NFL.com: Early season predictions
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This "early prediction" is probably the most interesting one to me because not only is it extremely detailed and long, but some like Adam Rank and Cynthia Frelund aren't too far off. Anyhow... read and enjoy.
2018 NFL playoff predictions: Patriots, Rams unanimous picks
• NFL.com
• Published: Aug. 29, 2018 at 01:08 p.m.
• Updated: Sept. 4, 2018 at 09:57 a.m.
•
With the 2018 NFL season just around the corner, our analysts provide their predictions on individual award winners and playoff teams. Check back later this week for Super Bowl picks.
Participating analysts: Brian Baldinger, Judy Battista, Jeremy Bergman, Gil Brandt, Reggie Bush, David Carr, Charley Casserly, Cynthia Frelund, Marcas Grant, Elliot Harrison, James Jones, Maurice Jones-Drew, Steve Mariucci, Kevin Patra, Adam Rank, Michael Robinson, Gregg Rosenthal, Adam Schein, Marc Sessler, Nick Shook, LaDainian Tomlinson.
AFC East champs
UNANIMOUS PICK: New England Patriots (21 votes: Baldinger, Battista, Bergman, Brandt, Bush, Carr, Casserly, Frelund, Grant, Harrison, Jones, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Patra, Rank, Robinson, Rosenthal, Schein, Sessler, Shook, Tomlinson)
Why Judy Battista chose the Patriots: Yes, Julian Edelman is suspended and Danny Amendola is gone and Tom Brady is 41 and blahblahblah. While there was an unusual amount of drama this offseason, the Patriots inevitably find a way around annual obstacles. And while New England's hold on the AFC might not have the iron grip of years past, the Patriots will eke out one more Super Bowl run.
AFC North champs
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (14 votes: Battista, Brandt, Bush, Carr, Casserly, Frelund, Grant, Harrison, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Schein, Sessler, Shook, Tomlinson)
2. Baltimore Ravens (6 votes: Baldinger, Bergman, Patra, Rank, Robinson, Rosenthal)
3. Cleveland Browns (1 vote: Jones)
Why Adam Schein chose the Steelers: This could be the final run with the Killer Bs all together. Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown will power the Steelers to a top-two offense in the NFL and Pittsburgh will win the division by multiple games.
AFC South champs
1. Jacksonville Jaguars (13 votes: Baldinger, Battista, Bergman, Brandt, Frelund, Harrison, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Rank, Schein, Sessler, Shook, Tomlinson)
2. Houston Texans (7 votes: Bush, Carr, Casserly, Grant, Jones, Patra, Robinson)
3. Tennessee Titans (1 vote: Rosenthal)
Why Steve Mariucci chose the Jaguars: Any time a team has a top defense, it's often considered at least a playoff team -- and sometimes even a title contender. I don't see the Jags being any worse of a team talent-wise than they were at the end of last season.
AFC West champs
1. Los Angeles Chargers (16 votes: Baldinger, Battista, Bergman, Brandt, Bush, Casserly, Grant, Harrison, Jones-Drew, Patra, Rank, Rosenthal, Schein, Sessler, Shook, Tomlinson)
2. Oakland Raiders (3 votes: Carr, Jones, Mariucci)
T-3. Denver Broncos (1 vote: Robinson)
T-3. Kansas City Chiefs (1 vote: Frelund)
Why Gregg Rosenthal chose the Chargers: The rosters in the rest of the AFC West are in various states of transition, while the Chargers are loaded at nearly every position group. There's nothing standing in the way of this team and a playoff bye, except perhaps a lack of home-field advantage.
AFC Wild Card 1
T-1. Jacksonville Jaguars (4 votes: Bush, Casserly, Patra, Rosenthal)
T-1. Tennessee Titans (4 votes: Brandt, Rank, Shook, Tomlinson)
T-3 Houston Texans (3 votes: Frelund, Harrison, Schein)
T-3 Kansas City Chiefs (3 votes: Battista, Grant, Mariucci)
T-3 Pittsburgh Steelers (3 votes: Baldinger, Bergman, Robinson)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (2 votes: Carr, Jones)
T-7. Baltimore Ravens (1 vote: Sessler)
T-7. Oakland Raiders (1 vote: Jones-Drew)
Why Adam Rank chose the Titans: The Titans are one of the most-besmirched returning playoff teams I can remember. Hell, they won a playoff game. (Even though it was against the Chiefs, it's still a win.) Now they have a coaching staff with an offense that's actually suited for players in the year 2018. It's like the first time your family brought home a flat screen -- it may or may not be top of the line, but it is clearly better than that old black-and-white tube TV.
AFC Wild Card 2
T-1. Baltimore Ravens (4 votes: Battista, Brandt, Grant, Shook)
T-1. Denver Broncos (4 votes: Casserly, Frelund, Rank, Tomlinson)
T-1. Houston Texans (4 votes: Baldinger, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Sessler)
T-4. Kansas City Chiefs (2 votes: Bush, Schein)
T-4. Pittsburgh Steelers (2 votes: Jones, Patra)
T-4. Tennessee Titans (2 votes: Harrison, Robinson)
T-7. Cincinnati Bengals (1 vote: Rosenthal)
T-7. Jacksonville Jaguars (1 vote: Carr)
T-7. Miami Dolphins (1 vote: Bergman)
Why Judy Battista chose the Ravens: Joe Flacco looked healthy, razor sharp and highly motivated in the preseason. And a reminder: The Ravens were 9-7 last year despite a string of injuries and a mostly-absent pass rush. A marginally improved pass rush, better receivers and, yes, a better Flacco -- combined with a relatively-weak AFC -- should give the Ravens all the space they need to nab a wild-card spot.
