NFL Midseason Awards, Predictions, Week 10 picks

I apologize for the week layoff and missing last week's picks.  After two miserable 7 win weeks, I managed a 10 spot in week 9.  Of course, there's no documented proof of this, but you'll just have to believe me. 

Most people do their mid-season stuff after week 8, but it's only after week 9 that we are actually halfway through the season.  As I've said several times, it's been a very strange NFL season so far.  There is no clear cut favorite team in either conference, and teams that seem good one week are terrible the next week, and vice versa.  If you like parity, you love the NFL 2010 season.  Predictions for the playoffs:

NFC
1. Giants 12-4
Who else can you pick right now?  They're playing better than anyone in the league right now on both sides of the ball. 
2. Falcons 11-5
Nearly unbeatable at home, and they have a complete team with very few weaknesses.
3. Packers 11-5
They've seemed to shake off a slow start and they're clearly the best team in the North right now.
4. Seahawks8-8
Someone's gotta win the NFC West.  Seattle gets a slight edge because they're a decent team at home.
5. Saints 11-5
They also seem to be over their slow start, but they're not the same team as last year.
6. Eagles 10-6
Their 2nd half schedule doesn't seem as daunting as it did before the season started.  Even if they lose twice to the Giants, they can get to 10 wins.

AFC
1. Steelers 12-4
They're the most complete team in the AFC, and their defense is the best unit in the league.
2. Jets 12-4
Offense has been inconsistent, but when they're on, no one is going to beat them.
3. Colts 10-6
Will have to fight off the Titans, but I'm not going to bet against Peyton.
4. Chiefs 10-6
I'm still a believer, as long as the defense holds up.
5. Ravens 11-5
Last night's loss aside, they're still a Super Bowl contender.
6. Patriots 10-6
Hard to believe they won't find a way into the playoffs.

Playoffs
Packers over Eagles
Saints over Seahawks
Colts over Patriots
Ravens over Chiefs

Giants over Saints
Falcons over Packers
Steelers over Ravens
Colts over Jets

Falcons over Giants
Steelers over Colts

Super Bowl XXV
Falcons over Steelers

Midseason Awards
MVP- Peyton Manning
Who else could it be?  The Colts have no running game, a neverending cycle of receivers, but they keep marching on.  Peyton is the most important player to his team in the league, perhaps in the history of the league.

Coach of the Year- Todd Haley, Chiefs
Coach of the Year typically goes to the most surprising playoff team, so if they Chiefs can hang on to the West lead, Haley will win it.  I refuse to pick Tom Cable.

Rookie of the Year- Sam Bradford, Rams
The Rams are tied for first in the West, and Bradford is a huge reason.  He's on pace for 3,330 yards, 22 TDs to 16 INTs, great numbers for a rookie QB on not such a great team.

Biggest surprise, good- Raiders, 5-4
They won't win the West, you can mark that down.  But for now, the 5-4 Raiders have to be the most pleasant surprise in the league.

Biggest surprise, bad- Cowboys, 1-7
Wow, what a train wreck.  It would be easy to blame the whole thing on Tony Romo's injury, but things were bad before that too.  They're still one of the most talented teams on paper, but paper doesn't win you more than one game apparently.

Week 10 Picks

@Atlanta over Baltimore (I picked before last night, promise)

@Buffalo over Detroit

Minnesota over @Chicago

NY Jets over @Cleveland

@Indianapolis over Cincinnati

Tennessee over @ Miami

@ Tampa Bay over Carolina

Houston over @Jacksonville

Kansas City over @Denver

@NY Giants over Dallas

@Arizona over Seattle

@San Francisco over St. Louis

@Pittsburgh over New England

Philadelphia over @Washington

Last week: 10-3
Overall: 82-50