After 17 glorious weeks of the NFL, the regular season is over. The playoffs are now set in stone. Overall, this past NFL season was awesome, between the 3 ties and divisions that came down to the final game. Many exciting games and surprising stories, such as the Dallas Cowboys three loss record with a rookie running back and rookie quarterback, dominated the headlines. Both of Cowboy players are considered MVP candidates now.

In the AFC the two teams that have bye weeks are the Patriots and the Chiefs. In the wild card round, it will be big Ben Roethlisberger against Matt Moore and the Miami Dolphins. The other wild card round is Brock Osweiler up against the Raiders.

Ultimately I believe that the Raiders will beat the Texans and the Steelers will beat the Dolphins setting up a high-flying offensive showcase for the divisional round in the AFC.

The Cowboys and Falcons have earned the first round byes. The wild card round will be very exciting. The Lions are visiting the Seahawks and the Giants are visiting famous Lambeau Field to take on the Packers.

Ultimately, I think that the Super Bowl will be Tom Brady’s Patriots against the rookie led Dallas Cowboys. Both Ezekiel Elliot and Dak Prescott are in the MVP conversation as they have performed very well in their rookie year taking care of the ball. 

In terms of the MVP race, there are several clear frontrunners. Matt Ryan has had a historic season having one of the highest QBR’s over the past 10 years. He also has led the Falcons to the two seed in a very challenging NFC.

Derek Carr: Derek Carr statistically did not have that great of a year. However, in terms of Most Valuable Player, look at what the Raiders have done without him. They got rolled in week 17 without their franchise quarterback.

Tom Brady: 28-2 touchdown to interception ratio and his name is Tom Brady, need I say more?

Aaron Rodgers: Rodgers has the Green Bay Packers riding a 6 game win streak. Rodgers during that span has the best touchdown to interception ratio of any quarterback in the NFL.

Even though I am sad that football is almost over for the year. My favorite part of the season is the offseason. I really enjoy watching how teams trade picks and who they draft.

This writer can be reached via email: Dawson Triplitt