NFL: Predicting this season’s award winners

Most Valuable Player

Peyton Manning, QB Denver Broncos

Before we touch on Manning, who is certainly not an “out of the box” pick, there is simply no reason to select an “offensive player of the year” and a most valuable player award, when they are almost always identical. Now, that we’ve cleared up that omission, let’s touch on the would-be back-to-back winner.

In his age-37 season, Peyton Manning led the NFL in every relevant passing category, and to be honest, he dominated the competition. Manning’s yardage total bested that of Drew Brees by more than 300 yards, he threw sixteen more touchdown passes than the nearest competitor, and his quarterback rating (115.1) and total QBR (82.9) place him in a class by himself.

Of course, there is a school of thought that Manning should regress this season, and it would be difficult for that not to happen. Still, a reasonable regression could take place in order to take Manning from 55 touchdowns and 10 interceptions to 42 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, and by the powers vested in me, that would still anoint him as the likely NFL MVP.

The age is a concern, but the weapons are real, Denver will have a stout defense to allow the win-loss record to remain impressive, and the stage is set for a repeat.

Runner-up: Tom Brady, QB New England Patriots