The NFL season is finally upon us. With this, a few of our writers gave award predictions for the upcoming season.

MVP Award

Scott Frizzell: Kirk Cousins

I’m going with a bit of an upset with Kirk Cousins. Cousins is joining a new team this year, but he’s joining a situation where Case Keenum threw 22 touchdowns versus 7 interceptions last year. The former Redskin is better than Keenum. Cousins has always put up big numbers and now he’s joining a good team with some weapons around him. Cousins has averaged 4392 yards passing and 27 passing touchdowns over the past three seasons with the Redskins. He should have a full year of Dalvin Cook along with Latavius Murray this year in the backfield. Throw in Stefon Diggs and the underrated Adam Thielen to throw to along with their good defense, it could happen.

Mike Buchanan: Drew Brees

Drew Brees is my pick for this year’s MVP award. This award was very hard to choice, as I do not believe they will give it to Brady this year. Brees is the next best choice because he will bring his team to the playoffs while putting up very good stats.

Matthew O’Halloran: Deshaun Watson

Watson set the world on fire when healthy and was an early candidate to win it last season. The Clemson product threw nineteen touchdowns and 1,699 yards in just six games. I think the Texans go from worst to first, basically all because of Watson.

Offensive Player of the Year

Mike Buchanan: David Johnson

My pick for offensive player of the year is running back for the Arizona Cardinals, David Johnson. He got injured in Week 1 last year, but this year I believe he will break the 1,000-yards rushing, and the 1,000-yard receiving mark.

Scott Frizzell: Ezekiel Elliot

Ezekiel Elliott is going to be fed. The Cowboys no longer have mainstays, Dez Bryant or Jason Witten. Zeke is the unquestioned workhorse of the team and has the added benefit of running behind one of the best offensive lines in football. The Cowboys have a lot of question marks at receiver, meaning they will need Elliott to move the football. Even if teams stack the box, Elliott will get his yards behind that line. I suspect he will lead the league in rushing. With questionable receivers, he will probably also set a career high in receptions this season.

Matthew O’Halloran: Antonio Brown

With Le’veon Bell’s status up in the air, Brown’s targets should go up. Brown has racked up over 100 receptions and 1,400 yards each year since 2013. He is the best wide receiver in the league and will be rewarded with an offensive player of the year award.

David Johnson shoves cornerback David Amerson to the ground. August 12, 2017, in Glendale, Arizona.

Defensive Player of the Year

Scott Frizzell: Kahil Mack

Khalil Mack has a new home in Chicago, and I think he will enjoy his best season since 2015. Wanting to get paid, Mack was at a standstill with the Raiders before being shipped to the Bears, who gave him what he wanted. He joins a defense on the rise with a good defensive front. I think Mack will come out with something to prove and as the defense plays well, they will all feed off each other as a unit. Vic Fangio returns for his fourth season as their defensive coordinator and the team’s sack totals have risen each year under him so far.

Mike Buchanan: Myles Garrett

Myles Garrett has shown in his short time in the NFL how dominant he is. This year in preseason he has shown why he went number 1 last year, and I believe that he will be 20+ sack candidate this year.

Matthew O’Halloran: Aaron Donald

Aaron Donald has been one of the best tackles in the league for years and one of the best overall players. Donald has picked up 148 tackles and 39 sacks in his four-year career. He finally got paid and will be paired with Ndamukong Suh in the middle.

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Scott Frizzell: Saquon Barkley

It is hard to go with anyone but Saquon Barkley here. Barkley is one of the best running back prospects in recent memory. Barkley has both size and speed and scored 18 rushing touchdowns each of the past two seasons at Penn State. He joins an offense that hasn’t had a runner for the past few years and has thrown the ball a ton. Barkley gives them a new dimension to their offense and I expect him to lead all non-quarterback rookies in both yards and touchdowns.

Mike Buchanan: Sam Darnold

It was already announced that Sam Darnold will start Week 1 for the New York Jets. Darnold has looked so poised in the preseason which was the reason to why he beat out Teddy Bridgewater for the job.

