Andrew’s 2012-2013 NFL Award Picks

Most Valuable Player and Comeback Player of the Year- Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

You could put Peyton Manning in at MVP and Comeback Player of the Year and I would have no problem with it but Adrian Peterson is much more important to the Vikings than Manning is to the Broncos. After last seasons horrific season ending injury, tearing his ACL and MCL, Adrian’s 2012 season was in doubt. Many people thought even if he came back, would he be as strong has he has been in the past? Well he’s back and better than ever by putting together one of the best seasons by a running back in NFL history. Finishing the 2012 season with 2,097 rushing yards, finishing only 9 yards short of breaking the all time record held by Eric Dickerson with 2,105 yards. Adding on 12 touchdowns, Adrian lead the Vikings from a 3-13 record in 2011 to a 10-6 record in 2012 and a wild card birth. Without Adrian, the Vikings would be nowhere near the postseason making him the most valuable player to any team in the NFL.

Offensive Player of the Year- Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos

Ok, Adrian could and maybe should win this award too but after the season Peyton has had, he deserves at least one award right? And what a season Peyton had with the Broncos. After missing the entire 2011 season by having 4 neck surgeries, his comeback season showed doubters that Peyton could still sling pretty good. Throwing for 4,659 yards and 37 touchdowns, Peyton lead the Denver Broncos to a 13-3 record and home field advantage throughout the playoffs, even if they didn’t go as planed for Peyton and the Broncos. Even if the playoffs didn’t play out the way Peyton wanted, it takes nothing away from the spectacular season he had.

Defensive Player of the Year- J.J. Watt, Houston Texans

J.J. Watt lead the terrifying Houston defense as one of the best in the NFL. Leading the NFL in sacks with 20.5, Watt was a nightmare for offenses. Racking up 81 combined tackles, 4 forced fumbles and recovering 2 himself, Watt was all over the field. Even when Watt was getting blocked at the line, J.J. made his presence known, recording 16 pass deflections at the line of scrimmage.

Coach of the Year- Bruce Arians, Indianapolis Colts

Ok, so technically he was not a head coach last year, but stepping in for head coach Chuck Pagano when he was diagnosed with Leukemia during the season and leading the Indianapolis Colts to a 9-3 record under him and a 11-5 total record, returning the Colts to the playoffs after winning two games last season. Keeping his team focused enough to play football as their leader was fighting a much more serious battle was tough enough, but getting that team to win a lot of games and make the playoffs is impressive. So impressive that he is now the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, hoping to find success there as well.

Offensive Rookie of the Year- Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

I can’t imagine a more difficult situation for a rookie quarterback to walk into than the one first overall pick Andrew Luck had this year. Replacing one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and beloved icon in the Indianapolis area, Peyton Manning, Andrew had ridiculous expectations to meet. Add in the absence of his head coach, Chuck Pagano who was battling Leukemia throughout the season, and it made for one of the most difficult rookie seasons imaginable. But Andrew took all of the obstacles and found great success. Throwing for 4,374 yards and 23 touchdowns, Andrew lead his team back to the playoffs after the 2-14 debacle of a season for the Colts last year. RG3 and Russell Wilson had equally impressive years as well and all three could and should win this award, I just believe Luck had the better season and was more valuable to his team.

Defensive Rookie of the Year- Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers

Luke had himself a very excellent year for the Carolina Panthers. Recording a NFL leading 164 combine tackles, Luke showed why the Panthers picked him ninth overall in the draft that year. Luke also had two interceptions and three fumble recoveries to complete his impressive rookie campaign for the Panthers who with Cam Newton on the offensive side and Luke on defense have two young, impressive pieces to build around.

Andrew’s NFL Divisional Round Picks

Baltimore @ Denver
This is the reason why Denver brought in Peyton Manning, to win these deep postseason games and take the Broncos back to the super bowl. Peyton has already silenced all of his critics who didn’t believe he could play at his normal level again and now he must perform in the postseason to continue his magical season. One player standing in his way is Ray Lewis who in all likelihood is playing in his last game. Denver’s offense will pick apart the Raven defense and end the career of one of the best to play in the NFL. Denver 31 Baltimore 17.

