The NFL Season is here, and as I always like to do, its time to lay down my choices for the way the season is going to shake out. I am not shy about admitting that I completely suck at predictions like this, even though I was relatively close with my picks last year. Because kickoff is tonight, I figured it was time to go right into it here, as well as give you guys a shot at making your own picks.

This season is definitely going to be full of surprises, especially when you consider how many of the teams recently drafting near the top of the first round have really made a complete turnaround. The Texans were drafting at number 1 in 2006 and now they are widely considered to be a playoff team. New Orleans was drafting number 2 and they are the defending champs, something that Im sure the 2006 Saints fans would have laughed at you about if you had suggested its possibility.

As I did last year, I will focus highly on rookie performance with the weekly Rookie Royal Rumble posts, and I may consider bringing back the value bumps if my time allows me to do so. Check back every Monday for that commentary to give your own thoughts or to debate my observations.

Without further adieu, here is my official slate of picks:

AFC North Champion: Baltimore Ravens
AFC East Champion: New England Patriots
AFC South Champion: Indianapolis Colts
AFC West Champion: San Diego Chargers
AFC Wild Card: Houston Texans
AFC Wild Card: New York Jets

AFC Championship Game: Chargers vs. Ravens
AFC Champion: Ravens

NFC North Champion: Green Bay Packers
NFC East Champion: Dallas Cowboys
NFC South Champion: New Orleans Saints
NFC West Champion: San Fransisco 49ers
NFC Wild Card: Minnesota Vikings
NFC Wild Card: Atlanta Falcons

NFC Championship Game: Cowboys vs Saints
NFC Champion: Saints

Super Bowl Champion: Ravens

NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers
NFL ROY: Ryan Mathews

I really think the Ravens have one of the most high powered offensive attacks in the league, and unlike some of the other NFC teams, they have a tremendous defense to match. The Packers are a popular pick because of a similar situation, but I don’t think they will hold up through the playoffs. They came on very strong at the end of 2009, but werent able to capitalize away at Arizona, when they definitely should have walked out of there with a convincing win. They did improve their OL in the draft this year, but I still think that someone finds a way to beat them early in the playoffs, at home. Look at what happened to them when the Vikings rolled into lambeau back a few years ago. It wont be the Vikings this time, but it will be someone else. As for the Saints making it back to the biggest stage in the world, I think its tough to count them out with how many people they are bringing back from last year. They look great, as good as the Ravens or the Chargers, and I am definitely expecting them to repeat as NFC champs.

I already cant wait for Sunday and its only Thursday, Saturday is definitely going to be an exercise in patience. Its going to be nice having a day of rest, playing with Noah and watching all the action. Here is to another great season, because there may not be one next year.