I could sit here and tell you that the Gaytriots are going to win the AFC East, or that the Rbot is going to retain his Superb Owl this year, but what's the fun in that? I'm here to tell you what you don't expect to hear. I'm here to create some controversy and give everyone something to really talk about. I'm here to say things like Billy will win more games than he did last year...well actually, maybe not that, but you get the point. It's time for Bold Predictions.
NFC
Season 4 XM Award Predictions
NFL Awards
NFL Most Valuable Player
Breakdown: Johnny Baby; fueled by 110% pure Columbian donut powder it seems that nobody can contain him from lighting up the box score each and every week (that he doesn't play NE that is). Despite Tom Brady's recent retirement, I have little doubt that the Patriots offense will even notice he's gone. Grrappledough is already sitting pretty with 90THP, 88SAC, 87MAC, 81DAC and I'd put money on them all being over 90 by the end of this year in a pass happy offense. It's no secret that as much as the Pats rely on the pass, the Eagles commit to feeding the beast LeSean McCoy. With just under 3,000 yards of offense and 27 TDs produced by Shady last year, he's got to be the favorite if a RB can win this award. Under the radar of many last year, the Colts franchise player Andrew Luck put together a more than solid compaign; racking up over 3800 yards passing 32 TDs and 17 INTs. If he can bring his INTs down a bit and win the division yet again he'll be in the running for this MVP honor. And finally, Terrelle Pryor rounds out the top 5 coming off an undefeated season and Superb Owl win. Although his stats are relatively unimpressive, he did have a completion percentage of 72.9% and only tossed 8 INTs to his 28 TDs last season. If the Giants conitue their NFC dominance, Pryor cannot be ignored.
On the bubble: QBs rule when it comes to MVP awards, so if any of their respective teams make a strong run into the playoffs Stephen Morris (BRK), Teddy Bridgewater (MIN), Cam Newton (CAR), or Colby Roberts (MEX) could find themselves with a trophy. However, a couple of RB sleepers to look out for both come out of the NFC West in Dirone Minor (SEA), and Robert McCoy (SF).
NFL Coach of the Year
Breakdown: It's no surprise that we find the two teams that colided in the Superb Owl at the top of this Coach of the Year list. I expect the Patriots, motivated by their SB loss, to blaze through the regular season on their way to the best record in the NFL with the Giants not far behind as their NFC counter-part. The Colts, Vikings, and Browns have all posted great regular season records and they will need to repeat if they hope to get over the hump and make it to the big dance.
On the bubble: Pete Carroll (SEA), E. Rodgers (CAR), S. Klump (KC), Randy Moran (MEX), Sean Carter (BRK), and R. Marziali (SF) are all in the same tier as the Colts, Vikings, and Browns.
NFL Offensive Player of the Year
Breakdown: All of the MVP candidates were offensive players, so I see no reason to change any of them out nor the order for this award. (See NFL MVP)
On the bubble: Again, same as MVP. (See NFL MVP)
NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Breakdown: Middle Linebackers are the QB's of the defense and with the oppurtunity for tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, forced fumbles, and interceptions I believe one of these 4 will be the most dominant defender in season 4. All 4 of these users are masters of controlling the middle of the field against both the run and pass. A special nod goes to A-a-ron Donald from the Giants AAA affiliate the Saint Louis Rams. Res is incredible at usering the interior defensive line so I would be surprised if the 99OVR Donald didn't record another 20 sack season.
On the bubble: I consider the Colts to be the Rams of the AFC defensively and instead of Donald, Reece uses DeAndre Benjamin as his weapon of choice to disrupt his opponents backfield. If there was a 5a and 5b it would be Donald and DeAndre. Patrick Willis (SF) or Navarro Bowman (SF) also make a case for MLB dominance in San Francisco, but they often split statistics in their 3-4 scheme. If one emerges over the other they could also be in the conversation.
