NFC East

Eagles – By default essentially. Then again, Chip Kelly is football’s mad scientist, and Philly will be one of the highest-scoring teams in the NFL this year. Honestly, the Eagles could win the NFC East with a 9-7 record. The Giants are going to take a while to get fully acclimated to their new offensive system, and should we be sold on their defensive front seven? I’m not. The Redskins are going to struggle if they can’t protect Robert Griffin III, and the Cowboys defense, well, it’s staying in the cellar where it resided all of last season. Jerry Jones can have his son-in-law clean his glasses for him as much as he wants, but the reality is he’s going to see Dallas’ opponents scoring often.

NFC South

Saints – Too much firepower on offense, and the defense will be a Top 15 unit. Drew Brees is Drew Brees and Brandin Cooks is a faster, more dynamic version of Darren Sproles. The Panthers are bound for a slight regression, the Falcons defense will have problems consistently stopping the opposition, and the Buccaneers have major offensive line issues. This will be one of the most competitive divisions in football, but New Orleans is on a different level than the other three teams.

 

NFC West

Seahawks – They’re simply the most complete team in the division, if not all of football. The 49ers will contend, but Russell Wilson >>> Colin Kaepernick (that’s FOUR ‘better than’ signs), and I have questions about how “elite” San Francisco’s defense will be without NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith for a big chunk of the season. The Rams won’t be fun to play against because of their stout offensive and defensive lines — seriously, their defensive line is out of this world — but can they really run 40 times a game and win consistently? The Cardinals will put up points but losing Daryl Washington, Karlos Dansby and Darnell Dockett is too much to overcome on defense.

NFC North

Packers – The NFC North’s going to be a blast to monitor this season. The Packers, Bears and Lions have stellar offenses, and the Vikings certainly can surprise if Teddy Bridgewater (who needs to take over the starting job) plays consistently. I enjoy watching Mike Zimmer mold defenses. However, I’ll go with the best quarterback winning this division. Aaron Rodgers has a wealth of weapons out wide and in the slot, and Eddie Lacy is a swift-moving bulldozer. He’ll eclipse the 10-touchdown mark again. Keep an eye on Green Bay’s rookie wideout Davante Adams, he has the raw talent and ball skills to be special in the Packers’ offense.

AFC East

Patriots – While Tom Brady isn’t 2007 or even 2010 Tom Brady anymore, he’s still one of the finest, most cool-under-pressure quarterbacks in football. The offensive line may not be as good without Logan Mankins, but the collection of defensive personnel hasn’t been this good since the Rodney Harrison, Richard Seymour and Teddy Bruschi days. New England looks to be one of the most well-rounded teams in the game. The Bills have the most talent they’ve had in a decade, both in terms of top-level skill and depth, and if EJ Manuel can play the “game-manager” role they’ll surprise. The Dolphins will field a sound defense. but are their enough playmakers on offense? I’m a huge Jarvis Landry fan, though. Because of Rex Ryan, the Jets will stay in games with stout defensive play, I just don’t know if Geno Smith is ready to lead this team to a record 9-7 or better.

AFC South

Colts – This division still belongs to the Colts, and I think it’s going to be that way for a while. In Houston, Jadeveon Clowney and J.J. Watt on the same defensive line shouldn’t even be allowed, but the Texans’ quarterback situation is atrocious. The Jaguars may have an energetic head coach in Gus Bradley, but he and his lackluster personnel collection have yet to prove anything. However, Blake Bortles has franchise signal-caller potential, it just may take more time in Jacksonville. The Titans probably have the least-flashy roster in the NFL, but if Ken Whisenhunt can work his QB magic and Ray Horton brings a Steeler mentality to the defense, Tennessee could win more than many expect. But they won’t content for a playoff spot.

AFC West

Broncos – Peyton Manning’s still running the show and teams led by the Sheriff have won their division title in eight of his last 10 seasons. Yeah…the good money is on Peyton’s club to capture the AFC West crown for a third-straight year. The Chiefs may win 3-4 fewer games than they did a season ago due to a mass exodus in free agency and no major reinforcements added to the offensive line or wideout position. The Chargers were outrageously efficient on offense and miraculously held it together on defense to sneak into the playoffs last season. A slight regression is in order. The Raiders have some decent, somewhat elderly pieces, but until their quarterback situation is straightened out, they’ll have problems competing in the AFC West.

AFC North

Steelers – Blitzburgh is back. Rookie Ryan Shazier will team up with Lawrence Timmons to formulate one of the most ferocious inside linebacker duos in football, and the defensive front received much needed upgrades with guys like Stephon Tuitt, the monstrous Daniel McCullers and Josh Mauro. The Bengals are an easy team to like. While I think Hue Jackson will get absolute most out of Andy Dalton — which to me is an above-average, TD-slinging quarterback — the loses of Michael Johnson and Anthony Collins will hurt just enough to let the Steelers squeeze by and win the division. The Ravens will compete, as usual, but they’re a bit over-the-hill on defense, and my better judgement always slaps me in the face when I want to trust Joe Flacco during the regular season. I love the Browns defense and it’s head coach when it comes to building exotic blitz packages, but the offense without Josh Gordon will struggle mightily. No, I’m not a Johnny Manziel believer.

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Awards

Comeback Player – Julio Jones
Julio is BAAAACK. He’s looked like the same old wideout in preseason, and the same old Jones is scary good.

Offensive Rookie of the Year – Brandin Cooks
Let’s see…Brandin Cooks is Darren Sproles in fast forward, think he’ll work out in New Orleans?

Defensive Rookie of the Year – Jadeveon Clowney
Who do you block — J.J. Watt or Jadeveon Clowney? Because Watt’s the proven commodity, I assume offensive linemen will gravitate toward Watt, and Clowney one-on-one will be disastrous to the opposition.

Offensive Player of the Year – Drew Brees
Brees has thrown for 5,000 in THREE CONSECUTIVE SEASONS. He also eclipsed the 5,000-yard mark in 2008. There have only been eight 5,000+ yard passing seasons in NFL HISTORY. Brees has four of them. Wrap your head around all that. Cooks winning OROY, Marques Colston, Jimmy Graham, Kenny Stills. Easy pick here.

Defensive Player of the Year – Robert Quinn
Quinn was a downright animal last season rushing the passer and defending the run from his 4-3 DE position in St. Louis. Add interior disruptor Aaron Donald to the Rams front, and….boy, I really feel for the offensive lines that’ll have to square off against Quinn and Co. this year. Expect 15+ sacks and a gaudy Pro Football Focus run-stopping grade.

NFL MVP – Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback in football. Yep, I’m a firm believer. He’s as good, if not a better passer than Peyton, Brees, Brady and Rivers, but there’s no doubting he’s much more athletic and mobile than those four. With a clean bill of health and Randall Cobb back along with rookie wideout Davante Adams, Mr. Rodgers will be once again surgically dice defenses this season. Oh, and the Packers defense may not spectacular, so Rodgers will have a lot of weight on his shoulders. I think he’s up to the challenge.

Chris Trapasso is a contributor to RosterWatch.com and RosterWatch on Sirius XM.