Chad Ochocinco: 10 Bold Predictions for the Bengals Wideout in 2010

Few people in sports can attract attention like Chad Ochocinco. Indeed, few people with the name "Ochocinco" have ever just blended in. 

But what type of headlines will Chad attract this year? What character will he play in the 2010 NFL narrative? 

Some think Chad will lead his Bengals on a Super Bowl run in which they defy odds, stereotypes and reputations. Many anticipate the complete opposite — a Cincinnati combustion for which blame falls squarely on the shoulders of Chad and Terrell Owens. 

Here's how I see it unfolding.

10. He'll Still Be Good.

Say what you will about Mr. Ochocinco (as they do, believe it or not, address him at the bank), but the guy is clearly committed to his job. Unlike some athletes, whose play deteriorates as soon as their bodies do (Daunte Culpepper, Vince Carter, etc.), Chad works hard to sustain his physical condition and counteract the natural effects of turning 30. 

Last season, he proved his physical endurance, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark for the seventh time and catching touchdowns in four of the Bengals' last five games. 

With defenses having to account for Cincy's improved receiving corps, Chad should have little trouble matching that performance in 2010. 

9. His First TD Celebration Will Feature T.O.

What else do you think these guys talked about at their first dinner party/group therapy session? It probably went something like this:

(Seconds after greeting each other)

Chad: You know what we have to do, right?

T.O.: Yes. I literally know what you're about to say.

Chad: First TD. Week One. I score.

T.O.: Or I score.

Chad: Yeah well anyway, I score. [Insert celebration idea that proves Chad's rare wisdom re: celebration ideas.] 

T.O.: They'll run that on SportsCenter all day! Nonstop!

And he's right. 

8. None Of His Other TD Celebrations Will Feature T.O.

Just a hunch. These guys can only share the spotlight for so long. 

7. He'll Catch 70+ Passes.

There's reason to believe Ochocinco's numbers will sink in 2010, as Carson Palmer will distribute the ball more evenly among his receivers. But the Bengals attempted only 477 passes last season (27th in the league), while running the ball 505 times (fourth). 

With the additions of Owens and their underrated third-option, Antonio Bryant, the Bengals will likely be a more pass-oriented team this season. And since Chad is the best of their pass-catchers (Bryant, if healthy, could be a close second) he should benefit most from that shift. 

Ochochinco had 72 receptions last year. Expect a similar total. 

6. He'll Catch Double-Digit Touchdowns.

The red zone is where Ochocinco will profit most from the extra diversions. He's always been a possession receiver masquerading as a No. 1 (a pretty convincing role, obviously); this year will allow him to thrive between the hash marks like never before. 

Ten to 20 yards out will again be Chad's territory in 2010; something tells me he won't be bashful about it. 

5. He'll Have His Biggest Game In Week Seven.

I guess this isn't much of a bold prediction. The Bengals travel to Atlanta Week Seven, and the Falcons have a lackluster (albeit improved) secondary. 

This game also follows Cincinnati's bye-week, which should do wonders for its old guys. Yes, that includes you, Chad. 

But this next prediction should probably be bolder:

4. He Won't Have the Meltdown You're All Expecting.

I think it's possible for even someone like Chad to mature over time. And while he's still one VH1 reality show past what I'd consider mature, he's not as malignant as the media often portrays him. Chad is blithely unaware of himself, no question, but he also knows (lately) when to shut up and play football.

I can't say the same for T.O., who's shown nothing to prove he can help a team of which he isn't the primary star. He may very well self-destruct, but I doubt it'll be to Cincinnati's detriment. 

Re: that last point—it helps that Carson Palmer appears to have gone completely numb to his surroundings. 

3. Nor Will He Play In The Playoffs.

The Bengals will be an above-average team, playing in an above-average division. That combination makes for iffy playoff hopes every time.

The Ravens have improved this offseason and show no signs of relenting (not while Ray Rice is around, anyway). The Steelers may struggle on offense, but the return of Troy Polamalu can't be ignored. An NFC North race without them may have been a one-year exception. 

Further thwarting the Bengals will be their first-place AFC schedule, which comprises the Patriots, Colts and Chargers. 

2. A Beat Writer Will Quit for Constantly Having to Write "Ochocinco."

It's really annoying, and kind of surreal. 

1. He'll Keep Me In His Corner, If Only Slightly.

The interesting thing to me about the Chad-T.O. merger is that it kind of dispelled a theory I'd always had—that there was a fine line between Owens's egocentric petulance and Chad's egocentric flair. Chad may invent totally unfounded plans to live in his (consenting) quarterback's house, but he never threatened his quarterback's job.

Are the two really the same? I hope not.

We'll find out soon enough.