:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37738452/466663629.0.jpg)
Week 1 of the 2014 NFL regular season has finally arrived. There will be football games that actually count for something later this week, and the Detroit Lions will kick off their season next Monday against the New York Giants.
As we start to count down the final days before the season, here are some predictions for 2014:
Super Bowl matchup: Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos
Super Bowl champion: Seahawks
MVP: Aaron Rodgers
Offensive player of the year: Peyton Manning
Defensive player of the year: J.J. Watt
Offensive rookie of the year: Brandin Cooks
Defensive rookie of the year: Jadeveon Clowney
Coach of the year: Lovie Smith
Yes, I have the Seahawks once again beating the Broncos in the Super Bowl. I just think those two teams are clearly the best in their respective conferences, and no, I don't see the Broncos getting revenge en route to another ring for Peyton Manning.
I do have Manning winning offensive player of the year, but I have Aaron Rodgers taking home the MVP honors. Given what happened to the Green Bay Packers when he was injured last year, we already know how valuable he is. But this year, assuming he's stays healthy, I am expecting a big season that leads to an MVP award.
For the other awards, I have J.J. Watt winning defensive player of the year, Brandon Cooks and Jadeveon Clowney taking home the rookie of the year awards and Lovie Smith winning coach of the year after turning around the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
What are your predictions for the 2014 NFL season?