Carve 'em in Stone - The Predictions

Division Winners
AFC East: New England
AFC North: Baltimore
AFC South: Indianapolis
AFC West: San Diego
Wild Cards: Buffalo, Pittsburgh

NFC East: Philadelphia
NFC North: Minnesota
NFC South: Carolina
NFC West: St. Louis
Wild Cards: Atlanta, Dallas

AFC Championship
Indianapolis over Baltimore - This is finally the year that the Colts get over the hump. Their offense is still as explosive as ever, and they've done enough to improve their defense via the draft and free agency (including recently added DT Corey Simon) to make them the most complete team in the conference. Peyton Manning finally sheds the "can't win the big game" label, and Indianapolis wins the AFC.

NFC Championship
Philadelphia over Carolina - The Eagles have been one of the most consistent teams in the entire league. Despite all of the off-the-field drama that plagues this team in the off-season, they are still the best team in the NFC. Barring an injury to one of the big three (McNabb, T.O., or Westbrook), the Eagles will return to the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl XL
Philadelphia over Indianapolis (If you're surprised, you're obviously new to this) - Playing the role of the Patriots, the Eagles defense manages to frustrate Manning enough, applying pressure and forcing him to throw two costly interceptions. McNabb hits Owens for a 46 yard TD to seal the deal for Philly. Afterwards, Owens and McNabb hug, then McNabb accepts the super Bowl MVP trophy before barfing up a lung. Meanwhile, Owens strips down to a camouflage tank top and does sit-ups on the Ford Field podium.

Individual Awards
Most Valuable Player: Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles - I struggled with this one for a long time. The easy pick would have been Peyton Manning, but I don't know if he'll have numbers like he did a year ago (which voters might view as a down year). Instead, I'll go with the guy who I want to win the award, and '5' is my guy. (Honorable Mention - Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts; LaDanian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers)

Coach of the Year: Andy Reid, Philadelphia Eagles - Reid's reward for managing to keep the Eagles on track throughout the whole circus atmosphere surrounding his team garners him his second coach of the year award. (Honorable Mention - Jon Fox, Carolina Panthers; Jim Mora, Jr., Atlanta Falcons; Mike Mularkey, Buffalo Bills)

Offensive Player of the Year: LaDanian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers - Tomlinson said before the season that his goal for the 2005 season was 2,200 rushing yards. I'm not saying he'll get there, but he is the man. (Honorable Mention: Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts; Terrell Owens, Philadelphia Eagles)

Defensive Player of the Year: Julius Peppers, Carolina Panthers - Peppers has won the award before, but looks stronger and yet somehow faster this season. He can rush the passer, stop the run, or cover a tight end or a back out of the backfield. (Honorable Mention: Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens; Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens; Takeo Spikes, Buffalo Bills)

Offensive Rookie of the Year: J.J. Arrington, Arizona Cardinals - He wasn't the first running back selected in the draft (he wasn't second or third, either). But he may be the best of the bunch, and he'll start right away in Dennis Green's three wide receiver offense, which means Arrington should make the biggest splash. (Honorable Mention: Mike Williams, Detroit Lions; Carnell Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Derrick Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs - Like Arrington, Johnson will start immediately. He's a fast, sideline-to-sideline LB who has perfected a tackling technique designed to force fumbles. He'll make a name for himself quickly. (Honorable Mention - Thomas Davis, Carolina Panthers; Antrel Rolle, Arizona Cardinals)

Sleeper Team: Buffalo Bills - Prior to Rex Grossman's injury, I had the Chicago Bears in this spot. And I know J.P. Losman isn't exactly seasoned, but I give the Bills the nod because of the talent around Losman. McGahee, Moulds and Evans comprise a solid supporting staff, thus I think the Bills will surprise a few people and make the playoffs this year.