Matthew O’Halloran: Saquon Barkley

The rookie quarterbacks are not guaranteed to start all games this year, so I have to go with Saquon Barkley. The second overall pick from Penn State will fill a void that’s been for years. New York has struggled to get a running game going, and Barkley will fill that hole. He can run in between the tackles, catch passes, and take kickoffs to the house.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Scott Frizzell: Tremaine Edmunds

Tremaine Edmunds will be on the field a lot for the Bills his rookie season. The Bills don’t have much of an offense and have an unpolished rookie quarterback throwing to a suspect receiving corps. The offense will get even worse if LeSean McCoy gets suspended. This should provide Edmunds with many opportunities to make plays and a lot of tackles. Preston Brown tied for the league lead with 144 tackles as the Bills middle linebacker last season. Edmunds has a lot more talent than Brown; he’s a gifted athlete who went 16th overall and learned from a former Pro Bowl tight end in Ferrell Edmunds, his father.

Mike Buchanan: Roquan Smith

The popular choice for this pick seems to be Derwin James, but I believe it will be Roquan Smith. Smith will be the center of the Bear’s defense and will be a big reason that they make the playoffs.

Matthew O’Halloran: Rashaan Evans

I am going with a bit of a sleeper here because Evans was not drafted until the 22nd pick. However, Evans comes from the best system in college football and will need to shine. The former Alabama product was a tackling machine when he was there. He will need to be a force in the middle for the Titans because linebacker was a big hole for them last year.

Coach of the Year

Scott Frizzell: Mike Zimmer

I’ll give Mike Zimmer the nod. I think the Vikings will be the top team from the NFC and he hasn’t won the award before.

Mike Buchman: Hue Jackson

Hue Jackson has had a pretty rocky start as a head coach for the Browns. His first two seasons for the team include him going 1-31. However, I believe that the Cleveland Browns will make the playoffs, and if they do I do not see how they couldn’t give him this award.

Matthew O’Halloran: Pat Shurmur

I am giving Shurmur the nod here to take the Giants from worst to first. He has a much better system than Mcadoo, and that was shown when he made Case Keenum a good quarterback last year. Also, Shurmur brings a breath of fresh air to New York. The Giants clubhouse was a disaster last year, and Shurmur should get everyone back on track.

The NFL season is finally upon us. With this, a few of our writers gave division predictions for the upcoming season.

AFC East Division

Scott Frizzell: New England Patriots

The Patriots will win double the amount of games as anyone else in this division. The Bills made the playoffs last year, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they wind up with the top pick in next year’s draft.

Mike Buchanan: New England Patriots

The most obvious prediction this year is that the Patriots will bring home another AFC East title. They get back key players on defense. Dont’a Hightower will be back, along with Clayborn and Shelton. New England will prove to be far superior than the younger teams in the division.

Kyle Porch: New England Patriots

Tom Brady and company have had many great seasons of crushing this division, so what makes anyone think they will slow down now? While being slim at the wide receiver position might sting, this team will still manage to cook up something special for the viewers.

Matthew O’Halloran: New England Patriots

It’s been New England’s division for the last 18 years, and that will not change this year. Tom Brady is still playing at an elite level. The wide receiving corps is weak, but the versatile running backs and Rob Gronkowski will be enough. The Bills made the playoffs last year but massively downgraded at quarterback. 

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, leads his team from the tunnel before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

AFC North Division

Scott Frizzell: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers will once again win this division, but won’t be as good as they were last year when they went 13-3. The Bengals seemingly wish to stay mediocre forever since they refuse to fire Marvin Lewis. The Browns are trending up but are not ready to compete. The Ravens are okay, but I just don’t see them passing the Steelers.

Mike Buchanan: Cleveland Browns

Even though the Browns are 1-31 in their past two years, I still think they will win the division. Their defense is one of the best in the league led by Myles Garrett, and the addition of Jarvis Landry and Tyrod Taylor will bolster the offense. Pittsburgh has been at the forefront of this division for years, but Big Ben seems to be on the decline, and there are a lot of questions surrounding Le’Veon Bell.

