For the Record, the 2006 Predictions

Divisional Standings ("*" indicates playoff team)

AFC East
1. Miami Dolphins*
2. New England Patriots*
3. New York Jets
4. Buffalo Bills

AFC North
1. Baltimore Ravens*
2. Cincinnati Bengals*
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
4. Cleveland Browns

AFC South
1. Indianapolis Colts*
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
3. Houston Texans
4. Tennessee Titans

AFC West
1. Denver Broncos*
2. San Diego Chargers
3. Kansas City Chiefs
4. Oakland Raiders

NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles*
2. New York Giants*
3. Washington Redskins
4. Dallas Cowboys

NFC North
1. Chicago Bears*
2. Minnesota Vikings
3. Detroit Lions
4. Green Bay Packers

NFC South
1. Carolina Panthers*
2. Atlanta Falcons*
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4. New Orleans Saints

NFC West
1. Seattle Seahwaks*
2. Arizona Cardinals
3. St. Louis Rams
4. San Francisco 49ers

AFC Championship: Indianapolis over Cincinnati
NFC Championship: Philadelphia over Carolina
Super Bowl XLI: Philadelphia over Indianapolis

Individual Awards

Most Valuable Player: Carson Palmer, Cincinnati - There will be plenty of worthy candidates, but I’m going with Palmer. You can’t emphasize his importance enough, not just for his physical ability but maybe more valuable is the emotional lift he brings to his team. I firmly believe that Palmer will lead the Bengals back to the playoffs, and Cincinnati can make a run at the AFC Championship.
Honorable Mention: Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia; Peyton Manning, Indianapolis

Offensive Player of the Year: Larry Johnson, Kansas City - I’m going on the assumption that last year’s second half was no fluke. True, he’ll miss Al Saunders’ system and left tackle Willie Roaf, but Herm Edwards is a run-first guy, and he’ll put the ball in Johnson’s hands on first, second, and third down. A 2,000-yard season is not out of the question, even if the post-season is.
Honorable Mention: Shaun Alexander, Seattle; Tiki Barber, New York Giants

Defensive Player of the Year: Shawne Merriman, San Diego - Last year’s defensive rookie of the year is a freak, and covers the field like nobody the league has seen in a while. Merriman can blitz off the edge in San Diego’s 3-4, can chase down running backs, and he can even play coverage. Merriman is the best of the new breed of defensive player in the NFL.
Honorable Mention: Brian Urlacher, Chicago; Jeremiah Trotter, Philadelphia

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Joseph Addai, Indianapolis - Bet you thought I was going to take the easy way out with Reggie Bush, huh? Addai will be starting for the Colts by the end of the year, and with the threat of Peyton Manning and the aerial attack, he’ll find plenty of running space for a team that could (should?) win the AFC.
Honorable Mention: Reggie Bush, New Orleans; DeAngelo Williams, Carolina

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Brodrick Bunkley, Philadelphia - On a defense replete with pro bowl talent, Bunkley ascended to opening week starter despite missing the first 29 practices of training camp. You don’t do that if you’re not incredibly talented. Bunkley’s impact will be felt almost as quickly.
Honroable Mention: Kamerion Wimbley, Cleveland; Mario Williams, Houston

Coach of the Year: Andy Reid, Philadelphia - After all the Eagles had to endure last year, with the injuries and the sophomoric behavior of a particular piece of crap receiver, the Eagles will return to their rightful place among the NFC’s elite. Credit Reid for resurrecting the locker room that was split a year ago, and for his unwavering belief in his team’s leaders (McNabb, Dawkins, and Trotter) to handle the rest.
Honorable Mention: Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati; Brian Billick, Baltimore

Comeback Player of the Year: Daunte Culpepper, Miami - Not only has Culpepper made it all the way back from a knee injury that almost ended his career, but he’s landed on his feet with a new team and in perhaps the best possible situation with outstanding players around him.
Honorable Mention: Carson Palmer, Cincinnati; Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh