NFL Choice in 2018: Expert Predictions for Super Bowl, MVP and All Major Prizes

Although you will see all of our price forecasts below, one thing you will not see is our forecast for each division this year. If you want to see our regular season and playoff previews, be sure to click here.

Well, we have a lot to cover and not a lot of time to cover it since the start of the NFL season on Thursday, so let's move on to these predictions.

Super Bowl Champion

Jason La Canfora: saints

Drew Brees has another ring in him. He could just get it this year. Marcus Davenport will have an impact and the ridiculous 2017 Saints course has not yet cleared the surface. They have also restored their advantage on the field and now have a defense that they can take on the road.

Pete Prisco: packers

They have Aaron Rodgers back and I think the defense will be much improved. A richer Rodgers – thanks to his new deal – will be a happy Rodgers and one who is always the best quarterback in the league. It seemed peaceful this summer when I spoke to him, almost giving the impression that something special was going to happen.

Will Brinson: falcons

Everyone should dream of a "hangover" like the one the Falcons have experienced in 2017, winning 10 games and making almost a tight race in the playoffs. The group is back and Matt Ryan is expected to make a rebound season in the second year of Steve Sarkisian at the helm of the attack. expect a sharp increase in production in the red zones. The defense will be the key to this race in depth, as the Falcons will finally have a full season where everything will meet instead of an end of year race for the defense. This team is balanced, deep, consistent and dangerous – even in the toughest division of the NFL, it will rise and win the franchise's first Super Bowl.

Sean Wagner-McGough: saints

They have a very good quarterback, the league's best running duo, a legitimate WR1, and a very good defense that has just added a pass raiser in the first round to complete their already elite rusher. Their defense may not be as good as that of the Vikings, but they have the best of two quarters. Their quarterback may not be as good as the Packers, but they have the best of both defenses. They are the most complete team and if they can win a few home games in this dome, they will be nearly impossible to beat in January.

Jared Dubin: packers

Green Bay has finally broken with its long-standing tendency to stay out of the free fight, and the additions of Jimmy Graham and Muhammad Wilkerson will be incredibly valuable on either side of the ball. Add the back-to-back choices used in cornerbacks at the start of the draft by solving the team's biggest problem, as well as the presence of the best NFL and Packers player, despite the toughest division of the NFL . are a good choice to win the Lombardi Trophy.

Ryan Wilson: packers

Good news: the Steelers will return to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2010 season. Bad news: they will face the Packers, the same team that beat them seven years ago. Expect a new performance in February 2019.

John Breech: packers

Despite what it sounds like, I swear that there was no memo from CBS Sports that forced us all to choose the Packers this year.

Super Bowl MVP

Jason La Canfora: Drew Brees

Brees is set to become the most prolific smuggler in NFL history this season and his team will be closely watched each week with his Super Bowl hopes and if Brees can cross the NFC South glove and emerge with the trophy. Lombardi, I see him catching material along the way.

Will Brinson: Matt Ryan

Two years ago, with the Falcons winning 28-3 and appearing on the verge of a title, Ryan was not going to be the guy somehow. Deion Jones or another defensive player would win the prize. But this year, it will be Ryan who will participate in the Super Bowl and who will win the prize.

Sean Wagner-McGough: Drew Brees

Well, the Saints are my pick of the Super Bowl, so choosing the quarterback of the Super Bowl winning team seems to be the safest bet, even when this team also employs Alvin Kamara.

Jared Dubin: Aaron Rodgers

The quarterback still wins the Super Bowl MVP.

Ryan Wilson: Aaron Rodgers

After playing only seven games last season, Rodgers, 34, plays with a chip on his shoulder. It's not a platitude to talk about sports; Rodgers has a history of awareness (perceived or otherwise) and motivation. What better way to prove that these non-existent skeptics are wrong by winning the MVP Super Bowl honors.

John Breech: Aaron Rodgers

If the Packers win the Super Bowl, there is a 99.8% chance that Rodgers will be named MVP, and that 99.8% chance will move up to 100% if Rodgers wins the match on a Hail Mary, which is completely possible on average at least one Hail Mary per playoff match ended at this stage of her career.

Regular season MVP

Jason La Canfora: Drew Brees

I'm tempted as always to put Tom Brady here, but I think the Brady bar has been placed so high, and the cast around it this year is so suspicious, that I've opted for a different QB.

