Every year, EA hypes its latest version of Madden NFL by kicking back and letting the computer play through an entire season. It’s a novel way of generating publicity, but shouldn’t necessarily be scoffed at.

Last season, for instance, the game came eerily close to getting the Super Bowl spot-on, predicting a 28-24 Steelers victory over the Cardinals. The real thing finished 27-23. Whew.

This year, EA left Madden NFL 10 to its own devices, resulting in a New England Patriots victory in Super Bowl XLIV, following a 14-2 season. Other division champs will supposedly include the Steelers, Titans, Chargers, Eagles, Falcons, Cardinals and Bears, while the Giants will pick up a wild card, along with the Colts, Ravens and Panthers. I’m off to the bookies, having now remortgaged the house.

The predictions in full:

NFL 2009 Season Awards (as simulated by Madden NFL 10)

NFL MVP – Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Offensive Player of the Year – Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Defensive Player of the Year – Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers
Offensive Rookie of the Year – Mark Sanchez, New York Jets
Defensive Rookie of the Year – Brian Orakpo, Washington Redskins
Coach of the Year – Andy Reid, Philadelphia Eagles.

NFL 2009 All-Pro Team

Quarterback – Tom Brady (New England Patriots)
Running Back – Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons); Brandon Jacobs (New York Giants)
Wide Receiver - Randy Moss (New England Patriots); Andre Johnson (Houston Texans)
Tight End – Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys)
Offensive Line – Matt Light (New England Patriots); Shawn  Andrews (Philadelphia Eagles); Chris Snee (New York Giants); Logan Mankins (New England Patriots); Michael Roos (Tennessee Titans)
Defensive Line - Trevor Pryce (Baltimore Ravens); Haloti Ngata (Baltimore Ravens); Kris Jenkins (New York Jets); Osi Umenyiora (New York Giants)
Linebacker - Patrick Willis (San Francisco 49ers); Channing Crowder (Miami Dolphins); James Farrior (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Defense Back – Brandon Meriweather (New England Patriots); Nnamdi Asomugha (Oakland Raiders); Ed Reed (Baltimore Ravens); Donte Whitner (Buffalo Bills)
Kicker – Josh Scobee (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Punter - Brad Maynard (Chicago Bears)
Kick Returner – Devin Hester (Chicago Bears)
Punt Returner – Josh Cribbs (Cleveland Browns)

[Via press release]