Most Valuable Player – Drew Brees, QB, Saints
One of the tightest MVP races in recent memory appears to be a four-quarterback race. Either the Colts’ Peyton Manning or Vikings’ Brett Favre could win their record fourth MVP following career years, while the Chargers’ Philip Rivers has been more consistent than any passer en route to an 11-game season-ending win streak. But Brees has the edge, completing a record 70.6 percent of his passes for 4,388 yards, 34 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for a league-leading 109.6 passer rating for the 13–3 Saints.

Offensive Player of the Year – Chris Johnson, RB, Titans
After a shocking 0–6 start, the Titans went 8–2 down the stretch. The success coincided with Vince Young taking over for Kerry Collins, but it was C.J. who really carried the load with his unique combination of vision, patience, power and Usain Bolt speed. Johnson rushed for 2,006 yards (5.6 ypc) and 14 touchdowns, with 50 catches for 503 yards and two scores — breaking Marshall Faulk’s yards-from-scrimmage record, Earl Campbell’s Oilers-Titans franchise rushing record and becoming the sixth back ever to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season.

Defensive Player of the Year – Darrelle Revis, CB, Jets
This is a toss up between Revis and Packers cornerback Charles Woodson — the former Heisman Trophy winner who had a career high nine interceptions for 179 yards and three return touchdowns, along with four forced fumbles and two sacks. But it is Revis, a third-year product of Pittsburgh, who has established himself as the elite cover corner in the NFL — shutting down Randy Moss (twice), Terrell Owens (twice), Andre Johnson and Chad Ochocinco, while allowing cocky coach Rex Ryan to back up his boasts with aggressive blitz packages for the top-ranked Jets defense.

Offensive Rookie of the Year – Percy Harvin, WR, Vikings
The only thing that could slow down the former Florida Gator national chomp was a severe case of migraine headaches late in the season. The triple-threat burner had 60 catches for 790 yards and six touchdowns as a receiver, 42 kick returns for 1,156 yards and two touchdowns as a returner, and 15 carries for 135 yards in 15 games this year. “Blind Side” star and Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher is also deserving, but Harvin’s highlight reel is too much to ignore; it could be its own major motion picture.

Defensive Rookie of the Year – Brian Cushing, LB, Texans
The self-proclaimed “meathead” was a sideline-to-sideline terror in his first season out of USC. Cushing finished the season with 133 tackles (86 solo), four sacks, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and one safety in the Texans’ first winning season in franchise history. A rookie strong class, Redskins edge-rusher Brian Orakpo (11.0 sacks), Bills safety Jairus Byrd (9 INTs) and Packers linebacker Clay Matthews III (10.0 sacks), Cushing’s former teammate at USC, were all in the mix to take home the hardware.

Comeback Player of the Year – Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
The three-time Super Bowl winner went down to a season-ending knee injury in the opener last year. But Tom Terrific showed no signs of rust in his comeback, completing 65.7 percent of his passes for 4,398 yards, 28 touchdowns and 13 interceptions for a 96.2 passer rating while leading the Patriots to another AFC East division title and trip to the postseason. Buccaneers running back Cadillac Williams may be even more impressive, however. After playing in just 10 games over the past two seasons, thanks to two knee surgeries, Williams rushed for 823 yards and four scores this year.

Coach of the Year – Norv Turner, Chargers
Arguably the most confusing award, the coach who overachieves compared to preseason perception usually wins. Turner has a bad rap, but he’s done his best work this season. After losing nose tackle Jamal Williams, playing with two shadows of former stars — in LaDainian Tomlinson and Shawne Merriman — and starting with a 2–3 record, the Bolts have won 11-straight and are the hottest team in the league entering the playoffs. The Jets’ rookie Ryan, Bengals’ Marvin Lewis and Cowboys’ Wade Phillips also deserve consideration.