Pete Prisco: Aaron Rodgers

He will put unreal numbers this season to lead the Packers to the Super Bowl.

Will Brinson: Russell Wilson

I'm sure the Seahawks are better than people think and maybe they're GOOD. In fact, I think that they will be a good team despite their limitations. People have been eager to award the MVP title to Wilson for a long time and it's the perfect storm to hand him the equipment: a team that's not supposed to be well run by a quarter that produces 60% of his attack makes the difference. the playoffs to everyone's surprise while everyone screams how precious Wilson is and how the Seahawks have to pay the man. Even if Seattle goes 9-7 and misses the playoffs, I could see Wilson receiving the award based on expectations.

Sean Wagner-McGough: Aaron Rodgers

He is the most talented quarterback in the league, making him the only competitor of the Super Bowl. I do not see why not.

Jared Dubin: Aaron Rodgers

When Rodgers is healthy and at the top of his game, there is no player in the league so close to his talent. Since I bet on him to lead the passing NFL and the Packers to win the NFC North, it's hard for me to beat him in the MVP conversation.

Ryan Wilson: Tom Brady

Yes, he is 41, but Brady, one season after throwing 4,577 passing yards, will be in the lead of 5,000 yards for only the second time in his career.

John Breech: Ben Roethlisberger

A quarter has won this award for 10 of the last 11 years, so I'd be crazy not to pick a quarter here. Although I really appreciate Tom Brady's chances of winning the MVP title in 2018, I'm going with Roethlisberger because I think he can literally see the Super Bowl window of the Steelers finish before him. The & # 39; Veon Bell is expected to come out after this season. I expect Big Ben to react by having the biggest season of his career.

Offensive player of the year

Jason La Canfora: Philip Rivers

You can still place Brady or Aaron Rodgers here too, but I think the Chargers could be AFC class and I love the talent of this team.

Pete Prisco: Todd Gurley

He will have another dominant season running and will catch him for a Rams team who can make a real push to the Super Bowl. Gurley is the best of the league right now and will continue to be a defensive nightmare.

Will Brinson: David Johnson

Fireworks in the west of the NFC! It does not appear that the cardinals will enter into a new contract with Johnson before the start of the 2018 season (although this also happens in the first weeks) and that, therefore, we will have a very motivated motivation. going back after a wrist injury (even though people seem to think that he's injured knee for some reason) and was looking to cash in a 1000/1000 season. I think it's at least possible given the offensive configuration of the 2018 Cardinals.

Sean Wagner-McGough: David Johnson

Johnson is the most complete playmaker in football. He can run as a catcher in addition to being one of the best pure runners. Before the 2017 season, he was talking about making history by becoming the third player to accumulate 1,000 yards on the ground and in the air. If it stays healthy, it's possible. Due to the general level of talent of the Cardinals, he will probably have no shot in the MVP race.

Jared Dubin: The & # 39; Veon Bell

Like Maurkice Pouncey, I'm waiting for Bell to report to the Steelers on Wednesday. The team has no motivation to tackle its problems, as it is almost certain to leave the off-season, and even a slight increase in efficiency should mean monster numbers for a player who already had close to 2 000 yards last season.

Ryan Wilson: The & # 39; Veon Bell

Here is how you get this contract that you think you are worth. Bell finished in Pittsburgh after 2018 and will have to play as the best offensive player in the league for this long-term contract. In related news: Sam Darnold will move to Bell for the next six years.

John Breech: Ezekiel Elliott

Elliott was in the top 10 rushing yards last season, although he only played in 10 games. Unless injured, Elliott will be on the field for a full season in 2018 and I'm expecting him to make some staggering numbers, so everyone will have to vote for him as OPOY.

Defensive player of the year

Jason La Canfora: Myles Garrett

I may skip the rifle for a year or two, but it is better to be early than late. This kid is going to rip the league and I love the group of guys around him in Cleveland.

Pete Prisco: Yannick Ngakoue

He plays in defense with Jalen Ramsey, who is a candidate for this award, and Calais Campbell, who finished second after Aaron Donald last season. That tells you something about what I expect from Ngakoue. He will have 15-17 sacks and will dominate as a rusher.

