Season Picks: Bengals barge in, but we're looking at XLII rematch

By Pete Brisco | September 9, 2009

MVP: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots. He's healthy again and he still has Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Brady might not throw 50 touchdown passes, but I'll give him 40. That's good enough to win the award.

Coach of the Year: Marvin Lewis, Bengals. Hey, I think they're a playoff team. If Cincinnati get there, Lewis has to win this award. The Bengals have a lot of young talent and they get back Carson Palmer. This is the year they get back to the playoffs. Lewis edges Green Bay's Mike McCarthy and Atlanta's Mike Smith.

Offensive Player of the Year: Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers. He will put up some amazing numbers this season playing in a weak division against bad defenses. The Chargers are Rivers' team now and he will show why they paid him that big-money deal.

Defensive Player of the Year: LaMarr Woodley, OLB, Steelers. James Harrison won the award last year, but I think Woodley will have a better season in 2009. He is in his third season, second as a full-time starter, which means breakout time. He might lead the NFL in sacks.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos. He will put up big numbers in the Denver offense. He has explosive ability, which the Broncos will lean on as their passing game comes together.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Derek Cox, CB, Jaguars. He is a rookie starter and plays with a swagger and smoothness you'd expect from a six-year veteran. With Rashean Mathis on the other side, he will get his share of action.

Stepback Player of the Year: Michael Turner, RB, Falcons. The reason I say this is because his carries will be cut down, so he won't put up the same numbers. He'll still be good, but not as productive.

Comeback Player of the Year: You mean aside from Brady? I'll go with Cincinnati wide receiver Chris Henry. This troubled player seems to have his life back on track, and when he's right he's one of the best deep threats in the league. Palmer loves him. Why wouldn't he?

Team on the Rise: Green Bay Packers. They have a star-in-the-making in Aaron Rodgers -- I told you -- and they will play sound defense under Dom Capers.

Team on the Decline: Carolina Panthers. I can't count the Broncos after the Cutler trade. That's too easy. So I'll go with Carolina. I just don't like the Panthers' passing game enough and their interior run defense is troubling.

Worst free-agent pickup: Brett Favre, QB, Vikings. This was his category last year and I was right. I will be again. He can't throw the ball down the field.

Best free-agent pickup: Nate Washington, WR, Titans. He is much more than just the vertical threat many thought he was as the third receiver in Pittsburgh. He should really amp up the Tennessee passing game.