Final Season Awards

MVP – Peyton Manning

In a season where no one threatened any league records but still put in worthy appearances, no one stood out brighter than Mr. Peyton Manning. Most Valuable should be reflected in the votes, who is more valuable than the greatest quarterback to ever toss the pigskin? Is Indianapolis an 8-8 team without Manning? He should tie Brett Favre as the only player to win the award three times.

Coach – Jim Caldwell

For the second year straight, a first year head coach wins the award. Despite Caldwell pulling his starters last week against the Jets, effectively ending the chance at a perfect regular season record. Yet if you ask the Patriots, it isn’t about 16-0, it’s about the Lombardi Trophy. Caldwell has the Colts poised as the team to beat going into the postseason.

Rookie – Percy Harvin

Despite sagging statistics late and noble efforts from Austin Collie, Beanie Wells, and Jeremy Maclin Harvin is my pick for top-impact first year player. Defensive Rookie will be Brian Cushing hands down. Kid was all over the place this year.

Last week: 6 – 8 – 2

Season total: 117 – 117 – 6

Sports Meister: 124 – 113 – 3

Sports Guy: 123 – 111 – 5

I suppose over the course of 17 weeks the math missed a game or two. Oh well, let’s work on the assumption that Simmons’ count is the accurate one. After all, he’s the only one getting paid for this picking embarassment.

Colts (+8) over Bills

Apparently Vegas thinks Buffalo will play strong in their season finale at home against the Colts’ backups, unfortunately I know the real Buffalo Bills. An 8-point cover from Ryan Fitzpatrick would literally shock me. Please, for the love of all that is good in this world, football Gods; BRING US BILL COWHER!!

Jaguars (+1) over Browns

Because Cleveland really sucks. Point of note, why can Cleveland get their man (Holmgren) in weeks but the Bills are spurned by every notable name despite a seemingless blank check being thrown at them? Life as a Bills fan.

Bears (-3) over Lions

Jay Cutler is uniquely talented to play the position of quarterback in this league. If, sorry when, he gets the weapons and protection he needs, Chicago will have nothing to worry about.

49ers (-9) over Rams

Despite their great start, San Francisco and Coach Singletary couldn’t overcome their lack of talent. But finally there is football hope in the Bay area once again.

Steelers (-3) over Dolphins

Pittsburgh needs a win. Enough said.

Vikings (-8) over Giants

Minnesota needs a bounce-back game and after New York’s effort at their home finale last week versus Carolina, I can’t think of a better team for Favre and Co to jump on moving into the playoffs.

Falcons (+2) over Bucs

Tampa beat the Saints, I officially can’t refer to them as the “Yucks” anymore. Congrats to Raheem Morris, you should definitely retain your role next year. Especially given the rumored interest your ownership has in Bill Cowher.

Panthers (-7) over Saints

New Orleans with no Drew Brees is like wearing mismatched socks. It may be acceptable but you know something is not right.

Patriots (+7) over Texans

Brady and Bill with 7 at the end of the year? Hard to root against.

Eagles (-3) over Cowboys

I’ve been dogging Dallas and praising Philly all season – have to stick to my guns at this point.

Broncos (-10) over Chiefs

Josh McDaniels and the Denver brigade need a win. The Chefs are a nice target.

Ravens (-11) over Raiders

Harbaugh and the Baltimore brigade need a win. The Raiders are a nice target.

Packers (+3) over Cardinals

Aaron Rodgers probably deserved MVP consideration. Go Pack Go!

Chargers (-4) over Redskins

The Jim Zorn era was interesting to say the least. Don’t worry DC fans, Mike Shanahan is waiting in the wings.

Titans (-6) over Seahawks

Chris Johnson over Adrian Peterson in next year’s fantasy draft? Let the debate begin.

Jets (-10) over Bengals

Rex Ryan need a win. The Bengals are likely to sit most of their players in this one.

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