Will Brinson: Khalil Mack

Aligning in Vic Fangio's attack against Leonard Floyd will release Mack and even if he just got paid by the Bears, I think he'll also be very motivated to prove that the Raiders were idiots to sell it. If he goes out and leads the NFL in the sacks in 2018, he'll make them very stupid, especially if Chicago can do a playoff series.

Sean Wagner-McGough: Khalil Mack

He has already won the defensive player of the year once and, when he did, he was operating as part of a defense of bad Raiders. This bear defense is better. And he is trained by Vic Fangio.

Jared Dubin: Aaron Donald

Donald is the best defensive player in the league and will be my choice for this award until further notice.

Ryan Wilson: Khalil Mack

There's a reason the Bears gave Mack two draft picks, one of the best players in the league. The Raiders, meanwhile, are terribly bad after paying their new coach the $ 100 million they should have given to Mack.

John Cylinder head: Aaron Donald

Aaron Donald is a demolition crew that does not need help on the defensive line, but the Rams brought it anyway, in the form of Ndamukong Suh. Donald has been awesome for four seasons and with Suh now in Los Angeles, I'm waiting for Donald to move up to the next level. I'm not sure what this level is called, but whatever it is, it will drive Donald to win DPOY.

Coach of the year

Jason La Canfora: Kyle Shanahan

I'm buying the 49ers as an improved football team and that will leap forward. And a lot of that will be related to the synergy between Shanahan and Jimmy Garoppolo.

Pete Prisco: Doug Marrone

He will bring his team to the Super Bowl, which will earn him the honor. His unadorned style works for his young team.

Will Brinson: Andy Reid

There have been so many business figures in Kansas City and the move from Alex Smith to Patrick Mahomes is a massive move that could either burn the leaders or pay dividends. I think it's the last one, and I think it means that Reid is rewarded when the Chiefs get first place in the AFC.

Sean Wagner-McGough: Bill Belichick

If the prize was awarded to the best coach, it would be Belichick every season. But that's not it. It is often given to the best team that is also the most improved and the problem is that there is not much room for the Patriots. But I think he can win this season because I'm not sure to see a big surprise season coming from anyone. I think teams like the 49ers and the Bears are still one season before the playoffs. So, I'm going to take Belichick training a team of patriots to a dominant record in the AFC.

Jared Dubin: Bill Belichick

There are many good candidates for this award, but given the low competition in the AFC in general and in AFC East in particular, it seems like the Patriots could participate in one of those seasons. 2, although necessarily as good as it has been in recent years. With the NFC much stronger, it will be more difficult for one of these coaches to get their hands on this prize.

Ryan Wilson: Bill O & # 39; Brien

After winning four victories last season, O & # 39; Brien finally has a Deshaun Watson, J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus to bring Texans into what they had been before 2018: a playoff team. Except that this time they have a quarter of franchise.

John Breech: Bill O & # 39; Brien

The coach of the year voters love the worst stories and that's exactly what O. Brien is going to give us this year. After finishing tied for the AFC South in 2017, with half of his team injured, I think the Texans will bounce back by making the playoffs in 2018.

Offensive rookie of the year

Jason La Canfora: D.J. Moore

He's a plug-and-play playmaker in what I think is a dynamic attack in Carolina. He learns three receiver positions on the fly, so his speed of thought will have to catch up with his speed, but I do not think it will take much time.

Pete Prisco: Saquon Barkley

It should continue its momentum of recruiting new recruits from the start. Barkley will have the touch and he has a game changing ability.

Will Brinson: Sam Darnold

I suppose most people will choose Saquon Barkley, and if Barkley is 1,500-1,800 yards a year this year, it will be hard to beat. But Darnold plays a leading role in a premium market. If he manages to play the Jets at only 7-9 or 8-8, the media will linger on his work. I think he can do it with an underappreciated receiving corps and decent runners in New York. A good season of Darnold from 16 games places him in the lead of the catbirds for this award.

Sean Wagner-McGough: Saquon Barkley

He is a prospect from generation to generation and he will touch the ball a million times per game.

Jared Dubin: Sam Darnold

The other New York rookie is the one who receives the most hype from ROY, but with a choice between a quarterback and a running back for one season, the QB will almost always win. If Darnold plays at a middle level or higher, he should take that into consideration.