NFC East champs
1. Philadelphia Eagles (19 votes: Baldinger, Battista, Bergman, Brandt, Bush, Casserly, Frelund, Grant, Harrison, Jones, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Patra, Rank, Rosenthal, Schein, Sessler, Shook, Tomlinson)
2. New York Giants (2 votes: Carr, Robinson)
Why Gregg Rosenthal chose the Eagles: Philadelphia has the depth and line play on both sides of the ball to survive what figures to be a slow start to the season as many players recover from injury. And if the Eagles fall flat, their fans are sure to handle it with quiet grace.
NFC North champs
1. Minnesota Vikings (12 votes: Baldinger, Brandt, Carr, Casserly, Grant, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Rank, Schein, Sessler, Shook, Tomlinson)
2. Green Bay Packers (9 votes: Battista, Bergman, Bush, Frelund, Harrison, Jones, Patra, Robinson, Rosenthal)
Why Brian Baldinger chose the Vikings: Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer have built a team that is poised to thrive for years to come. The NFC North is a tough division, but I like my chances with Minnesota.
NFC South champs
1. New Orleans Saints (13 votes: Baldinger, Brandt, Bush, Carr, Casserly, Frelund, Grant, Harrison, Jones, Patra, Rank, Sessler, Tomlinson)
2. Atlanta Falcons (8 votes: Battista, Bergman, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Robinson, Rosenthal, Schein, Shook)
Why LaDainian Tomlinson chose the Saints: With Drew Brees' clock winding down, the Saints aren't taking anything for granted. Their offense can beat you through the air or on the ground, and the defense has improved. It's hard to best a team like that.
NFC West champs
UNANIMOUS PICK: Los Angeles Rams (21 votes: Baldinger, Battista, Bergman, Brandt, Bush, Carr, Casserly, Frelund, Grant, Harrison, Jones, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Patra, Rank, Robinson, Rosenthal, Schein, Sessler, Shook, Tomlinson)
Why Michael Robinson chose the Rams: On paper, L.A. might have the best team in the league.
NFC Wild Card 1
1. Atlanta Falcons (6 votes: Baldinger, Brandt, Bush, Carr, Jones, Sessler)
T-2. Green Bay Packers (5 votes: Grant, Jones-Drew, Rank, Schein, Tomlinson)
T-2. Minnesota Vikings (5 votes: Battista, Bergman, Frelund, Harrison, Patra)
4. New Orleans Saints (3 votes: Mariucci, Rosenthal, Shook)
T-5. New York Giants (1 vote: Casserly)
T-5. Philadelphia Eagles (1 vote: Robinson)
Why Marc Sessler chose the Falcons: From ownership down, the Falcons loom as one of the best-run organizations in the NFL. Top-shelf general manager Thomas Dimitroff has worked wonders alongside a Dan Quinn-led coaching staff that milks the most out of its players. The reward will be sweeter than honey from a bee. (Just wait for my Super Bowl pick ...)
NFC Wild Card 2
1. Green Bay Packers (4 votes: Baldinger, Mariucci, Sessler, Shook)
T-2. Atlanta Falcons (3 votes: Casserly, Harrison, Patra)
T-2. Minnesota Vikings (3 votes: Bush, Jones, Robinson)
T-2. New Orleans Saints (3 votes: Battista, Bergman, Jones-Drew)
T-5. New York Giants (2 votes: Brandt, Grant)
T-5. San Francisco 49ers (2 votes: Frelund, Schein)
T-7. Carolina Panthers (1 vote: Tomlinson)
T-7. Chicago Bears (1 vote: Rank)
T-7. Philadelphia Eagles (1 vote: Carr)
T-7. Seattle Seahawks (1 vote: Rosenthal)
Why Brian Baldinger chose the Packers: Any time Aaron Rodgers is on the field, you can't count the Packers out.
Who will win Super Bowl LIII?
T-1. Los Angeles Rams (5 votes)
Reggie Bush: Rams over Steelers. The Steelers get over the hump and represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, but a more complete Rams team is too much for Pittsburgh to keep up with.
David Carr: Rams over Patriots. The NFC is absolutely loaded, with about six teams looking like true contenders. It's the Rams, though, who edge out the competition, and Sean McVay proceeds to out-scheme Bill Belichick for his first Lombardi.
Steve Mariucci: Rams over Jaguars. My mind will probably change tomorrow, but for now, I'm taking the Rams. Both teams have major talent on defense, but the Rams have the edge on offense. That's the decider.
Michael Robinson: Rams over Texans. What a battle this would be. The presence of some fresh faces in the Super Bowl is just what the football world needs.
Adam Schein: Rams over Chargers. Todd Gurley runs for 159 yards and two touchdowns, Aaron Donald sacks Philip Rivers three times and the Rams win the all-Los Angeles Super Bowl.
T-1. New Orleans Saints (5 votes)
Gil Brandt: Saints over Patriots. Defense will be the difference in this clash of potent offenses. The Saints' D has improved greatly from where it was just a few years ago, and it will continue to get better in 2018, making it possible for New Orleans to outlast the Patriots.
