NFL Midseason Report: 25 Bold Predictions for the Playoff Run

NFL Midseason Report: We're roughly halfway through the 17-week NFL season, and the major storylines around the league seem to be taking shape.

It looks like the playoff picture is slowly evolving, with contenders distancing themselves from the rest of the pack and pretenders fading into oblivion.

It also appears that Peyton Manning might be well on his way to an unparalleled fifth NFL MVP award.

But if everything was set in stone, they would only play eight games per season.

There's still a lot left to be determined, so don't count out any pleasant or not-so-pleasant surprises along the way.

I, for one, am expecting a lot to change between now and the end of the year, so much so that I'm here to offer 25 bold--and I can't stress that part enough--predictions for the second half of the 2010 season.

25. Aaron Rodgers Will Lead the League In Interceptions

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 31: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers in action against the New York Jets on October 31, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.The Packers defeated the Jets 9-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/G

Through the Packers' first eight games, Aaron Rodgers has thrown nine interceptions.

For you mathematically challenged folks, that means he's on pace to throw 18 picks this year.

Rodgers will lead the league in that category.

24. James Harrison Will Threaten to Retire...Again

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PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 03: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the Baltimore Ravens on October 3, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

I just read this morning that Steelers linebacker James Harrison met with commissioner Roger Goodell to discuss the NFL's stricter policy on violent hits.

I'm just waiting until Sportscenter breaks in with an update saying that Harrison is contemplating retirement yet again.

After all, it has been a couple of weeks since he completely overreacted.

23. Tampa Bay's Mike Williams Will Win the Offensive Rookie of the Year

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GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 31: Mike Williams #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a catch against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay rookie wide receiver Mike Williams currently has 32 catches for 470 yards and four touchdowns.

The 2009 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Percy Harvin, finished with 60 receptions for 790 yards and nine total touchdowns (though his return stats did help out a lot).

Still, Williams is already the Buccaneers' biggest threat in the passing game and their record will be surprising even if they don't want another game. So he'll take home the trophy.

22. The Cincinnati Bengals Will Finish with the League's Worst Record

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CINCINNATI - OCTOBER 31: Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals gives instructions to his team during the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins at Paul Brown Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The Bengals only have two wins on the season, but the second half of their schedule is pretty brutal.

They've got games against the Colts, Steelers, Jets, Saints and Ravens remaining, among others.

Things aren't looking too good for Cincinnati.

21. Brad Childress Will Be Fired

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EDEN PRAIRIE, MN - OCTOBER 7: Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress answers questions from the media during a press conference at Winter Park on October 7, 2010 in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Vikings organization is a mess right now.

Apparently Brad Childress released Randy Moss for complaining about food, but he lets Brett Favre do whatever the hell he wants.

Childress is on ESPN right now, and I can't even watch the guy because he gets on my nerves so much.

But I'm thinking he'll be fired by season's end after turning one of the league's most talented teams into a consistent loser.

20. The New Orleans Saints Will Repeat as NFC Champions

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SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 20: Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints warms up against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on September 20, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

I know you'll take one look at my profile, realize I'm from Louisiana (and New Orleans in fact) and call me a homer.

That's fine with me. I've been called a lot worse.

Anyway, despite missing several key players--including Tracy Porter, Darren Sharper, Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas--because of injuries, the Saints still rank 12th in total defense and third in total offense.

With Bush and Thomas due back soon, I think you'll see the Saints return to form and repeat as NFC champions.

19. Donovan McNabb Will Get Benched Again

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DETROIT - OCTOBER 31: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washigton Redkins warms up prior to the start of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 31, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

I want to start off by saying that I'm not a Donovan McNabb supporter, but benching him was an incredibly idiotic move on the part of Mike Shanahan.

You bench McNabb for Rex Grossman because McNabb doesn't have the "cardiovascular endurance" to run the two-minute offense.

Really?

Well, Shanahan did it once, so he'll probably do it again.

18. The Buffalo Bills Will Go 4-4

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills passes during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 31, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

If you look at the Buffalo Bills, you realize that they could very easily be 2-5 or 3-4 had a few plays gone their way.

They nearly beat the Chiefs and the Ravens after pushing them both into overtime in consecutive weeks.

Well, I'm predicting the Bills to be a .500 team in the second half, with wins over Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit and Minnesota.

17. Ahmad Bradshaw Will Lead the NFL in Rushing

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 17: Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants against the Detroit Lions at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 17, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Ahmad Bradshaw isn't a sexy name at the running back position, but the dude has performed all season.

Though seven games, he ranked fourth in the league with 708 yards rushing.

