The NFL season hasn’t even started yet and it already feels like a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book. Michael Vick returns to the field, while Plaxico Burress leaves it. Brett Favre says goodbye then hello for a second straight season. To the excitement of Randy Moss, Tom Brady is back after missing almost all of last season. Then there’s Richard Seymour, who would rather sit out than play for the Raiders. The storylines are so good when they hit your ears.

This is the one time of year that no matter who your team is, you’re excited. You believe that this could be the season that is capped off with a ticker tape parade, and you’ll be standing right there to the (Insert Team Name Here) on.

I look forward to the football season as much as anybody. I’ve covered the NFL for five years now and it is by far my favorite sport to report on. From the way a simple game is turned into an entertaining show to the Sundays spent in a cozy, warm press box during a snowy winter day, it’s absolutely the best, and I look forward to bringing you coverage throughout this season.

In lieu of tonight’s season opener, I wanted to offer up some predictions for the 2009 season. I’ll revisit them at the end of the year to see how I did.

MVP Picks:

1) Tom Brady, New England – I don’t see any reason why he won’t try for similar stats to his 2007 MVP season.

2) Adrian Peterson, Minnesota – I know, it’s not a blow-you-out-of-the-water name, but if the Vikings can make the playoffs, this guy has as good a shot as anybody.

3) Peyton Manning, Indianapolis – 1990 was the last time anybody other than a quarterback or wide receiver won MVP. Manning gets the nod over New Orleans Saints’ Q.B. Drew Brees simply because the Colts will be a better team.

Rookies to Watch:

1) Percy Harvin, Minnesota – The former Florida Gator could make a great trio with fellow receivers Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice. Favre is going to need several targets this year, which means Harvin will get loads of playing time during his freshman campaign. (I was going to say “boat loads,” but the Vikings and boats don’t go together that well. Search “Vikings Boat Party” on Google and you’ll understand.)

2) Mark Sanchez, New York – USC head coach Pete Carroll didn’t want Sanchez to leave because he didn’t think he was ready. The Jets, however, have put all their faith in Sanchez to run their offense this season. We’ll have to wait to see who’s right.

3) Aaron Curry, Seattle – Curry was thought of so highly by the Seahawks that they drafted him earlier than any other linebacker since 2000 (LaVar Arrington). He’s already penciled in on the strongside so it will be a learn-on-the-fly year for the 23-year-old.

Comeback Player: Michael Vick, Philadelphia – What a story this would be if Vick can transition into the ultimate offensive player for the Eagles. The guy used to be able to run, throw and now this year he’ll be given a shot to catch. Vick needs to hold on to the ball better than he did this preseason, but if he’s mildly successful, this award is his, no question.

Coach of the Year: Ken Whisenhunt, Arizona – You don’t reward someone with an honor just because of what they did the previous season. (Note: Eli Manning making the Pro Bowl last season may be the only exception.) Whisenhunt led his team to the Super Bowl and was just minutes away from winning the whole thing. With the same quarterback (Kurt Warner), receivers (Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Steve Breaston) and a new running back (Beanie Wells) to go with the old (Tim Hightower), this team could be better than before. Whisenhunt has the talent, but so did Belichick when he won his two A.P. Coach of the Year awards.

Defensive Player of the Year: Mario Williams, Houston – Wasn’t it just a few years ago that folks were laughing at the Texans for choosing Williams over Reggie Bush? Williams has turned into a dominating defensive force on the field, while Bush, who albeit has been successful, has missed time with injuries. Williams had 12 sacks last year. I’m looking for 15 in 2009.

Team on the Rise: San Francisco 49ers – There’s one reason why I love the 49ers and it’s that they’ve instilled their faith in quarterback Shaun Hill. Hill has been in this league two years shy of a decade, but is finally now getting his shot at playing full time behind center. Last season, his stats over nine games were stellar: 2,046 yards, 13 touchdowns, eight interceptions. He’s also 7-3 as a starter. Mix Hill in with a healthy Frank Gore, wide receiver Josh Morgan and tight end Vernon Davis and you’re going places.

Team on the Decline: Denver Broncos – Let me start off by saying I’m not as big a fan of Jay Cutler as many folks are. That said, he is a much better option at quarterback than Kyle Orton. The wheeling and dealings this off-season, a turnover at head coach and the headaches brought to you by Brandon Marshall combine to paint a gloomy picture high above sea level. I’m not saying the Raiders will finish above the Broncos in the AFC West this season. Next year may be a different story.

Team Close To Becoming Elite: Baltimore Ravens – The Ravens finished one win away from the Super Bowl last season, and they’ve gotten even better. I believe Baltimore has drafted themselves a nice core group starting with quarterback Joe Flacco and versatile running back Ray Rice. Both will be protected by a strong offensive line. My one concern is with the Raven’s wide receivers. Derrick Mason is back, but that may be only for this season. They need to upgrade there to move up even more. Defensively, this team always ranks among the best in the league. How can you not with Ed Reed patrolling the middle of the field? Rex Ryan has gone green so it will be up to Greg Mattison to keep this unit together.

Playoff Picture:

NFC: Green Bay (North), Carolina (South), New York (East), Arizona (West), Philadelphia (Wild Card), Atlanta (Wild Card)

AFC: Pittsburgh (North), Indianapolis (South), New England (East), San Diego (West), Buffalo (Wild Card), Baltimore (Wild Card)

NFC Championship: Green Bay over Arizona
AFC Championship: San Diego over Pittsburgh

Super Bowl: San Diego over Green Bay