and Tom Cable (if the Raiders keep winning). At the moment, I think the most likely winner is Todd Haley.
The Kansas City Chiefs have a easy schedule to finish the season with, and after a great start are likely to ride their running game into the playoffs. This would be an amazing turnaround orchestrated by Haley, because the Chiefs were expected to be picking in the top 5 again this season.
His coaching has instilled confidence in the young defense, and his off season acquisitions of Romeo Crennel, Thomas Jones and Eric Berry have been catalysts for their success.
The Chiefs have a 5-3 record and have outright lead of the AFC West, after coming fourth in 2009.
AFC Champions
9 of 14
The Baltimore Ravens will represent the AFC in Dallas this year! They have a very solid defense, and got the show back on the road after letting the Bills stay in the game last week.
They also have a top young quarterback, a dual threat running back, a group of possession receivers and one of the best offensive lines in football. What's not to like about them?
Regular season record: 6-2
Predicted record: 12-4
NFC Champions
10 of 14
That's right, the G-men will be going back to the Super Bowl. The New York Giants are by far the best team in the NFC at the moment, and their powerful running game and aggressive defense will become more valuable in the postseason.
The Giants also have an explosive young corps of receivers and one the leagues best at quarterback. Barring injuries, they could be the team to beat this season.
Regular season record: 6-2
Predicted record: 13-3
Super Bowl Champions
11 of 14
Will Tom Coughlin or Jim Harbaugh lift the Lombardi Trophy in Dallas. My money is on...
...The New York Giants
12 of 14
On the day, the Giants will put pressure on the quarterback in a big way, which will lead to turnovers. New York will run a conservative offense, so while there will be no late game heroics from Eli this time, Bradshaw will roll for 100 yards, Jacobs will score 2 short touchdowns, and the Giants will win 27-13.
The storyline after the game will be whether or not you would rather have Eli Manning (the big game winner with two rings) or Peyton Manning (regular season magician) under centre? Take your pick.
Super Bowl MVP
13 of 14
For once, the MVP will not be a quarterback, but rather Osi Umenyiora, the defensive end for the Giants. Throughout the game he will put pressure on the quarterback, and will end with 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and 4 tackles.
Trust me...I might just be right based on form.
First Team All-Pro
14 of 14Offense
Quarterback: Phillip Rivers
Halfback: Darren McFadden
Halfback: Arian Foster
Fullback: Mike Tolbert
Tight End: Antonio Gates
Wide Receiver: Roddy White
Wide Receiver: Hakeem Nicks
Left Tackle: Jake Long
Left Guard: Ryan Lilja
Centre: Nick Mangold
Right Guard: Chris Snee
Right Tackle: Kareem McKenzie
Defense
Defensive End: Osi Umenyiora
Defensive Tackle: Ndamukong Suh
Defensive Tackle: Haloti Ngata
Defensive End: Dwight Freeney
Outside Linebacker: Clay Matthews
Outside Linebacker: Cameron Wake
Inside Linebacker: Ray Lewis
Inside Linebacker: Lawrence Timmons
Cornerback: Darrelle Revis
Cornerback: Alphonso Smith
Safety: LaRonn Landry
Safety: Michael Griffin
Special Teams
Kicker: Dan Carpenter
Punter: Shane Lechler
Kick Returner: Brandon Tate
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
