NFL Preview: Playoffs & Awards

Yes, today has been the first week of the NFL season and much of the action is over. With that said, this is my NFL preview, the playoff version. I have not factored in any of what I saw today as my statements were decided before today. I will be looking over the playoff situation I created with my first two previews, and then also some end of year award predictions. But first, its on to the playoffs

AFC Wildcard Playoffs
Oakland @ New England
Synopsis: An interesting game that seems to resemble last year's first round between Kansas City and Baltimore. I don't think it is though. Oakland's defense gives their all and Jason Campbell and his young receivers link up against what is still a weak link in New England's pass defense. In a very close one, I actually go with the Raiders.
Oakland

Houston @ Indianapolis
I have Indy winning the tiebreaker between these 2 AFC South teams at 11-5 and getting homefield. That homefield, and playoff experience will go a long way as Peyton Manning (assuming his health, of course) tears apart the Houston defense in a shootout. In a game where I'm sure Houston can match them score for score, I have to go with the calm resolve of a Colts offense that's been there before.
Indianapolis.

NFC Wildcard Playoffs
Atlanta @ New Orleans
Two NFC South teams match up for a third time in what should be a fantastic game. Unfortunately for the Saints, I like the improvements Atlanta continues to make year to year. The Saints will not be able to stop the balanced offensive attack of the Falcons. Further, I expect the likes of John Abraham to be in the face of Drew Brees all day long. Another close game, but I like Atlanta to win, as the Saints struggle in the first round again.
Atlanta.

Philadelphia @ Arizona
Arizona plays at home despite having the worse record of the two teams. The Cardinals are running into a bad matchup, they're set up to operate out of the pass, the Eagles are set up to shut it down. The x factor in this game though is Mike Vick and his penchant to turn the ball over against a defense that creates those turnovers. In the end, Vick's performance will tell the tale assuming that Arizona can stay in the game. With that said, I trust Michael Vick at this point to get it done, and I even more trust Andy Reid to prepare him to succeed.
Philadelphia.

AFC Divisional Playoffs
Oakland @ Jets
Oakland takes on 13-3 New York as they are the best seed in the AFC. The Jets will take full advantage of a spent Oakland team who used up too much in defeating New England to have much of a chance here. The Jets ability to run and wear down Oakland's defense is the biggest undoing. I'd also expect the Jets vaunted defense to give Jason Campbell fits. The Jets get ahead early and the Raiders can't resort to Darren McFadden.
Jets.

Indianapolis @ Pittsburgh
A classic AFC playoff game in the elements in Pittsburgh, and the elements will play a factor. Peyton Manning struggles again in the bad weather late in the year and the Colts have no answer for Rashard Mendenhall and the Steelers running game. The Colts meet a team just as experienced as they are and don't have another option to go to.
Steelers.

NFC Divisional Playoffs
Atlanta @ Chicago
I actually went back and forth on this game and I think it could be a classic. Due to their balance I think the Atlanta offense has a chance against the Chicago defense. With that said there's nothing extra special about Atlanta's defense to say Chicago won't be able to move the ball either. I come up with two keys though. One is Jay Cutler protecting the ball, which I think he will with confidence and health. The other is Devin Hester. Hester's the most dynamic player in this matchup, and as long as Cutler doesn't take them out of the game, I think he makes all the difference.
Chicago.

Philadelphia @ Giants
NFC East rivals face off in this matchup. A lot of this game comes down to how much the Giants commit to the run. If they do then they have the opportunity to attack the weak underbelly of the Eagles defense. On the other hand, the Eagles have the potential to score a lot of points as well. If its close though, and I suspect it will be, I don't trust Eli Manning enough to move the ball against the Eagles defensive backs and pass rush. Mike Vick and DeSean Jackson take advantage and take over the game late.
Philadelphia.

