Season predictions: It'll end with Peyton vs. Payton in Tampa
By Pete Prisco | CBSSports.com Senior Writer Follow PeteJudge: Tom still terrific, but Bolts are better
It's time to open the envelope on the 2008 NFL season predictions:
|
|
|
|
Super Bowl XLIII
over 
MVP
Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts: The Colts are his team, and taking them to a Super Bowl will get him another MVP.
Coach of the Year
Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints: He finally gets the Saints to a Super Bowl, which is reason enough he should win this award.
Offensive Player of the Year
Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints: He's going to throw 40 touchdown passes and for 4,500 yards.
Defensive Player of the Year
Mario Williams, DE, Houston Texans: He has a chance to get 18 sacks. He has only scratched the surface.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans: He has explosive speed that will lead to a lot of long runs. He's also a capable pass catcher.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Sedrick Ellis, DT, New Orleans Saints: He will choke off the run for the Saints, which is something they must have to get to the Super Bowl.
Comeback Player of the Year
Adam Jones, CB, Dallas Cowboys: Say what you want about his off-the-field troubles, Jones is a shutdown corner. He just might wind up in the Pro Bowl.
Step-back player
Brett Favre, QB, New York Jets: His 2008 season will more like his 2006 season in Green Bay than his 2007 season.
Best free-agent pickup
Jeff Faine, C, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs now have the best line they've ever had. With John Wade, they simply couldn't get push at the point. Faine can do that.
Worst free-agent pickup
Donte Stallworth, WR, Cleveland Browns: They paid a lot of money for a receiver who won't stay on the field for an entire season.