Ryan Wilson: Saquon Barkley

The Giants won three games last season. With an improved line of attack and a healthy Odell Beckham, Barkley is the final piece of a balanced offensive. Expect that he will replicate the success of Ezekiel Elliott's rookie in Dallas two years ago.

John Breech: Sam Darnold

Leading your team to an 8-8 record usually does not boast, but when your team is comprised of the Jets, who have played two consecutive 5-11 seasons, getting to 8-8 is almost as impressive as winning. the Super Bowl. I think Darnold brings the Jets to 8-8 and I think voters are rewarding him with a freshman this year.

Defensive rookie of the year

Jason La Canfora: Bradley Chubb

Sometimes you do not have to think too much. He immediately joins Von Miller to add to an already formidable Denver face. He learns with the best and the best and you can not double everyone. The best passing passer in the draft is arranged at the ideal place. Yes, sign me up for that.

Pete Prisco: Bradley Chubb

Playing on the opposite side of Von Miller, he will have a lot of unique look and enjoy it. Chubb is going to be a star of the pass.

Will Brinson: Roquan Smith

Love me some Bradley Chubb, but if the OROY is all about the position (and it is), this price is all about statistics and Roquan will accumulate stats in this Bears defense. (Maybe I should have Chicago in the playoffs if I think their defense will be so good.) Hmm.)

Sean Wagner-McGough: Bradley Chubb

He was the best shooter of the pass and he can play with Von Miller. I do not want to think about it, even though Roquan Smith was a tempting choice.

Jared Dubin: Bradley Chubb

Chubb can rush over the smuggler in front of Von Miller, perhaps the league's top scorer. You can probably count the number of doubles that Chubb is going to see this season, and if he faces individual blockers all year round, he's going to hit the quarter of August.

Ryan Wilson: Denzel Ward

It's not Marshon Lattimore, who also played at Ohio State and dominated as rookie last year in New Orleans, but Ward's closing. And he is the last explosive defender to join the Browns until recently, who have finally found their place to win football games in 2018.

John Breech: Marcus Davenport

The Saints did a crazy business to land this guy, but I think it will pay off when Davenport has a great year and wins the defensive rookie of the year. One thing that works in Davenport's favor is that he will have Saints Cameron Jordan's defensive lineman that will draw a lot of attention from opposing offensive lines, which should clear the way for the rookie.

Player of escape

Jason La Canfora: Patrick Mahomes

He is not technically a rookie after serving on the Chiefs' team all season in 2017, and will not make his first NFL start this season either, after running the KC attack on a weekly basis 17 a year ago. But this will be his first opening start and he will immediately start making breathtaking games in Andy Reid 's attack.

Pete Prisco: Joe Mixon

With an improved offensive line, he will have a lot to do in his second season with the team. Mixon reduced during the off season, which will help to get more explosive games.

Will Brinson: Joe Mixon

Cincy will have a much improved offensive line and race match and there will be no change of season at the beginning of the season at the offensive coordinator. John Ross will have a good season if he stays healthy and the defenses will have a hard time playing the game with the weapons in the pass. This gives Mixon a chance to come out on the linebackers and miss the guys for explosive games.

Sean Wagner-McGough: John Ross

Ross did not catch a pass in his first year, but he was among the top 10 for a reason. It's the year he bursts in front of A.J. Green. Expect him to make a ton of huge games with his game speed, even though he's fighting steadfastly in what's essentially his first season.

Jared Dubin: JuJu Smith-Schuster

Smith-Schuster is enjoying a fantastic rookie season, but he is ready to explode with an even greater role in the attack from the jump. He has beautiful hands, excellent body control and a great road racer. And it is, at best, the third concern of the opposing defense on a given piece. Everything is ready for him.

Ryan Wilson: Patrick Mahomes

No coach had more Alex Smith than Andy Reid, so there was understandable consternation from the fans and the media when the Chiefs sent Smith to the Redskins in the off season. Mahomes, the first round 2017 pick, has turned out to be more than ready for the starting concert, quickly distinguishing himself as one of the NFL's best young smugglers.

John Breech: Josh Gordon

I'm not sure Josh Gordon qualifies in this category since he's already experienced a break-up season in 2013, but the problem for the Browns is that he's really not been on the field since then. Over the past four seasons, Gordon has only played a total of 10 games – an average of 2.5 games per season – and now that he's allowed to play again, I'm waiting for him to disperse again.