Cynthia Frelund: Saints over Chiefs. Not the most likely matchup predicted by my model, but these two teams have the upside to get to Atlanta. Drew Brees finally gets his first league MVP honor AND breaks the MVP-winner-isn't-also-an-SB-winner curse, all in one season.
Elliot Harrison: Saints over Patriots. Drew Brees and a balanced offense move the ball and control the clock against a Patriots team that survives both Blake Bortles and a (hopefully) consistent Chargers team in the postseason.
Kevin Patra: Saints over Jaguars. The best defense in the NFL can't keep Drew Brees down all game. The future Hall of Famer gets loose in the second half and Michael Thomas beats Jalen Ramsey on a quick slant for a 17-yard game-winning touchdown to give the Saints their second Super Bowl victory under Brees.
Adam Rank: Saints over Chargers. Finally, the Drew Brees vs. Philip Rivers Super Bowl we've clamored to see for quite some time. Still, why did the Chargers let him walk out the door? (Or, better yet, why didn't they draft Larry Fitzgerald instead of Eli Manning in 2004?)
3. Atlanta Falcons (3 votes)
Gregg Rosenthal: Falcons over Patriots. After coming back from 26 points down in the NFC title game at Lambeau Field, the Falcons return home to extract vengeance for the events of Super Bowl LI in front of Big Boi and his owls.
Marc Sessler: Falcons over Steelers. After nipping the Saints in a controversy-tinged NFC title game, Matt Ryan and the Falcons forge a 20-point halftime lead and hang on to topple Big Ben's Steelers. This will feel eerily similar to Denver slaying Super Bowl XLVIII ghosts by throttling the Panthers two seasons later. The 28-3 jokes will, at last, be shipped into deep space.
Nick Shook: Falcons over Chargers. The Falcons make the history Minnesota couldn't last season, becoming the first team to play in a Super Bowl in their home stadium, while Matt Ryan avenges his Super Bowl LI loss (and proves he, not Aaron Rodgers, should have been MVP). Atlanta parties like it's 1995.
T-4. Jacksonville Jaguars (2 votes)
Maurice Jones-Drew: Jaguars over Rams. So many big personalities head to Atlanta for a star-studded Super Bowl LIII, with three of the biggest trash-talkers (Jalen Ramsey, Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters) in the league making splash plays throughout. In a close one, Duval brings it home.
LaDainian Tomlinson: Jaguars over Eagles. A daunting Jaguars defense shuts down Doug Pederson and his versatile offensive attack, while Blake Bortles does just enough.
T-4. Minnesota Vikings (2 votes)
Charley Casserly: Vikings over Patriots. The Vikings' defense does what the "Purple People Eaters" could not do, leading Minnesota to its first Super Bowl win. The Pats' secondary does not have an answer for Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen.
Marcas Grant: Vikings over Texans. The Kirk Cousins investment pays immediate dividends in a surprisingly high-scoring Super Bowl for two defense-heavy teams.
T-6. Green Bay Packers (1 vote)
James Jones: Packers over Patriots. It comes down to this: Aaron Rodgers and Jimmy Graham vs. Tom Brady and Rob
Gronkowski. You know I'm taking Rodgers all day.
T-6. New England Patriots (1 vote)
Jeremy Bergman: Patriots over Vikings. The more things change, the more they stay the same. New England ekes out its sixth Super Bowl title over Minnesota's league-leading defense by controlling the clock with a thousand-papercuts attack. Kirk Cousins tosses a pair of picks. Rex Burkhead claims MVP.
T-6. Philadelphia Eagles (1 vote)
Brian Baldinger: Eagles over Jaguars. This time, it's Carson Wentz holding up the Super Bowl MVP trophy, as the Eagles become the first team since the Patriots in the early 2000s to win back-to-back titles. And you thought Philadelphia celebrated last year ...
T-6. Pittsburgh Steelers (1 vote)
Judy Battista: Steelers over Falcons. The Falcons become the first team to play at home in the Super Bowl, but Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell know how to handle Atlanta's fast defense, and they outgun Matt Ryan and Co.
2018 NFL season award predictions: Aaron Rodgers' third MVP?
Most Valuable Player
1. Aaron Rodgers (12 votes: Battista, Carr, Grant, Harrison, Jones, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Robinson, Rosenthal, Schein, Shook, Tomlinson)
2. Drew Brees (7 votes: Baldinger, Brandt, Bush, Frelund, McGinest, Patra, Sessler)
3. Tom Brady (2 votes: Bergman, Casserly)
4. Philip Rivers (1 vote: Rank)
Why Steve Mariucci chose Aaron Rodgers: He will become the sixth player to win at least three league MVP awards, joining Peyton Manning (five), Tom Brady, Jim Brown, Brett Favre and Johnny Unitas (each with three).
Offensive Player of the Year
1. Antonio Brown (7 votes: Brandt, Bush, Carr, Mariucci, McGinest, Robinson, Sessler)
2. Ezekiel Elliott (4 votes: Baldinger, Frelund, Patra, Schein)
3. David Johnson (3 votes: Bergman, Grant, Harrison)
4. Odell Beckham Jr. (2 votes: Rank, Tomlinson)
T-5. Le'Veon Bell (1 vote: Jones-Drew)
T-5. Drew Brees (1 vote: Casserly)
T-5. Aaron Rodgers (1 vote: Battista)
T-5. Matt Ryan (1 vote: Shook)
T-5. Deshaun Watson (1 vote: Jones)
Why Marc Sessler chose Antonio Brown: Look, I get it. No receiver has won this award since Jerry Rice did the deed in 1993. We're overdue for voters to get creative here. Brown remains a singular talent who takes over drives -- and games -- with next-level artistry and precision, but his best is yet to come. It's 1993 all over again.