Kyle Porch: Pittsburgh Steelers

While I do believe that the Browns are slowly coming up the ranks, the Steelers have it all. Antonio Brown is still the best wide receiver in the league, and Bell is still on the team as well. It will be an interesting season for them.

Matthew O’Halloran: Pittsburgh Steelers

Assuming Le’Veon Bell shows up, the Killer B’s will do more than enough to win the division. Cam Heyward and TJ Watt are stars in the front seven, and first-round pick Terrell Edmunds will bolster the secondary. The Ravens have an underrated defense, but not enough firepower on offense to make a run. The Browns improved over the offseason, but they are not quite there yet. 

AFC South Division

Scott Frizzell: Tennessee Titans

This division should be close all the way to the end. I have the Titans and Jaguars finishing neck and neck, and the Texans may not be far behind if Deshaun Watson comes back off of his injury and plays the way he did last year. I expect the Titans to improve offensively with Mike Mularkey no longer around. In my opinion he was holding them back. Look for Mariota take the next step towards Pro Bowl status this season. The team also comes equipped with a thunder and lightning duo in the backfield in Dion Lewis and Derrick Henry.

Mike Buchanan: Houston Texans

Houston seemed poised for a playoff run last year after their great game against the Patriots in Week 3. Deshaun Watson and JJ Watt are returning from injuries, and the defense also added the honey badger, Tyrann Mathieu. Also, I think Jacksonville is a one-and-done team this year. Their defense is still good enough, but not good enough to propel that awful offensive-line and a bad QB in Blake Bortles.

Kyle Porch: Houston Texans

With Deshaun Watson set to return this season, he makes this offense so much scarier. He loved throwing to Will Fuller and Deandre Hopkins. The defense is also stacked with Clowney and Watt respectfully. Look for them to make some serious noise this season.

Matthew O’Halloran: Houston Texans

The Texans were the best team in the AFC South until Deshaun Watson got injured. Deandre Hopkins is a top five wide receiver in the league and Lamar Miller/D’Onta Foreman is a solid running back core. Whitney Mercilus, JJ Watt, and Jadeveon Clowney form a devastating front seven when all are healthy. The Titans barely squeaked into the playoffs last year, and Marcus Mariota needs a bounce-back year if Tennessee contends. Andrew Luck is back in Indy, but that roster is overall not good enough.

AFC West Division

Scott Frizzell: Kansas City Chiefs

I think this division has declined and the division winner might not get more than nine wins. The Chiefs have the first-year starter Patrick Mahomes at quarterback. I do like Mahomes a lot, but he still has things to learn and there will probably be some growing pains. Tyreek Hill will have a big year with Mahomes at the helm, however. I actually have the Broncos second, a game back.

Mike Buchanan: Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City has one of the most electric offenses this upcoming season. They will be able to stretch the ball down the field to Tyreek Hill more with Patrick Mahomes at QB. Sammy Watkins is also in the mix too after signing a massive deal this offseason.

Kyle Porch: Kansas City Chiefs

With explosive guys such as Hill and Watkins, this offense could be rolling hot this year. Plus Alex Smith is gone, so you can’t really get any worse.

Matthew O’Halloran: Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers have had a great roster forever, but the injury plague always does them in. Philip Rivers, Melvin Gordon, and Keenan Allen are all elite and top ten in their respective positions. The defense struggled last year, so Los Angeles spent their first four picks on defense. Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa is a pass rushing nightmare for opponents. The Broncos have gone downhill since Super Bowl 50, but they finally have a competent quarterback in Case Keenum. 

AFC Wild Cards

Scott Frizzell: Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens

I have the Jaguars as the best of the leftovers, but the second Wild Card I can see is one of several I have finishing with the same record.

Mike Buchanan: Steelers and Chargers

Even with all the questions surrounding Pittsburgh, they are still a playoff team. At some point this year Le’Veon Bell will return, and make that offense one of the best in the league. The Chargers are dealing with a lot of injuries, which is why I do not believe they will win the division. However, they still have one of the best pass-rushes in the NFL and were able to get a steal in this year’s draft by selecting Derwin James.

Kyle Porch: Bills at Chargers

Buffalo could very well surprise anyone this season. Why not throw in a team like this? As well as a matchup with Rivers, and that my friend will be a fun game to watch.

