NFL Predictions: Why Matt Schaub Will Be the Next Aaron Rodgers

Last year marked an incredible run for the Green Bay Packers, who almost didn't even make the playoffs. They snuck their way in towards the end of the season and rolled everyone on the way to winning the Lombardi Trophy. Rodgers carried his injury-rattled team all the way to a Super Bowl victory. Who is next in line to do the same?

Looking at the list of candidates this year who have a chance to do what Rodgers and the Packers did last year, there is one guy who stands out to me. Matt Schaub is a guy who compares to Rodgers in many ways, before he took the league by storm last year. Schaub is leading one of the most explosive offenses in the league, and he is surrounded by weapons.

While he struggled in his first couple of years, his career has really taken off in Houston. Having the best receiver in the league in Andre Johnson has only made him better. The emergence of Adrian Foster has opened up the passing game even more for Mr. Schaub. They have always had talent at the tight-end position, and this year will be no different.

Everyone has been waiting for this Texans team to challenge the Indianapolis Colts for the AFC South title, and this is the year they can do it, in my opinion. Not only do they have one of the best offenses in the league, but their defense will be dramatically improved. That side of the ball has been their biggest problem, having one of the worst secondary units in the NFL. This year they have brought in Johnathan Joseph from Cincinnati, and he is the perfect playmaker and shutdown corner for the job.

While I do believe they can win the division this year, the Colts aren't just going to roll over. With the Steelers and Ravens battling up North and the Jets fighting the Patriots in the East, making the playoffs is not going to be a cake walk. Even if it means getting a Wild Card berth, the Packers showed them last year that it is possible to go all the way.

Schaub is the perfect fit for this offense, and his play will determine the success of this Texans team. This could be the last chance for head coach Gary Kubiak, so you can bet they will be going all out to win this year. A defense led by Joseph, Mario Williams and talented young linebackers should be able to slow down Manning, Chris Johnson and Jones-Drew.

If Schaub is able to stay healthy, this could be the year he makes a huge leap and adds his name to the list of elite quarterbacks in the league. He is not yet on the same level as Brady, Manning, Brees, Rodgers and Roethlisberger, but he will get there.