Defensive Player of the Year
1. Von Miller (5 votes: Baldinger, Bush, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Robinson)
2. Myles Garrett (4 votes: Grant, Harrison, Sessler, Shook)
3. Joey Bosa (3 votes: Brandt, Rank, Tomlinson)
4. Jalen Ramsey (2 votes: Battista, Patra)
T-5. Calais Campbell (1 vote: Carr)
T-5. Fletcher Cox (1 vote: Rosenthal)
T-5. Aaron Donald (1 vote: Frelund)
T-5. Melvin Ingram (1 vote: Bergman)
T-5. Chandler Jones (1 vote: Jones)
T-5. Khalil Mack (1 vote: McGinest)
T-5. Patrick Peterson (1 vote: Schein)
T-5. J.J. Watt (1 vote: Casserly)
Why Michael Robinson chose Von Miller: With Bradley Chubb in the mix, Miller will rack up at least 15 sacks this season -- something he hasn't done since 2012, when he posted 18.5. That'll be enough to take home his first DPOY award.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
1. Saquon Barkley (12 votes: Battista, Bergman, Brandt, Bush, Carr, Casserly, Frelund, Grant, Harrison, Mariucci, Patra, Tomlinson)
2. Sam Darnold (3 votes: Baldinger, Sessler, Shook)
3. Calvin Ridley (2 votes: Jones, McGinest)
T-4. Baker Mayfield (1 vote: Rosenthal)
T-4. Anthony Miller (1 vote: Rank)
T-4. Quenton Nelson (1 vote: Schein)
T-4. Josh Rosen (1 vote: Jones-Drew)
T-4. Courtland Sutton (1 vote: Robinson)
Why LaDainian Tomlinson chose Saquon Barkley: This award routinely goes to the player who has the most production. Barkley will be relied on the most in this rookie class.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
1. Derwin James (7 votes: Battista, Grant, Patra, Schein, Sessler, Shook, Tomlinson)
2. Roquan Smith (6 votes: Bush, Carr, Casserly, Jones-Drew, McGinest, Robinson)
3. Tremaine Edmunds (3 votes: Baldinger, Bergman, Mariucci)
4. Minkah Fitzpatrick (2 votes: Frelund, Rosenthal)
T-5. Bradley Chubb (1 vote: Brandt)
T-5. Marcus Davenport (1 vote: Harrison)
T-5. Daron Payne (1 vote: Jones)
T-5. Nathan Shepherd (1 vote: Rank)
Why Adam Schein chose Derwin James: I still cannot believe this cat fell to No. 17 in the draft. He's a do-it-all safety. Playing with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram will fuel his ability to pick off passes.
Comeback Player of the Year
1. Deshaun Watson (5 votes: Mariucci, McGinest, Patra, Sessler, Tomlinson)
T-2. David Johnson (4 votes: Carr, Harrison, Robinson, Schein)
T-2. Andrew Luck (4 votes: Battista, Brandt, Bush, Rank)
T-4. Odell Beckham Jr. (2 votes: Grant, Shook)
T-4. Dalvin Cook (2 votes: Baldinger, Jones-Drew)
T-4. Aaron Rodgers (2 votes: Bergman, Frelund)
T-7. Teddy Bridgewater (1 vote: Rosenthal)
T-7. J.J. Watt (1 vote: Casserly)
T-7. Carson Wentz (1 vote: Jones)
Why Kevin Patra chose Deshaun Watson: Watson was in the midst of one of the most spectacular rookie campaigns of the modern era, tossing 19 TDs in just seven games, before it was wiped away by a knee injury. This preseason, the sophomore QB has looked fully healthy. I expect some negative regression from the otherworldly start to his career, but even three-quarters of the show he put on would be enough to win CPOY. If everyone stays healthy, the Texans have a playoff-caliber roster. While teammate J.J. Watt is also a candidate for this award, if Houston dives into the postseason, it will be thanks to Watson pulling a Houdini act each week behind a potentially terrible offensive line.
Coach of the Year
T-1. Bill Belichick (3 votes: Bergman, Patra, Rosenthal)
T-1. Pat Shurmur (3 votes: Brandt, Carr, Grant)
T-3. Anthony Lynn (2 votes: Rank, Shook)
T-3. Bill O'Brien (2 votes: Casserly, Robinson)
T-3. Sean Payton (2 votes: Frelund, Sessler)
T-3. Kyle Shanahan (2 votes: Bush, Tomlinson)
T-3. Mike Zimmer (2 votes: Mariucci, McGinest)
T-8. Hue Jackson (1 vote: Jones-Drew)
T-8. Doug Marrone (1 vote: Harrison)
T-8. Doug Pederson (1 vote: Battista)
T-8. Dan Quinn (1 vote: Baldinger)
T-8. Frank Reich (1 vote: Jones)
T-8. Andy Reid (1 vote: Schein)
Why Marcas Grant chose Pat Shurmur: The first-year coach has the benefit of a healthy Odell Beckham Jr. and Saquon Barkley occupying the backfield. This could be a 10-win playoff team in the NFC, which would be quite the turnaround from last year's 3-13 disaster.
