The final part of my preview series wraps up with playoffs and awards.
Awards:
NFL MVP: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers
Boring, I know. Rodgers gets extra credit for torching the rest of the league as wide receiver Jordy Nelson watches the entire season from the sidelines.
Offensive Player of the Year: Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones
In 15 games Jones had 1,593 yards on 104 catches. He only had six touchdowns. In four seasons he’s never had more than 10. I bet offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is smart enough to pepper Jones in the red zone and he busts out with a big time double digit TD season.
Defensive Player of the Year (non J.J. Watt edition): Oakland Raiders edge rusher Khalil Mack
Watt is the winner of this award, but that’s even more boring than picking Rodgers to win MVP. I’m all in on Mack having a breakout second season with Oakland.
Comeback Player of the Year: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford
Bradford continues the trend of quarterbacks outplaying their previous selves under Eagles head coach Chip Kelly.
Head Coach of the Year: Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly
The reason for this will become very apparent as this article continues.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper
Look at the other Raiders wide receivers and you know Cooper is going to get peppered with targets. Two Oakland players winning awards — the world is officially coming to an end.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Atlanta Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley
Banking on Beasley leading all rookies in sacks.
NFC Playoffs
Wild Card Weekend:
#3 Arizona Cardinals vs. #6 Carolina Panthers
Winner- Cardinals
#4 Atlanta Falcons vs. #5 Seattle Seahawks
Winner- Seahawks
Divisional Round:
#1 Philadelphia Eagles vs. #5 Seattle Seahawks
Winner- Eagles
#2 Green Bay Packers vs. #3 Arizona Cardinals
Winner- Packers
NFC Championship Game:
#1 Philadelphia Eagles vs. #2 Green Bay Packers
Winner- Eagles
AFC Playoffs
Wild Card Weekend:
#3 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. #6 Miami Dolphins
Winner- Dolphins
#4 Kansas City Chiefs vs. #5 Denver Broncos
Winner- Chiefs
Divisional Round:
#1 New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins
Winner- Patriots
#2 Indianapolis Colts vs. #4 Kansas City Chiefs
Winner- Colts
AFC Championship Game
#1 New England Patriots vs. #2 Indianapolis Colts
Winner- Patriots
Super Bowl
#1 Philadelphia Eagles vs. #1 New England Patriots
Winner- Eagles