Back / Most Improved Player

Jason La Canfora: Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck has a terrible team around him, but will remind everyone that he is still Andrew Luck and that better days are coming.

Pete Prisco: Andrew Luck

After missing all last season with a shoulder injury, he will be back to the luck we experienced before the injury. He will once again bring big numbers back into the Colts' attack.

Will Brinson: Andrew Luck

It's a lay-up for me. Given his status within the NFL's quartermaster pantheon and the time he has missed, returning and spending 4,000 yards this year in Frank Reich's scheme would only ensure his safety .

Sean Wagner-McGough: Allen Robinson

Robinson, who has just suffered a torn ACL, returns as WR1 in what many believe to be a high-powered attack. At his peak, he was a catcher of 1400 yards and 14 touchdowns with Blake Bortles as his quarterback. He is ready to get back in shape in Matt Nagy's system with the very precise Mitchell Trubisky as quarterback.

Jared Dubin: Deshaun Watson

Watson was one of the few quarterbacks in the league for the few healthy games he started last season. I do not expect him to throw more touchdowns on more than nine percent of his passes, but his combination of agility and passing is rare and as long as he is on the ground, he will garner huge numbers.

Ryan Wilson: Deshaun Watson

After an explosive stretch of seven games to start his rookie campaign, Watson has missed the past two months with a loss of control of the ACL. Now fully recovered, Watson will resume his positions and turn the Texans into a playoff team.

John Breech: Aaron Rodgers

The 2018 season could be considered the most difficult competition for players returning from the year. At the quarterback only, you have several players who missed a significant game time last season, including Andrew Luck, Deshaun Watson, Ryan Tannehill and Sam Bradford. Although each of these players make an excellent choice, the Packers are my choice to win the NFC North and if they win this division, it will be due to Rodgers, who missed nine games last season with a broken collarbone.

Freefall Teams

Jason La Canfora: Chiefs, Titans, Bills, Lions

Pete Prisco: The Chiefs

I love Patrick Mahomes and I think he'll be a star. But there will be growing pains and the defense is not enough.

Will Brinson: Jaguars, Steelers, Panthers, Rams

Given their elevated position and where people will end up projecting them to finish, I think the Jaguars who dropped out of the playoffs and who scored 8-8 (not a terrific season!) Would qualify here. Carolina Panthers – I love Christian McCaffrey a lot and I think Cam Newton had his best season as a passer, but I also think the defense is backing down and the Panthers miss the playoffs and win seven or eight games. Pittsburgh Steelers – I'm predicting an 8-8 season for the Steelers, largely because I do not think they'll have an excellent defense, and that would certainly be enough to qualify in this case. The Los Angeles Rams – I also missed them in the playoffs, it would be really beautiful, right?

Sean Wagner-McGough: Bills, Raiders, Colts, Buccaneers

I think that they will all be competing for the first choice in the project.

Jared Dubin: Bills, Raiders, Lions, Seahawks

The Bills could have the worst list in the league. Oakland is … strange. The Detroit defense still needs a lot of help and all the other teams in their division are expected to improve in 2018. Seattle has virtually lost all of its defensive infrastructure and we do not know if Earl Thomas will be able to return to the field.

Ryan Wilson: Bills, Titans, Lions, Seahawks

The Bills are the winners of this list and it is not even close. They exchanged Tyrod Taylor and AJ McCarron, are in no hurry to sacrifice Josh Allen to a difficult schedule and will instead let Nate Peterman serve the sacrificial lamb while Buffalo returns to a mediocre football and playoffs.

John Breech: Bills, Titans, Panthers

The Bills could be the worst football team, the Titans could be the worst team in their division and Carolina is playing an impossible schedule. After watching all three teams make the playoffs last season, I'll be absolutely shocked if one of them manages to come back.

Bounce Teams

Jason La Canfora: Chargers, Packers, Ravens

Pete Prisco: Bengals

I think they have a lot of young talents. If these players mature quickly, the Bengals could be a surprise playoff team. If that happens, maybe Marvin Lewis could win a playoff game.

