By Nick Ferraro
1. Indianapolis Colts (3-5)
The clear favorites.
2. Denver Broncos (4-1)
Did San Diego give them the blue print for beating the Colts?
3. Seattle Seahawks (4-1)
The best of a weak NFC field.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (15-1)
Need to pull off three straight on the road.
5. Chicago Bears (12-1)
Grossman gives the Bears a shot.
6. New England Patriots (15-1)
Overrated champs are a a sucker bet to win it again.
7. New York Giants (20-1)
The Giants are a year away.
8. Cincinnati Bengals (20-1)
Faltering down the stretch.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (50-1)
No chance.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (30-1)
Don’t see them winning any road playoff games.
11. Washington Redskins (30-1)
The dark-horse choice in the NFC.
12. Carolina Panthers (40-1)
The enigmatic Cats are flawed.
Awards
MVP: Shaun Alexander
Coach of the Year: Lovie Smith
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Carnell Williams
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Odell Thurman
Surprise of the Year: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Disappointment of the Year: Philadelphia Eagles