Matthew O’Halloran: Chiefs and Jaguars

The Chiefs have virtually the same roster as last year, except for the quarterback. I do not see them winning the division because I have no idea how Patrick Mahomes will play. Week 1 will only be his second career start, but he has a very strong arm and the talent is evident. The Jaguars got worse on offense because Allen Robinson and Hurns left in free agency. Leonard Fournette and the defense will have to drag Jacksonville to a playoff spot, and I think they can do that.

NFC East Division

Scott Frizzell: Philadelphia Eagles

I believe the Eagles will regress from last season but still have enough to win the division. The other three teams in the division seem to be middle of the road teams to me, finishing between six and eight wins.

Mike Buchanan: Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles seemed to have only gotten better a year removed from their Super Bowl win. They added Haloti Ngata and Michael Bennett to an already great d-line, and get they get Wentz back from injury. They have not looked good at all in the preseason, but they are still one of the best teams in the NFL, and will win the division.

Kyle Porch: Philadelphia Eagles

I can’t see another team winning this division right now. Plus the addition of Michael Bennett, and you have yourself a great team… For now.

Matthew O’Halloran- New York Giants

Saquon Barkley, health, and a new head coach are the three reasons why the Giants will win the division. Barkley was the second overall pick in the draft and fills a void that has been on the Giants for years. Odell Beckham is a top three receiver in the league, and the Giants offense is much better when he is healthy. Not only does Pat Shurmur have a better offensive system than McAdoo, he is a refresher in the clubhouse. The defense has tons of talent, they just need someone to fix the chemistry. Philly is very talented, but it is very hard to repeat in the NFL and the NFC as a whole is very tough. 

NFC North Division

Scott Frizzell: Minnesota Vikings

This appears to be a strong division, and I have the Vikings as the best team in the NFC. I am picking Kirk Cousins as my MVP, they have a good backfield duo if healthy and a couple good receivers. Pair that with a strong defense and this team looks good. I actually think every team in this division finishes .500 or better though. The Bears are improving and just need Mitchell Trubisky to prove capable.

Mike Buchanan: Minnesota Vikings

In my opinion, this team is the best team in the entire NFL from a talent standpoint. They added a very good QB in Kirk Cousins, get Dalvin Cook back from injury, and return most of their defense from a year ago.

Kyle Porch: Minnesota Vikings

Kirk Cousins will put this team in a better position than Bradford did last year. The offense is explosive and hungry, and the defense is something to fear as well.

Matthew O’Halloran- Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings won the division last year and upgraded at quarterback. Dalvin Cook is back, and they have a great 1-2 punch at wide receiver in Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. Anthony Barr is one of the best linebackers in the league, and Eric Kendricks is one of the more underrated ones. Danielle Hunter and Linval Joseph clog up the middle and Xavier Rhodes and Harrison Smith makes up one of the best secondaries in the league. The Bears got loads better with Khalil Mack and could be contenders if Mitch Trubisky makes a second-year jump. 

NFC South Division

Scott Frizzell: New Orleans Saints

This looks like another strong division, as I can easily see the top three teams all winning 10+ games. The Buccaneers will pull up the rear. The Saints defense was much improved last season and they had the best backfield in football last year. Ingram is suspended the first four games, but he really didn’t do anything until their fifth game last year anyway.

Mike Buchanan: Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are loaded on both sides of the ball this year. They had a bit of a slump last year after their Super Bowl run, but now look to be even better than they did in 2016. Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian will get more time to work with Matt Ryan, and help him return to his MVP form, and they still have one of the best receivers in the game with Julio Jones.

Kyle Porch: New Orleans Saints

Atlanta proved that their postseason run was a fluke. The Saints have a great team.

Matthew O’Halloran- New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees is an elite quarterback, and he has the weapons. Alvin Kamara is a great pass catcher while Mark Ingram is good in between the tackles. Michael Thomas is an elite reciever and Ted Ginn had a bounce back year. The defense had a bounce-back year last season and it will only get better with star players such as Cameron Jordan and Marshon Lattimore. The Panthers have a mediocre defense, the wide receiving core is bad, and Christian McCaffrey will have to make a big leap. 