Houston @ New England
Let’s all hope this will be a more competitive game than the week 14 beat down the Patriots put on the Texans. It should be after the Texans win last week over the Bengals and the added extra inspiration from the Boston Globe. However I still think the better team will win and that team is the Patriots. The Patriots offense needs to push around the Texans stout defense and possible defensive MVP J.J. Watt. The Patriots win, closer than the previous matchup, but still advance to the AFC Championship game in Denver. New England 27 Houston 14.

Seattle @ Atlanta
If Atlanta can’t win a playoff game at home this year, they may never. But they picked the worst matchup possible with the red hot Seahawks. It seems like the same story just about every year Atlanta is a top seed. They have a week off and play a low seed who is playing their best football and Atlanta plays flat and gets knocked out. They just can’t lose again. Matt Ryan will finally play a complete postseason game and the Falcons will eek out that illusive playoff win. Atlanta 20 Seattle 17.

Green Bay @ San Francisco
By far my favorite matchup of the weekend, the Packers vs the 49ers just has that classic game feel to it. This will be the first postseason game for the Niners electric young QB Colin Kaepernick and it will be interesting to see how he handles the moment. The Green Bay D will have to contain Kaepernick if they want a chance to win. The Packers offense will have to compete with the Niners always tough defense led by Aldon Smith. I will take Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to beat Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers and advance to the NFC Championship game. Green Bay 28 San Francisco 24.

Andrew’s 2012 NFL Projections

2012 NFL Projections

AFC

East

1. New England (1)

2. Buffalo (6)

3. NY Jets

4. Miami

North

1. Baltimore (2)

2. Pittsburgh

3. Cincinnati

4. Cleveland

South

1. Houston (4)

2. Tennessee

3. Indianapolis

4. Jacksonville

West

1. Denver (3)

2. San Diego (5)

3. Kansas City

4. Oakland

NFC

East

1. Philadelphia (3)

2. NY Giants

3. Dallas

4. Washington

North

1. Green Bay (1)

2. Chicago (5)

3. Detroit

4. Minnesota

South

1. Atlanta (4)

2. New Orleans (6)

3. Carolina

4. Tampa Bay

West

1. San Francisco (2)

2. Seattle

3. St. Louis

4. Arizona

Playoffs

AFC Wild Card

(3) Denver 38, (6) Buffalo 17

(5) San Diego 24, (4) Houston 19

NFC Wild Card

(3) Philadelphia 28, (6) New Orleans 20

(5) Chicago 20, (4) Atlanta 17

AFC Divisional Round

(1) New England 32, (5) San Diego 20

(3) Denver 27, (2) Baltimore 16

NFC Divisional Round

(1) Green Bay 38, (5) Chicago 31

(2) San Francisco 20, (3) Philadelphia 10

AFC Championship Game

(1) New England 23, (3) Denver 20

NFC Championship Game

(1) Green Bay 28, (2) San Francisco 24

Super Bowl

Green Bay 31, New England 28

Handicapping Peyton Manning’s Possible Destination

It looks as though Peyton Manning is heading out the door in Indianapolis in the near future with the next new young Quarterback coming down the pipe, *cough Andrew Luck cough*, and where he might land is up in the air. Just about every team in the NFL would have to look at their Quarterback situation if and when Peyton becomes available in the free agent market whether or not they already have a Quarterback in place. He is just that good when he is healthy. The problem is no one really knows if he is healthy enough to return to his MVP caliber play. Is he worth the risk? We will find out in the future but even if those doubts many teams will line up to talk to Peyton and possibly wear another uniform other than the Colts.

Miami Dolphins- 2/1

This matchup two times a year?

Miami has been searching for the player to fill the shoes that Dan Marino left behind and for more than 10 years now they havent come close. Falling behind the Patriots and the Jets in the AFC East the Dolphins need a leader of the offense that has at times been non existant. Miami has talent already in an effort to woo Manning with WR Brandon Marshall, RB Reggie Bush, and Lineman Jake Long which can make the difference for Peyton who wants another chance at a Super Bowl ring before hes done. The idea of playing rival Tom Brady and the New England Patriots two times a year may be intriguing for Manning as well.