2018 NFL playoff predictions: Patriots, Rams unanimous picks
• NFL.com
• Published: Aug. 29, 2018 at 01:08 p.m.
• Updated: Sept. 4, 2018 at 09:57 a.m.
•
With the 2018 NFL season just around the corner, our analysts provide their predictions on individual award winners and playoff teams. Check back later this week for Super Bowl picks.
Participating analysts: Brian Baldinger, Judy Battista, Jeremy Bergman, Gil Brandt, Reggie Bush, David Carr, Charley Casserly, Cynthia Frelund, Marcas Grant, Elliot Harrison, James Jones, Maurice Jones-Drew, Steve Mariucci, Kevin Patra, Adam Rank, Michael Robinson, Gregg Rosenthal, Adam Schein, Marc Sessler, Nick Shook, LaDainian Tomlinson.
AFC East champs
UNANIMOUS PICK: New England Patriots (21 votes: Baldinger, Battista, Bergman, Brandt, Bush, Carr, Casserly, Frelund, Grant, Harrison, Jones, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Patra, Rank, Robinson, Rosenthal, Schein, Sessler, Shook, Tomlinson)
Why Judy Battista chose the Patriots: Yes, Julian Edelman is suspended and Danny Amendola is gone and Tom Brady is 41 and blahblahblah. While there was an unusual amount of drama this offseason, the Patriots inevitably find a way around annual obstacles. And while New England's hold on the AFC might not have the iron grip of years past, the Patriots will eke out one more Super Bowl run.
AFC North champs
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (14 votes: Battista, Brandt, Bush, Carr, Casserly, Frelund, Grant, Harrison, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Schein, Sessler, Shook, Tomlinson)
2. Baltimore Ravens (6 votes: Baldinger, Bergman, Patra, Rank, Robinson, Rosenthal)
3. Cleveland Browns (1 vote: Jones)
Why Adam Schein chose the Steelers: This could be the final run with the Killer Bs all together. Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown will power the Steelers to a top-two offense in the NFL and Pittsburgh will win the division by multiple games.
AFC South champs
1. Jacksonville Jaguars (13 votes: Baldinger, Battista, Bergman, Brandt, Frelund, Harrison, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Rank, Schein, Sessler, Shook, Tomlinson)
2. Houston Texans (7 votes: Bush, Carr, Casserly, Grant, Jones, Patra, Robinson)
3. Tennessee Titans (1 vote: Rosenthal)
Why Steve Mariucci chose the Jaguars: Any time a team has a top defense, it's often considered at least a playoff team -- and sometimes even a title contender. I don't see the Jags being any worse of a team talent-wise than they were at the end of last season.
AFC West champs
1. Los Angeles Chargers (16 votes: Baldinger, Battista, Bergman, Brandt, Bush, Casserly, Grant, Harrison, Jones-Drew, Patra, Rank, Rosenthal, Schein, Sessler, Shook, Tomlinson)
2. Oakland Raiders (3 votes: Carr, Jones, Mariucci)
T-3. Denver Broncos (1 vote: Robinson)
T-3. Kansas City Chiefs (1 vote: Frelund)
Why Gregg Rosenthal chose the Chargers: The rosters in the rest of the AFC West are in various states of transition, while the Chargers are loaded at nearly every position group. There's nothing standing in the way of this team and a playoff bye, except perhaps a lack of home-field advantage.
AFC Wild Card 1
T-1. Jacksonville Jaguars (4 votes: Bush, Casserly, Patra, Rosenthal)
T-1. Tennessee Titans (4 votes: Brandt, Rank, Shook, Tomlinson)
T-3 Houston Texans (3 votes: Frelund, Harrison, Schein)
T-3 Kansas City Chiefs (3 votes: Battista, Grant, Mariucci)
T-3 Pittsburgh Steelers (3 votes: Baldinger, Bergman, Robinson)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (2 votes: Carr, Jones)
T-7. Baltimore Ravens (1 vote: Sessler)
T-7. Oakland Raiders (1 vote: Jones-Drew)
Why Adam Rank chose the Titans: The Titans are one of the most-besmirched returning playoff teams I can remember. Hell, they won a playoff game. (Even though it was against the Chiefs, it's still a win.) Now they have a coaching staff with an offense that's actually suited for players in the year 2018. It's like the first time your family brought home a flat screen -- it may or may not be top of the line, but it is clearly better than that old black-and-white tube TV.
AFC Wild Card 2
T-1. Baltimore Ravens (4 votes: Battista, Brandt, Grant, Shook)
T-1. Denver Broncos (4 votes: Casserly, Frelund, Rank, Tomlinson)
T-1. Houston Texans (4 votes: Baldinger, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Sessler)
T-4. Kansas City Chiefs (2 votes: Bush, Schein)
T-4. Pittsburgh Steelers (2 votes: Jones, Patra)
T-4. Tennessee Titans (2 votes: Harrison, Robinson)
T-7. Cincinnati Bengals (1 vote: Rosenthal)
T-7. Jacksonville Jaguars (1 vote: Carr)
T-7. Miami Dolphins (1 vote: Bergman)
Why Judy Battista chose the Ravens: Joe Flacco looked healthy, razor sharp and highly motivated in the preseason. And a reminder: The Ravens were 9-7 last year despite a string of injuries and a mostly-absent pass rush. A marginally improved pass rush, better receivers and, yes, a better Flacco -- combined with a relatively-weak AFC -- should give the Ravens all the space they need to nab a wild-card spot.
