Season Prediction
NFL MVP: Drew Brees, QB, Saints Offensive Player of the Year: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Giants Defensive Player of the Year: Joey Bosa, DE, Chargers Offensive Rookie of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants Defensive Rookie of the Year: Roquan Smith, LB, Bears Comeback Player of the Year: Deshaun Watson, QB, Texans Coach of the Year: Pat Shurmur, Giants
I firmly believe the Saints were the best team in the NFL last year, and that if not for the fluky Minnesota Miracle, we’d be talking about Brees and company going for a Super Bowl repeat this season. That entire team is back this season, and there’s reason to believe it can be even better. So many of its key players—Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas, Marshon Lattimore, Sheldon Rankins, Ryan Ramczyk—are 25 or younger, and the team strengthened the defense over the offseason, bringing in linebacker Demario Davis and safety Kurt Coleman. The 39-year-old Brees didn’t miss a beat last year, setting an NFL record in completion percentage while leading the league in yards per attempt. There won’t be anything, flukes or otherwise, derailing the Saints this year. As for the Eagles missing the playoffs, I don’t think they’re as insured against Carson Wentz missing time as many think. Remember, they have a brutal schedule that includes matchups with the Saints, Falcons, Panthers, Vikings, Rams, Texans, Jaguar s and Titans. MICHAEL BELLER
