The Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins are in while the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots are out?

Such is life in the ultra competitive NFL, where teams settle it on the Football field and not on a hard drive or at a ballot box. And what a season it was. From the humiliating disaster in Dallas to the Brady tragedy in New England, there were enough story lines to fill that $1.1 billion monstrosity that Jerry Jones is building across from Six Flags.

So in honor of the craziness that was this season, I offer you the Goldies, my regular-season awards for the good and no-so-good in the NFL, plus a couple of predictions for the upcoming playoffs.

Defensive MVP: Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee

Tackles don't get too many statistics, but he put up career highs in sacks (8.5) and tackles (41). He's the reason Tennessee's defense ranked among the league's stingiest this season. He's in a contract year and he must have one shrewd agent since there is a provision in his contract that prohibits the Titans from designating him a franchise player since he made the Pro Bowl.

The man who could have been kicked out of the league after stomping Dallas center Andre Gurode in the face two seasons ago is about to become the league's highest paid defensive player.

Coach of the Year: Tony Sparano, Miami

Bill Parcells will get a lot of the credit for Miami's turnaround, but Sparano deserves his share. An AFC East title in his first season and a 10-win improvement give him the nod over Atlanta's Mike Smith and Carolina's John Fox.

And to think, Sparano was on Jerry Jones' coaching staff once upon a time. Probably should have kept that guy around.

Coach who should have been fired: Wade Phillips, Dallas

He lost the locker room and appeared befuddled on the sideline as the season began to go south.

He promises to change his coaching style in 2009 and at age 61, what does that mean? Is he going to get in T.O.'s face when he drops another pass? Is he going to start hitting the after-hour night spots with Pacman? Will he yank Tony Romo after one of his three-interception games? After 33 years in coaching, you don't just change overnight.

Coach who should have not been fired: Lane Kiffin, Oakland

The reason Kiffin should not have been fired is he should not have been hired in the first place. Al Davis, the NFL's version of the Crypt Keeper, must have had some weird flashback to yesteryear when he hired an unproven young coach in John Madden. That move worked out nicely but that was what " 40 years ago?

Worst acquisition: Roy E. Williams, by Dallas

Sorry, Longhorn fans, but Roy didn't get it done in Dallas in his first season.

Jerry Jones overpaid - a first-, third- and sixth-round draft pick! - for Williams, who caught only 19 balls for 198 yards and a single touchdown. It's obvious that Williams isn't the terror in the pros he was for the Longhorns. One Pro Bowl appearance in five seasons could be a result of his playing for the league's worst franchise, but he certainly hasn't distinguished himself in Dallas, unless you want to count those embarrassingly overdramatic first-down celebrations.

Rookie of the year: Steve Slaton, Houston

The Texans have themselves a franchise running back. Questions regarding his durability will persist, but this is the perfect offense for Slaton, who may end up being a better version of Willie Parker.

He put up 1,282 yards and nine TDs while also catching 50 balls for 377 yards , and now the Texans can unload the overpaid Ahman Green because they have a future Pro Bowler in the backfield.

Most overlooked player: Michael Griffin, Tennessee

The Titans' safety tied for second in the league in interceptions and should have been selected to the Pro Bowl instead of teammate Chris Hope.

The former Longhorn has the athleticism and physical nature to provide a Polamalu-esque impact in the Tennessee secondary for years to come. He's even talking about playing some receiver next season.

Most overhyped player: Kurt Warner, Arizona

Sure, he put up freakish numbers (more than 4,500 yards passing and 30 TDs), but most of those big games came against the horrible defenses in the NFC West. The two-time MVP will get a chance to show if the hype is warranted against the Falcons this weekend.

Biggest disappointment: Vince Young, Tennessee

From the offseason report of Young contemplating retirement to his begging out of an early season game, to the leg injury, to whispers about Young having suicidal thoughts, it was a season to forget for VY.

Kerry Collins is the comeback player of the year, and now Young must not only win back his starting job next season but more important, he must regain the confidence of his coaches and his teammates.

NFC Super Bowl rep:

New York Giants

It's a boring pick, but the Giants just seem to have all the pieces in place again. Power running teams aren't as fun as the vertical passing attacks that fantasy leaguers love, but when it comes to winning in the playoffs, physicality beats finesse all day long.

AFC Super Bowl rep: Indianapolis Colts

Since 1997, four wild-card teams have won the Super Bowl, and the Colts have a nice playoff draw, starting with a winnable game in San Diego. Indy already owns wins over the AFC's top seeds, Tennessee and Pittsburgh, and Peyton Manning is the savviest postseason performer in these playoffs. Don't be surprised to see the Colts in Tampa.

cgolden@statesman.com; 912-5944