2008 NFL Lester Awards

With the 2008 NFL season ready to kick off in a few weeks, I decided it was a good time to get my predictions out there.

MVP: Peyton Manning
After a slow start, Manning and the Colts took the league by storm. It helps that the other top teams (TENN, NYG, PITT) don’t really have one player that stands out.

Preseason Prediction:  Adrian Peterson

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Matt Ryan
Chris Johnson, Steve Slaton, and Matt Forte had amazing years, but obviously the RB position is a little easier for a Running Back to make the adjustment. What Matt Ryan did as a Rookie Signal Caller is amazing. Joe Flacco was great too, but he wasn’t as big a part of their Offense.

Preseason Prediction: Jonathan Stewart

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jerod Mayo
Mayo had a solid season with the Patriots accumulating 128 tackles.

Preseason Prediction:  Jerod Mayo

Comeback Player of the Year: Cadillac Williams
My preseason pick of Ricky did well, but Cadillac came so far to come back from injuries to finish the season strong. It’s a shame he was hurt again, which could end his career.

Preseason Prediction:  Ricky Williams

Defensive Player of the Year: James Harrison
Pittsburgh’s Harrison racked up 101 tackle AND 16.0 Sacks. That is simply amazing.

Preseason Prediction: Jared Allen

Most Improved Player: Michael Turner/DeAngelo Williams
They both had unbelievable seasons. Turner shined as he stepped out of L.T.’s shadow.  DeAngelo continued to pile up the yards and TDs as the season went on. His 1515 yards, 18 TDs are more amazing when you consider Jonathan Stewart had 836 yards and 10 TDs.

Preseason Prediction: Robert Meachem

Coach of the Year:  Tony Sparano
From 1-15 to the AFC East Champs.  Amazing.

Preseason Prediction:  Jack Del Rio

All-Lester First Team
Drew Brees
Adrian Peterson
Michael Turner
Larry Fitzgerald
Andre Johnson
Tony Gonzalez
Stephen Gostkowski  

All-Lester Second Team
Philip Rivers
DeAngelo Williams
Thomas Jones
Calvin Johnson
Anquan Boldin
Jason Witten
David Akers  

Preseason Predictions

AFC Division Winners
Indianapolis Colts (still made playoffs)
New England Patriots (so close)
Pittsburgh Steelers
San Diego Chargers

AFC Wildcards
Jacksonville Jaguars (Oops)
New York Jets (Oops)

NFC Division Winners
Dallas Cowboys (Oops)
Minnesota Vikings
New Orleans Saints (Oops)
Seattle Seahawks (Oops)

NFC Wildcards
Philadelphia Eagles
Tampa Bay Buccaneers  (Oops)

Super Bowl
New England Patriots over New Orleans Saints (Double Oops)