M.V.P.
Carson Palmer, Bengals.
If Carson Palmer comes back from his knee injury and leads the Bengals to a 12-4 record, how can he not win MVP? Other candidates I considered: Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Shaun Alexander and Terrell Owens.
Most Passing Yards
Peyton Manning, Colts.
Peyton Manning's passing yards dropped from 4,557 in 2004 to 3,747 in 2005. But with Edgerrin James gone, Manning will have to throw the ball more than ever.
Most Rushing Yards
Larry Johnson, Chiefs.
Every time I read Larry Johnson's stats, I get more and more amazed. Johnson compiled 1,750 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns despite starting only nine games. Spread his stats over a 15-game season, and you have 2,917 yards and 36 touchdowns.
Most Receiving Yards
Steve Smith, Panthers.
Steve Smith was unstoppable in the playoffs. He caught 10 passes for 84 yards against the Giants, and registered a mind-boggling 218 yards against Chicago. He also had five catches against Seattle, despite being triple-teamed for most of the game.
Most Sacks
Osi Umenyiora, Giants.
When the Giants drafted Osi Umenyiora in 2003, no one had ever heard of him. When he registered 14½ sacks in 2005 -- an increase of 7½ from the year before -- most people voted him into the Pro Bowl. With Michael Strahan on the other side of the defensive line, no one can double-team Umenyiora.
Most Interceptions
Champ Bailey, Broncos.
It's hard to pick an interception leader, but I'm going to choose Champ Bailey, who registered eight in 2005 despite playing hurt. That total should remain relatively static this season.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Vernon Davis, 49ers.
I thought about giving this to Reggie Bush, but Vernon Davis is already the top target Alex Smith has at his disposal. Smith will depend on Davis early and often, whereas Bush may have to find a role in New Orleans' offense.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Kamerion Wimbley, Browns.
This is more of a sleeper pick. With Romeo Crennel's coaching ability and Willie McGinest's veteran leadership, Kamerion Wimbley will emerge as a surprising force in Cleveland's defense.
Most Improved
Zach Hilton, Saints.
Zach Hilton, the Saints' starting tight end, registered 30 receptions and 360 yards in the final nine weeks of the 2005 season. That translates to 640 yards over a 16-game slate.
2001 Season Preview
2002 Season Preview
2003 Season Preview:
AFC East / AFC North / AFC South / AFC West
NFC East / NFC North / NFC South / NFC West
Playoffs / Awards
2004 Season Preview:
AFC East / AFC North / AFC South / AFC West
NFC East / NFC North / NFC South / NFC West
Playoffs / Awards / Simulation
2005 Season Preview:
AFC East / AFC North / AFC South / AFC West
NFC East / NFC North / NFC South / NFC West
Playoffs / Awards / Simulation
2006 Season Preview:
AFC East / AFC North / AFC South / AFC West
NFC East / NFC North / NFC South / NFC West
Playoffs / Awards / Simulation
2007 Season Preview:
Buffalo / Miami / New England / New York Jets
Baltimore / Cincinnati / Cleveland / Pittsburgh
Houston / Indianapolis / Jacksonville / Tennessee
Denver / Kansas City / Oakland / San Diego
Dallas / New York Giants / Philadelphia / Washington
Chicago / Detroit / Green Bay / Minnesota
Atlanta / Carolina / New Orleans / Tampa Bay
Arizona / San Francisco / Seattle / St. Louis
Playoffs / Awards / Simulation
© 1999-2013 Walter Cherepinsky : all rights reserved
Privacy Policy
2 5 9