NFC East champs
1. Philadelphia Eagles (19 votes: Baldinger, Battista, Bergman, Brandt, Bush, Casserly, Frelund, Grant, Harrison, Jones, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Patra, Rank, Rosenthal, Schein, Sessler, Shook, Tomlinson)
2. New York Giants (2 votes: Carr, Robinson)
Why Gregg Rosenthal chose the Eagles: Philadelphia has the depth and line play on both sides of the ball to survive what figures to be a slow start to the season as many players recover from injury. And if the Eagles fall flat, their fans are sure to handle it with quiet grace.
NFC North champs
1. Minnesota Vikings (12 votes: Baldinger, Brandt, Carr, Casserly, Grant, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Rank, Schein, Sessler, Shook, Tomlinson)
2. Green Bay Packers (9 votes: Battista, Bergman, Bush, Frelund, Harrison, Jones, Patra, Robinson, Rosenthal)
Why Brian Baldinger chose the Vikings: Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer have built a team that is poised to thrive for years to come. The NFC North is a tough division, but I like my chances with Minnesota.
NFC South champs
1. New Orleans Saints (13 votes: Baldinger, Brandt, Bush, Carr, Casserly, Frelund, Grant, Harrison, Jones, Patra, Rank, Sessler, Tomlinson)
2. Atlanta Falcons (8 votes: Battista, Bergman, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Robinson, Rosenthal, Schein, Shook)
Why LaDainian Tomlinson chose the Saints: With Drew Brees' clock winding down, the Saints aren't taking anything for granted. Their offense can beat you through the air or on the ground, and the defense has improved. It's hard to best a team like that.
NFC West champs
UNANIMOUS PICK: Los Angeles Rams (21 votes: Baldinger, Battista, Bergman, Brandt, Bush, Carr, Casserly, Frelund, Grant, Harrison, Jones, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Patra, Rank, Robinson, Rosenthal, Schein, Sessler, Shook, Tomlinson)
Why Michael Robinson chose the Rams: On paper, L.A. might have the best team in the league.
NFC Wild Card 1
1. Atlanta Falcons (6 votes: Baldinger, Brandt, Bush, Carr, Jones, Sessler)
T-2. Green Bay Packers (5 votes: Grant, Jones-Drew, Rank, Schein, Tomlinson)
T-2. Minnesota Vikings (5 votes: Battista, Bergman, Frelund, Harrison, Patra)
4. New Orleans Saints (3 votes: Mariucci, Rosenthal, Shook)
T-5. New York Giants (1 vote: Casserly)
T-5. Philadelphia Eagles (1 vote: Robinson)
Why Marc Sessler chose the Falcons: From ownership down, the Falcons loom as one of the best-run organizations in the NFL. Top-shelf general manager Thomas Dimitroff has worked wonders alongside a Dan Quinn-led coaching staff that milks the most out of its players. The reward will be sweeter than honey from a bee. (Just wait for my Super Bowl pick ...)
NFC Wild Card 2
1. Green Bay Packers (4 votes: Baldinger, Mariucci, Sessler, Shook)
T-2. Atlanta Falcons (3 votes: Casserly, Harrison, Patra)
T-2. Minnesota Vikings (3 votes: Bush, Jones, Robinson)
T-2. New Orleans Saints (3 votes: Battista, Bergman, Jones-Drew)
T-5. New York Giants (2 votes: Brandt, Grant)
T-5. San Francisco 49ers (2 votes: Frelund, Schein)
T-7. Carolina Panthers (1 vote: Tomlinson)
T-7. Chicago Bears (1 vote: Rank)
T-7. Philadelphia Eagles (1 vote: Carr)
T-7. Seattle Seahawks (1 vote: Rosenthal)
Why Brian Baldinger chose the Packers: Any time Aaron Rodgers is on the field, you can't count the Packers out.
Who will win Super Bowl LIII?
T-1. Los Angeles Rams (5 votes)
Reggie Bush: Rams over Steelers. The Steelers get over the hump and represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, but a more complete Rams team is too much for Pittsburgh to keep up with.
David Carr: Rams over Patriots. The NFC is absolutely loaded, with about six teams looking like true contenders. It's the Rams, though, who edge out the competition, and Sean McVay proceeds to out-scheme Bill Belichick for his first Lombardi.
Steve Mariucci: Rams over Jaguars. My mind will probably change tomorrow, but for now, I'm taking the Rams. Both teams have major talent on defense, but the Rams have the edge on offense. That's the decider.
Michael Robinson: Rams over Texans. What a battle this would be. The presence of some fresh faces in the Super Bowl is just what the football world needs.
Adam Schein: Rams over Chargers. Todd Gurley runs for 159 yards and two touchdowns, Aaron Donald sacks Philip Rivers three times and the Rams win the all-Los Angeles Super Bowl.
T-1. New Orleans Saints (5 votes)
Gil Brandt: Saints over Patriots. Defense will be the difference in this clash of potent offenses. The Saints' D has improved greatly from where it was just a few years ago, and it will continue to get better in 2018, making it possible for New Orleans to outlast the Patriots.