AFC Championship Game
Pittsburgh @ Jets
A rematch of last year's game, but this time its in New York. The Steelers appear to me to be an overall better team. A lot of people will point to Mark Sanchez as the key to this game and how he needs to come up big. I think he's done enough though in the past to warrant confidence in his play in this big game. Rather, the Steelers ability to run the ball and control the game will be huge. If the Steelers run the ball well, just like they did last year in this game, then they will win. The Steelers offensive line has improved, meaning they'll be even better fit to run. I think Pittsburgh controls the pace.
Pittsburgh.

NFC Championship Game
Philadelphia @ Chicago
I find this to be an interesting matchup as well. Once again, I think we are seeing a game where the team that doesn't make the critical turnover is going to win. Also, I find the offenses to be philosophically similar. With that said, I'm going with the stronger overall defense and the defense I trust to keep their composure more in big games. Chicago is that better overall defense, they have the know-how and the talent at all 3 levels to stop the Eagles. I think they control the line of scrimmage and really make things hard on Michael Vick.
Chicago.

Super Bowl
Pittsburgh vs. Chicago
The big game comes down to Pittsburgh and Chicago. Its a game of strong defenses and one offense that can turn the tide of the game. That offense is Pittsburgh's. The Steelers are more steady than Chicago and more multi-faceted. The Bears turnover woes finally catch up to them against players like Troy Polamalu. Matt Forte is rendered ineffective by the Steelers front seven. In a playoffs of close games, I actually think this one is a bit of a laugher as the Steelers cruise to victory.
Steelers are Super Bowl Champions.

Awards
Most Valuable Player: Drew Brees
Brees leads an offense with only one major weapon on it, but with a lot of solid contributors. Its his year to cash in with an MVP, spraying the ball around to his receivers, particularly with a questionable running back situation. Brees leads the Saints to 13-3 highlighting the strength of their team, the pass offense.

Offensive Player of the Year: Drew Brees- Saints
Already talked about it.

Defensive Player of the Year: Darrelle Revis- Jets
Revis is already arguably the best corner in the league, and with Asomougha getting the help he now has in Philadelphia I think public favor goes to Revis. He's a ballhawk and I expect him to shut down the likes of Chad Ochocinco, Stevie Johnson, and Brandon Marshall amongst others. Revis makes the biggest impact of any defensive player in the league as Rex Ryan finds ways to get him to be more dynamic even when teams try not to throw near him.

Coach of the Year: Ken Whisenhunt- Cardinals
Whisenhunt gets the honors over Gary Kubiak in Houston and Hue Jackson in Oakland with his 11-5 record and outright victory of the NFC West. Further, the Cardinals go from a dismal 5-11 and looking hopeless to playing in the playoffs. Whisenhunt molds Kevin Kolb into his offense and gets their defense back to what it does best as well. Honors to the Arizona coach.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: AJ Green- Bengals
AJ Green grows up at the WR position with fellow rookie QB Andy Dalton helping him through the way. Green is the first option for Dalton and should get a lot of targets for that reason. He's big, fast, and has great hands. He's already their number 1 receiver and should get a lot of attention in the redzone and the play action passing game as Cedric Benson does his work in the run game. I like Green to have a solid rookie season.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: JJ Watt- Texans
JJ Watt has the opportunity to have a big season and help mold the future Texans defense. He provides a lot of solid tackling ability and even pressure along with Mario Williams on what should be an improving defense. Watt is starting from day one and should be able to attack against a couple weak offenses in his division and have a big season with sacks and tackles.

Comeback Player of the Year: Plaxico Burress- Jets
I'll be honest, I'm trying to catch lightning in a bottle twice by guessing someone with a similar storyline to Michael Vick. Burress has the opportunity to play though and be a big target for the emerging Mark Sanchez. They don't have a blow away number 1 receiver, but Burress can command a lot of footballs and a lot of attention. I expect him to be athletic and make plays for touchdowns and down the field.

What's the baseline?
I name the Steelers as the Super Bowl Champs.