Washington Redskins- 3/1

Being in the NFC East and playing against Eli Manning, Tony Romo, and Michael Vick, the Redskins know the importants of having a great Quarterback or in their case not having one. Obviously the combination of Rex Grossman and John Beck did not work at all last year and they need a change. With the 6th pick in the draft this year they have a chance of drafting a QB with Robert Griffin III as a possibility as the future. Washington has a habit of shelling out a lot of money for players whether they deserve it or not so Washington would not surprise me as a home for Peyton.

New York Jets- 4/1

Could you imagine the media explosion that would happen if both Eli and Peyton were both playing in New York? One of the major things holding the Jets back from taking the next step to the Super Bowl has been the play at Quarterback. Mark Sanchez has not grown and progressed as much as the Jets had hoped for and his time is running out. Watching the success of the Giants this year could push the Jets to make a drastic move to get the spotlight back on them. However if they make their aspiration of acquiring Manning public particularly to Sanchez and do not get him, they could ruin the psyche of the young, shaky QB for good.

Arizona Cardinals- 5/1

We saw this type of situation happen a few years back with the Cardinals and Kurt Warner. The success that they had together lead all the way to the Super Bowl which is where Peyton would kill to get back to. Playing in a dome similar to the domes he played in with Indy, the warm weather and airing deep balls out to Larry Fitzgerald would make Arizona a tempting destination for Peyton. But the Cardinals already have Kevin Kolb as their possible QB for the future and spending time behing one of the best all time wouldn’t be the worst thing for Kolb.

Seattle Seahawks- 5/1

Similar to the Cardinals, the Seahawks are looking for a QB who can bring the franchise back to the Super Bowl and Manning may be the guy. Seattle made a bit of a run towards the playoffs late last season and look to ride that momentum into the 2012 season and would like a QB to help out. Tarvaris Jackson did not have a bad year last year but he has never really been taken seriously as a franchise Quarterback here or in Minnesota. Seattle has a solid young team that could make a splash with a big offer to Manning and surprise everyone.

San Francisco 49ers- 8/1

Keeping up with the run of NFC West teams how about the defending division champs. Before last season the Niners would be one of the frontrunners for Peyton but after the success and turnaround of Alex Smith makes this decision a lot tougher. Smith earned his money last year putting up his best year as a professional leading the Niners one fumble away from the Super Bowl, earning the trust of the 49ers and their fans. But with Smith a free agent now the move could be made for Peyton. With Smith the team almost made the Super Bowl, imagine how far the team could go with Peyton at the helm.

Baltimore Ravens- 10/1

For some reason the trust in Joe Flacco has disappeared in Baltimore. Even though he has lead the Ravens deep in the playoffs every year he has been in the league, the Ravens and their fans are losing faith in the young QB. Flacco has almost lead the Ravens to the Super Bowl so bringing in Peyton could put them over the top just like the Niners. Knowing this I wouldn’t put it past them to make an offer to Peyton giving him probably his best chance at a Super Bowl he will have on this list.

Denver Broncos- 15/1

If anyone can silence Tebow Time, it is Peyton Manning. I am still not sold on Tebow at all and I am sure that John Elway and the Broncos organization are not either. Even though Tebow lead the Broncos to a 7-4 finish after a 1-4 start and winning the AFC West, he was just about useless throwing the ball for the first 3 and a half quarters relying on the defense to keep them in the game. You cant win in the NFL like that for long. Bringing Peyton in could open the Broncos playbook a lot more than Tebow can and expand the offense much more. The Broncos might take some heat from the fans for benching their boy, but getting Manning even for a few years could really make the Broncos a great team.

Other Longshot Teams- Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, and Cleveland Browns.

Funny thing about all of this is that Manning and the Colts could resolve their problems and stay with each other. We will all have to wait and see what their decision about each of their futures will be, because their decision will impact the entire NFL for years to come.

by: Andrew Isaac