NFL: Predictions for the 2011-2012 Season

It's safe to say everyone is excited that football is back, without it the coming months could have been incredibly boring for sports fans. With football officially starting off with some preseason games being played yesterday, it's time for some predictions. This article will go over who I believe will be hoisting the Lombardi trophy when it is all said and done. As well as revealing my champions for this season, I will also predict who will win the Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Philadelphia Eagles - Everyone knows what kind of dynamic offense they have with guys like Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson. Now add a top notch defense to that team that played the Super Bowl winning Packers pretty close. It could very well come down to the Eagles and the Packers in the NFC Championship, and whoever wins that game will probably win the Super Bowl. Don't get me wrong, the AFC teams are good, but don't have enough to match the high powered offenses and aggressive defenses that the Packers and Eagles have. The Eagles biggest problems last year was the defense, espescially the lack of a pass rush and the other corner back position opposite Asante Samuel. The Eagles brass went out and got the prized free agent, and arguably the best corner, Nnamdi Asomugha. They also added DE Jason Babin who was a probowler last season as he had achieved great success under defensive line coach Jim Washburn, who is now coaching the defensive line in Philly. The Eagles also managed to add Cullen Jenkins, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Ronnie Brown, Vince Young, Steve Smith, Ryan Harris, and Anthony Hargrove. They did a great job in bringing in pieces that can instantly make a difference, and also adding depth to an already good team. The Eagles do however still have issues at linebacker. They are starting rookie linebacker Casey Matthews in the middle, who is a good player but not much is known on how he will perform in the NFL just yet. However, the Eagles can possibly get by with average linebackers seeing how dominant their defensive line and secondary can be with the additions they've made.

Offensive Player of the Year and MVP: Tom Brady -

If you want any more proof look at his numbers last year without Randy Moss, now add Chad Ochocinco to an already talented offensive group. Chad can provide Brady the deep threat they lacked when Moss was traded last season and also opens up everything for everyone else underneath. Brady has to be excited for the season to start seeing how it may be one of the best offensive groups he has had with Welker, Ochocinco, Edelman, Branch, Tate and the talented tight ends Gronkowski and Hernandez. Expect Brady to put up 4000+ yards, 40+ touchdowns and under 10 interceptions making it very easy for him to get the award.

Defensive Player of the Year: Mario Williams -

Williams has had a pretty successful young career as a defensive end, now with Wade Philips implementing a new 3-4 defensive scheme in town he becomes the biggest outside linebacker in recent memory. It may not work out, but look at Phillips track record as a defensive coordinator, especially his years in San Diego when he coached Shawne Merriman who enjoyed his best years under Phillips. Williams will be able to run free after the quarterback much easier now seeing how the front seven of the Texans is much improved. A healthy Brian Cushing would definetly help free up Super Mario as would the beefed up defensive line.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Julio Jones -

Julio Jones is one of the most talented offensive rookies and is lucky to be walking into a great team. That being said, Jones won't have the kind of pressure on him that others will have and will most likely perform better and put up the best numbers out of all of the rookies. Jones also benefits from being in a pass happy team with a capable quarterback in Matt Ryan. With Roddy White on the other side of the field and Tony Gonzalez dominating the middle of the field it'll leave the big bodied Julio Jones with single coverage against smaller defensive backs frequently.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Patrick Peterson -

This may very well be the easiest award to predict. Peterson is the most talented and NFL-ready rookie as he is a shut-down cornerback with returning abilities. When he was drafted there were comparisons to Deion Sanders, I think that is a bit premature but the kid is incredibly talented. He immediately comes in to the Arizona Cardinals as one of the best defensive players on the team. The Cardinals like Peterson so much that they were fine with trading away their top cornerback in order to get QB Kevin Kolb. Peterson's size also bodes well for him in his position as he is 6'1 220 pounds. His size and speed will make him able to bump receivers off their routes when the ball is snapped. Peterson in a few years may be one of the best corners in the NFL.

I hope you enjoyed this article as more are coming. Leading up into the season I will go through each division giving predictions on each team. My next article will give predictions of the NFC North.