Will Brinson: Seahawks, Packers, Redskins

A strong season of Russell Wilson and Seattle making a comeback in the playoffs while Pete Carroll reminds all those who wear the crown in the West of the NFC would be a big surprise and bounce back. Green Bay Packers – A clear choice if Aaron Rodgers stays healthy for 16 games. Washington Redskins – I'm not sure they're bouncing as much as taking a surprising step forward, but I love them this season.

Sean Wagner-McGough: Packers, bears, dolphins, texans

The Packers recover Aaron Rodgers, the Bears have already improved a lot, then they went out and had Khalil Mack, the Dolphins brought back Ryan Tannehill, while the Texans had Deshaun Watson and J.J. Watt back. Of these teams, the Packers are my only real lock for the playoffs, but I think all four will finish with better records than in 2017.

Jared Dubin: Jets, Texans, Loaders, Packers

New York can not really get worse and the addition of Darnold should help the offensive to take a step forward. Houston obtient Watson, J.J. Watt et Whitney Mercilus sont de retour et les chances de remporter seulement quatre matchs semblent incroyablement faibles. Les Chargers ont manqué de justesse les séries éliminatoires cette saison, mais nous, ici, à CBS, sommes de nouveau dans le réservoir pour leurs chances de remporter l’AFC West. Et Green Bay devrait avoir Rodgers en bonne santé toute la saison.

Ryan Wilson: Texans, Bengals, Géants, Emballeurs

Les Texans se portent bien, les Bengals protègent Andy Dalton, les Giants s'améliorent all over et les Packers ramènent Rodgers.

John Culasse: Texans, Bengals, Packers, Browns

Après avoir vu les Bengals aller 7-9 la saison dernière, à peu près tout le monde en Amérique les a abandonnés – sauf moi, Wilson, Prisco et probablement tout le monde à Cincinnati. C'est facilement l'équipe de Bengals la plus talentueuse depuis 2015. J'aime les Packers pour la même raison que j'aime les Texans: les deux équipes ont eu des blessures aux quarts l'année dernière et maintenant, les deux quarts sont en bonne santé. Quant aux Browns, ils sont passés de 0 à 16 l'an dernier, alors même une victoire pourrait être considérée comme un rebond et je pense qu'ils obtiendront au moins une victoire.

Dernière équipe à gagner

Jason La Canfora: Factures

Je ne les vois pas gagner plus de trois matchs cette saison et la semaine 7 contre les Colts pourrait être leur meilleur tir (seulement?) Dans les deux premiers mois de la saison.

Will Brinson: Factures

Avoir une seule victoire après quatre semaines de la saison serait une surprise majeure pour une équipe qui est loin d’être de retour dans les séries éliminatoires.

Sean Wagner-McGough: Factures

Pour arriver aux projets de loi, j'ai choisi environ quatre équipes qui, je pense, seront en lice pour le premier choix du draft. Ces équipes sont: les Colts, les Bills, les Buccaneers, les Raiders et les Giants. À partir de là, après avoir comparé tous leurs horaires en début de saison, j'ai atterri sur les Bills et les Colts. Les Bills ouvrent leur saison contre les Corbeaux, Chargers, Vikings, Packers, Titans et Texans avant d'affronter les Colts. Les Colts ouvrent leur saison contre les Bengals, Redskins, Eagles, Texans, Patriots et Jets avant d'affronter les Bills. Je pense qu'il y a une chance que les Colts aient battu les Jets. Sinon, les Colts doivent affronter les Bills à la maison. C'est pourquoi j'ai donné l'avantage aux Colts.

Jared Dubin: Factures

Ils ont la pire liste de la ligue et un calendrier incroyablement difficile pour commencer la saison.

Ryan Wilson: Les voleurs

Les Bills seront sans aucun doute une sélection populaire, mais la meilleure chance des Raiders de gagner viendra la semaine 4 dans un match à domicile contre les Browns. C'est leur only jeu facile au programme S'ils perdent là, la première victoire de Gruden pourrait être difficile à obtenir en 2018.

John Breech: Boucaniers

C'est presque comme si la NFL avait conçu le calendrier des Bucs pour garder Tampa sans victoire le plus longtemps possible. Après avoir ouvert la saison contre les Saints, les Eagles et les Steelers, les Bucs doivent se rendre à Chicago et à Atlanta. Ils ne seront probablement même pas favorisés pour gagner un match jusqu'à la semaine 7, quand ils jouent les Browns.