Cynthia Frelund: Saints over Chiefs. Not the most likely matchup predicted by my model, but these two teams have the upside to get to Atlanta. Drew Brees finally gets his first league MVP honor AND breaks the MVP-winner-isn't-also-an-SB-winner curse, all in one season.
Elliot Harrison: Saints over Patriots. Drew Brees and a balanced offense move the ball and control the clock against a Patriots team that survives both Blake Bortles and a (hopefully) consistent Chargers team in the postseason.
Kevin Patra: Saints over Jaguars. The best defense in the NFL can't keep Drew Brees down all game. The future Hall of Famer gets loose in the second half and Michael Thomas beats Jalen Ramsey on a quick slant for a 17-yard game-winning touchdown to give the Saints their second Super Bowl victory under Brees.
Adam Rank: Saints over Chargers. Finally, the Drew Brees vs. Philip Rivers Super Bowl we've clamored to see for quite some time. Still, why did the Chargers let him walk out the door? (Or, better yet, why didn't they draft Larry Fitzgerald instead of Eli Manning in 2004?)
3. Atlanta Falcons (3 votes)
Gregg Rosenthal: Falcons over Patriots. After coming back from 26 points down in the NFC title game at Lambeau Field, the Falcons return home to extract vengeance for the events of Super Bowl LI in front of Big Boi and his owls.
Marc Sessler: Falcons over Steelers. After nipping the Saints in a controversy-tinged NFC title game, Matt Ryan and the Falcons forge a 20-point halftime lead and hang on to topple Big Ben's Steelers. This will feel eerily similar to Denver slaying Super Bowl XLVIII ghosts by throttling the Panthers two seasons later. The 28-3 jokes will, at last, be shipped into deep space.
Nick Shook: Falcons over Chargers. The Falcons make the history Minnesota couldn't last season, becoming the first team to play in a Super Bowl in their home stadium, while Matt Ryan avenges his Super Bowl LI loss (and proves he, not Aaron Rodgers, should have been MVP). Atlanta parties like it's 1995.
T-4. Jacksonville Jaguars (2 votes)
Maurice Jones-Drew: Jaguars over Rams. So many big personalities head to Atlanta for a star-studded Super Bowl LIII, with three of the biggest trash-talkers (Jalen Ramsey, Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters) in the league making splash plays throughout. In a close one, Duval brings it home.
LaDainian Tomlinson: Jaguars over Eagles. A daunting Jaguars defense shuts down Doug Pederson and his versatile offensive attack, while Blake Bortles does just enough.
T-4. Minnesota Vikings (2 votes)
Charley Casserly: Vikings over Patriots. The Vikings' defense does what the "Purple People Eaters" could not do, leading Minnesota to its first Super Bowl win. The Pats' secondary does not have an answer for Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen.
Marcas Grant: Vikings over Texans. The Kirk Cousins investment pays immediate dividends in a surprisingly high-scoring Super Bowl for two defense-heavy teams.
T-6. Green Bay Packers (1 vote)
James Jones: Packers over Patriots. It comes down to this: Aaron Rodgers and Jimmy Graham vs. Tom Brady and Rob
Gronkowski. You know I'm taking Rodgers all day.
T-6. New England Patriots (1 vote)
Jeremy Bergman: Patriots over Vikings. The more things change, the more they stay the same. New England ekes out its sixth Super Bowl title over Minnesota's league-leading defense by controlling the clock with a thousand-papercuts attack. Kirk Cousins tosses a pair of picks. Rex Burkhead claims MVP.
T-6. Philadelphia Eagles (1 vote)
Brian Baldinger: Eagles over Jaguars. This time, it's Carson Wentz holding up the Super Bowl MVP trophy, as the Eagles become the first team since the Patriots in the early 2000s to win back-to-back titles. And you thought Philadelphia celebrated last year ...
T-6. Pittsburgh Steelers (1 vote)
Judy Battista: Steelers over Falcons. The Falcons become the first team to play at home in the Super Bowl, but Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell know how to handle Atlanta's fast defense, and they outgun Matt Ryan and Co.
2018 NFL season award predictions: Aaron Rodgers' third MVP?
Most Valuable Player
1. Aaron Rodgers (12 votes: Battista, Carr, Grant, Harrison, Jones, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Robinson, Rosenthal, Schein, Shook, Tomlinson)
2. Drew Brees (7 votes: Baldinger, Brandt, Bush, Frelund, McGinest, Patra, Sessler)
3. Tom Brady (2 votes: Bergman, Casserly)
4. Philip Rivers (1 vote: Rank)
Why Steve Mariucci chose Aaron Rodgers: He will become the sixth player to win at least three league MVP awards, joining Peyton Manning (five), Tom Brady, Jim Brown, Brett Favre and Johnny Unitas (each with three).
Offensive Player of the Year
1. Antonio Brown (7 votes: Brandt, Bush, Carr, Mariucci, McGinest, Robinson, Sessler)
2. Ezekiel Elliott (4 votes: Baldinger, Frelund, Patra, Schein)
3. David Johnson (3 votes: Bergman, Grant, Harrison)
4. Odell Beckham Jr. (2 votes: Rank, Tomlinson)
T-5. Le'Veon Bell (1 vote: Jones-Drew)
T-5. Drew Brees (1 vote: Casserly)
T-5. Aaron Rodgers (1 vote: Battista)
T-5. Matt Ryan (1 vote: Shook)
T-5. Deshaun Watson (1 vote: Jones)
Why Marc Sessler chose Antonio Brown: Look, I get it. No receiver has won this award since Jerry Rice did the deed in 1993. We're overdue for voters to get creative here. Brown remains a singular talent who takes over drives -- and games -- with next-level artistry and precision, but his best is yet to come. It's 1993 all over again.