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
Breakdown: Possibly the most interesting award category this year with so many canditates to choose from. In particular, the NFC East is loaded with offensive fire-power coming out of this draft class. RB Kasen Gooden steps in place of Marshawn Lynch and is sure to see a heavy workload early and often; he couldn't have come into a better situation as the Giants led the NFL in total rushing last season. QBs tend to have an easier time than most positions at winning awards, so I would be surprised if come the end of the year Rookie QBs Trip Bailey (PHI) and Lawrence Trammell (DAL) weren't in the conversation for this honor. 3rd overall pick Devin Brackett (DAL) hopes to live up to his draft position for the Cowboys; taking a RB that high means Dallas must have serious plans for him. The lone AFC representitive D'Cody Ward (BRK) looks to have a breakout year across from stud WR O'dell Beckham Jr (BRK) in Brooklyn. With an aging Adrian Peterson (BRK), the Baron's offense looks to be transitioning to a more pass happy offense than in the past in an attempt to keep up with their AFC East rival Patriots.
On the bubble: Knocking on the door of the top 5 is the Washington Redskins future star WR Sean Preston (WAS). Preston (WAS) is slotted to be RG3's number 1 target this season and with over 4500 passing yards last year, he'll have plenty of chances to make a run at OROTY. From the AFC, speed demon WR Javier Bostic (HOU) starts the year at 4th on the depth chart, but I would not be surprised to see him thrusted into a larger role as the season progresses in Houston. Rookie TE's Daniel Bowles (TEN), Jermaine Lewis (OAK), and Josh Guy (CIN) could also be productive in the passing game for their respective teams.
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
Breakdown: Speed, power, and coverage skills are all you can ask for in a top safety in the NFL; the Baron's newest draft pick has all of the above. Anotonio McCown (BRK) has all the tools and I believe he will apply them and become an instant success. NFC Rookie CBs Jacorie Bell (MIN) and Keliko Hubbard (ARI) will both get the starting nod to begin the season and are favorites to be game-changers in pass defense. Meanwhile Reggie Hunter (CLE) and Demarco Bynes (WAS) look to be gap-closing run-stuffers on the defensive line.
On the bubble: Shon Conley (PIT) of the Steelers is a physical speciman and has potential to be the next Jadeveon Clowney (HOU). Like Jacorie Bell (MIN) and Keliko Hubbard (ARI), both Bruce Hunter (BRK) and Andrew Manning (MIN) will see early playing game and thus have the chance to prove themselves. Safeties Storm Schofield (OAK) and Eduardo Kilgore (GB) will also have that oppurtunity, but it remains to be seen if the user skills are there to support them.
AFC Awards
AFC Offensive Player of the Year
AFC Defensive Player of the Year
AFC Best QB
AFC Best RB
AFC Best WR
AFC Best TE
AFC Best Offensive Lineman
AFC Best Defensive Lineman
AFC Best Linebacker
AFC Best Defensive Back
AFC Best Kicker
Breakdown: Not a lot of thought put into these rankings, mostly my predictions for the highest scoring offenses in the conference.
On the bubble: Caleb Sturgis (BRK), Justyn Aiken (OAK), or Mason Crosby (SD) could also contend for this award.
AFC Best Punter
Breakdown: No thought went into this category, this is just a list of the Punters with the highest Kick Power in the conference.
On the bubble: Pat McAfee (IND), Robert Malone (HOU), Colton Schmidt (TEN), Wes Mays (CIN), Ryan Allen (JAC)
AFC Offensive Rookie of the Year
AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year
NFC Awards
NFC Offensive Player of the Year
NFC Defensive Player of the Year
NFC Best QB
NFC Best RB
NFC Best WR
NFC Best TE
NFC Best Offensive Lineman
NFC Best Defensive Lineman
NFC Best Linebacker
NFC Best Defensive Back
NFC Best Kicker
Breakdown: Not a lot of thought put into these rankings, mostly my predictions for the highest scoring offenses in the conference.
On the bubble: Steven Hauschka (SEA), Graham Gano (CAR), or Dustin Hopkins (WAS) could all easily take this home as well.
NFC Best Punter
Breakdown: No thought went into this category, same as AFC, this is just a list of the Punters with the highest Kick Power in the conference.
On the bubble: Matt Boscher (ATL), Johnny Hekker (STL), TJ Conley (CHI), Patrick O'donnell (NYG), Jordan Gay (SF)
NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year
On the bubble: San Francisco WRs; Devaunte Beatty, Elisha Lee, and Taz Butler will all have oppurtunities to make an impact for the 49ers. However, it's too early to tell if one of these guys will step up and shine above the rest enough to bring home some silverwear come the end of the season.
NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year