Judge: Tom still terrific, but Bolts are better

It's time to open the envelope on the 2008 NFL season predictions:

AFC East AFC North AFC South AFC West

Playoffs Wild card: Jaguars over Steelers Chargers over Bills Divisional round: Patriots over Jaguars Colts over Chargers Championship game: Colts over Patriots

NFC East NFC North NFC South NFC West

Playoffs Wild card: Cardinals over Seahawks Packers over Giants Divisional round: Saints over Cardinals Cowboys over Packers Championship game: Saints over Cowboys

Super Bowl XLIII

  over 

MVP

Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts: The Colts are his team, and taking them to a Super Bowl will get him another MVP.

Coach of the Year

Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints: He finally gets the Saints to a Super Bowl, which is reason enough he should win this award.

Offensive Player of the Year

Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints: He's going to throw 40 touchdown passes and for 4,500 yards.

Defensive Player of the Year

Mario Williams, DE, Houston Texans: He has a chance to get 18 sacks. He has only scratched the surface.

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans: He has explosive speed that will lead to a lot of long runs. He's also a capable pass catcher.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Sedrick Ellis, DT, New Orleans Saints: He will choke off the run for the Saints, which is something they must have to get to the Super Bowl.

Comeback Player of the Year

Adam Jones, CB, Dallas Cowboys: Say what you want about his off-the-field troubles, Jones is a shutdown corner. He just might wind up in the Pro Bowl.

Step-back player

Brett Favre, QB, New York Jets: His 2008 season will more like his 2006 season in Green Bay than his 2007 season.

Best free-agent pickup

Jeff Faine, C, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs now have the best line they've ever had. With John Wade, they simply couldn't get push at the point. Faine can do that.

Worst free-agent pickup

Donte Stallworth, WR, Cleveland Browns: They paid a lot of money for a receiver who won't stay on the field for an entire season.