Defensive Player of the Year
1. Von Miller (5 votes: Baldinger, Bush, Jones-Drew, Mariucci, Robinson)
2. Myles Garrett (4 votes: Grant, Harrison, Sessler, Shook)
3. Joey Bosa (3 votes: Brandt, Rank, Tomlinson)
4. Jalen Ramsey (2 votes: Battista, Patra)
T-5. Calais Campbell (1 vote: Carr)
T-5. Fletcher Cox (1 vote: Rosenthal)
T-5. Aaron Donald (1 vote: Frelund)
T-5. Melvin Ingram (1 vote: Bergman)
T-5. Chandler Jones (1 vote: Jones)
T-5. Khalil Mack (1 vote: McGinest)
T-5. Patrick Peterson (1 vote: Schein)
T-5. J.J. Watt (1 vote: Casserly)
Why Michael Robinson chose Von Miller: With Bradley Chubb in the mix, Miller will rack up at least 15 sacks this season -- something he hasn't done since 2012, when he posted 18.5. That'll be enough to take home his first DPOY award.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
1. Saquon Barkley (12 votes: Battista, Bergman, Brandt, Bush, Carr, Casserly, Frelund, Grant, Harrison, Mariucci, Patra, Tomlinson)
2. Sam Darnold (3 votes: Baldinger, Sessler, Shook)
3. Calvin Ridley (2 votes: Jones, McGinest)
T-4. Baker Mayfield (1 vote: Rosenthal)
T-4. Anthony Miller (1 vote: Rank)
T-4. Quenton Nelson (1 vote: Schein)
T-4. Josh Rosen (1 vote: Jones-Drew)
T-4. Courtland Sutton (1 vote: Robinson)
Why LaDainian Tomlinson chose Saquon Barkley: This award routinely goes to the player who has the most production. Barkley will be relied on the most in this rookie class.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
1. Derwin James (7 votes: Battista, Grant, Patra, Schein, Sessler, Shook, Tomlinson)
2. Roquan Smith (6 votes: Bush, Carr, Casserly, Jones-Drew, McGinest, Robinson)
3. Tremaine Edmunds (3 votes: Baldinger, Bergman, Mariucci)
4. Minkah Fitzpatrick (2 votes: Frelund, Rosenthal)
T-5. Bradley Chubb (1 vote: Brandt)
T-5. Marcus Davenport (1 vote: Harrison)
T-5. Daron Payne (1 vote: Jones)
T-5. Nathan Shepherd (1 vote: Rank)
Why Adam Schein chose Derwin James: I still cannot believe this cat fell to No. 17 in the draft. He's a do-it-all safety. Playing with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram will fuel his ability to pick off passes.
Comeback Player of the Year
1. Deshaun Watson (5 votes: Mariucci, McGinest, Patra, Sessler, Tomlinson)
T-2. David Johnson (4 votes: Carr, Harrison, Robinson, Schein)
T-2. Andrew Luck (4 votes: Battista, Brandt, Bush, Rank)
T-4. Odell Beckham Jr. (2 votes: Grant, Shook)
T-4. Dalvin Cook (2 votes: Baldinger, Jones-Drew)
T-4. Aaron Rodgers (2 votes: Bergman, Frelund)
T-7. Teddy Bridgewater (1 vote: Rosenthal)
T-7. J.J. Watt (1 vote: Casserly)
T-7. Carson Wentz (1 vote: Jones)
Why Kevin Patra chose Deshaun Watson: Watson was in the midst of one of the most spectacular rookie campaigns of the modern era, tossing 19 TDs in just seven games, before it was wiped away by a knee injury. This preseason, the sophomore QB has looked fully healthy. I expect some negative regression from the otherworldly start to his career, but even three-quarters of the show he put on would be enough to win CPOY. If everyone stays healthy, the Texans have a playoff-caliber roster. While teammate J.J. Watt is also a candidate for this award, if Houston dives into the postseason, it will be thanks to Watson pulling a Houdini act each week behind a potentially terrible offensive line.
Coach of the Year
T-1. Bill Belichick (3 votes: Bergman, Patra, Rosenthal)
T-1. Pat Shurmur (3 votes: Brandt, Carr, Grant)
T-3. Anthony Lynn (2 votes: Rank, Shook)
T-3. Bill O'Brien (2 votes: Casserly, Robinson)
T-3. Sean Payton (2 votes: Frelund, Sessler)
T-3. Kyle Shanahan (2 votes: Bush, Tomlinson)
T-3. Mike Zimmer (2 votes: Mariucci, McGinest)
T-8. Hue Jackson (1 vote: Jones-Drew)
T-8. Doug Marrone (1 vote: Harrison)
T-8. Doug Pederson (1 vote: Battista)
T-8. Dan Quinn (1 vote: Baldinger)
T-8. Frank Reich (1 vote: Jones)
T-8. Andy Reid (1 vote: Schein)
Why Marcas Grant chose Pat Shurmur: The first-year coach has the benefit of a healthy Odell Beckham Jr. and Saquon Barkley occupying the backfield. This could be a 10-win playoff team in the NFC, which would be quite the turnaround from last year's 3-13 disaster.