NFC West Division

Scott Frizzell: Los Angeles Rams

I definitely think the Rams offense is in for regression this year. They came out of nowhere to have a really good offense last year as Sean McVay proved himself as a good offensive mind. I just don’t see it all carrying over; they won’t be terrible again but I don’t see a repeat. With that said, this division is weak. I have the 49ers coming in second just a game back at 8-8. The Seahawks will be carried by Russell Wilson, as the team around him is garbage. If Wilson went down Week 1, the Seahawks might contend for worst team in football.

Mike Buchanan: Los Angeles Rams

The Rams have a lot of talent coming in this year. They were the third seed in the NFC last year under the first-year coach, Sean McVay, and have brought in top-tier players like Marcus Peters, Ndamokung Suh, and Aqib Talib. Todd Gurley will look to cement himself as the best running back in the league, and Jared Goff will continue to grow as a QB under McVay.

Kyle Porch: Rams

This team is very special in the way they blew up last season. Todd Gurley and company will be a fun lovable team to lookout for in the coming years. As long as they stay humble.

Matthew O’Halloran- Los Angeles Rams

The Rams won the division last year and got better over the offseason. They acquired Brandin Cooks, Marcus Peters, and Aqib Talib. Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods fill out a great receiving core, and Todd Gurley is an elite running back. Aaron Donald is one of the best defensive players in the league. Jimmy Garoppolo is a franchise quarterback, but there is not enough around him yet for the 49ers to make a playoff push. Russell Wilson is also a franchise quarterback, but Seattle has gotten worse every year since Super Bowl 49. 

NFC Wildcards

Scott Frizzell: Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons

The Packers should be right there for a playoff spot as long as Rodgers is healthy. I think the Falcons offense will bounce back going into a second season with Steve Sarkisian at offensive coordinator. The Falcons struggled some their first season under Kyle Shanahan as well, only to terrorize the league in year two. The Panthers should be right in the thick of this race as well with the Lions and possibly even the Bears contending.

Mike Buchanan: Bears and Saints

The New Orleans Saints are one of the best teams in the NFL. Atlanta is the only reason they are in the wild card and not division winners. The Saints have a three-headed monster on offense with Brees-Kamara-Thomas, and their defense is one of the fastest in the league. Chicago is an uncommon pick, but they had the best offseason this year bringing in Allen Robinson, Trey Burton, and Taylor Gabriel to help their second-year QB. Also, their defense will be one of the best in the NFL led by newly acquired, Khalil Mack.

Kyle Porch: Bears and Packers

the good old rivalry game for the last playoff spot makes for a great storyline. This will be happening this season.

Matthew O’Halloran- Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons

If the Packers have Aaron Rodgers, they will be okay. The roster is nothing special overall but a healthy Rodgers will get Green Bay to the postseason. The Falcons’ offense struggled mightily under Steve Sarkisian’s style. Julio Jones said the offense looks bad in the red zone which is bad for my fantasy team and the Falcons. However, Atlanta has too much talent to not make the playoffs.

Super Bowl

Scott Frizzell: Patriots 27, Vikings 20

Can the Patriots really make it again? They have already been to two straight and three of the last four so I’m really not sure about picking them. But, then I look at the AFC and think, who is going to beat them? I just don’t see anyone else as being good enough.

I think the Vikings are the best team in the NFC so I’ll pick them to make it. The game itself should be a good one, as Patriots Super Bowls always are.

Mike Buchanan: Vikings over Patriots

As dominant as the Pats have been, I do not see them winning the Super Bowl this year. Minnesota seems too talented on both sides of the ball which will lead to a close defensive win for the Vikings.

Kyle Porch: Patriots 31, Rams 28

Get ready for an all out offensive super bowl! These two teams will be on full display and ready to go to war .

Matthew O’Halloran- Rams 34, Texans 25

Deshaun Watson will try to keep up, but the Rams offense will ultimately prevail. Jared Goff and the Rams will expose the lackluster secondary the Texans have.