He'll end up with 1,700 by the end of the season, to lead the league.

16. Arian Foster Will Finish with Less than 1,300 Rushing Yards

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 01: Arian Foster #23 of Houston Texans runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 1, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Arian Foster already has 737 rushing yards through seven games, so odds are that he does top 1,300 yards.

But a big chunk of his yardage came in that Week 1 victory over the Colts, and he hasn't carried the ball 20 times in one game since then.

I think his production will continue to tail off as the season progresses.

15. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Will Finish Below .500

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GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 31: Beanie Wells #26 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled by Roy Miller #90, Ryan Sims #98 and Sean Jones #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Harry Ho

The Buccaneers are currently 5-2, so do I really see them ending the season at 7-9?

Yeah, I do. Tampa Bay ranks 21st in total offense and 25th in total defense.

The Bucs are about as overrated as overrated gets.

14. The San Diego Chargers Will Win the AFC West

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 and tight end Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego Chargers walk up the sideline together against the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Diego, Califor

The San Diego Chargers currently have the league's No. 1 total offense and No. 2 total defense.

That has to translate to wins sooner or later.

San Diego will surpass the Chiefs and Raiders to win the division.

13. And They'll Do It with Help from Vincent Jackson

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 20: Wide receiver Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers prepares to enter the game against the Cincinnati Bengals during the NFL game on December 20, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Mi

Look, San Diego's passing attack has been scary good, even when Antonio Gates and Malcolm Floyd have been banged up.

Now imagine how good that Chargers team will be when Vincent Jackson returns in Week 12. 

I'm predicting he goes off for six touchdowns in as many games, helping the Chargers to a miraculous playoff berth.

12. Troy Smith Will Lead the San Francisco 49ers to the Playoffs

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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Troy Smith #1 of San Francisco 49ers looks for a pass during the NFL International Series match between Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers at Wembley Stadium on October 31, 2010 in London, England. This is the fourth occ

Sometimes all it takes is a little quarterback change to propel a team into the playoffs.

Well, Troy Smith is the new guy in San Francisco, and the 49ers might as well stick with him because they have nothing to lose.

I'm actually thinking Smith leads the team on an incredible comeback and the 49ers win the NFC West.

After all, somebody's gotta win that division.

11. Sam Bradford Will Throw 25 Touchdown Passes

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ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 31: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams looks to pass against Eric Norwood #92 of the Carolina Panthers at the Edward Jones Dome on October 31, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Panthers 20-10. (Photo by Dilip Vishwana

Sam Bradford has thrown 11 touchdowns in his first eight NFL starts.

So why wouldn't he be able to throw for 25 touchdowns by season's end?

Sure, his wide receivers aren't great. But I don't see that holding him back. He'll finish with at least 25 total touchdowns.

10. The Seattle Seahawks Will Claim Randy Moss...And Get Him

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FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 31: Randy Moss #84 of the Minnesota Vikings runs onto the field before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Randy Moss will be claimed on waivers by the Seattle Seahawks later today.

Why not? It makes sense.

The Seahawks need a threat in the passing game, and I don't think a reunion in Oakland is as likely as people are making it out to be.

9. The Green Bay Packers Will Miss the Playoffs

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Ryan Grant #25 of the Green Bay Packers rushes after a catch during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 12, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

You will see another reason why I think the Packers will miss the playoffs later in this list.

But not having Jermichael Finley and Ryan Grant is killing the Packers, as is having a hobbled Donald Driver.

I know that they just beat the Jets, but Green Bay won't continue to win if the team can't run the ball effectively.

8. Terrell Owens Will Lead the League in Touchdown Receptions

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates his touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Terrell Owens has five touchdowns so far, but all of them have come since Week 4.

He's got a ways to go to catch guys like Antonio Gates and Hakeem Nicks, who have eight touchdown receptions apiece.

But the Bengals will be behind often, so they'll air it out and T.O. will finish with 13 or 14 TDs to lead the league.

7. Brett Favre's Consecutive Starts Streak Will End

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FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 31: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings takes a breather between plays against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

I'm really, really, really tired of hearing about Brett Favre and everything that goes along with him.

But hopefully some of that talk will die down when Favre's consecutive-starts streak ends at some point in the second half.

I just don't see him making it through nine more, unless he uses a cane or a wheelchair to move around onthe football field.

6. The Dallas Cowboys Will Finish with Six Wins

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Jon Kitna #3 of the Dallas Cowboys calls a play in the huddle against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)

Am I a little crazy for thinking that the Tony Romo-less Dallas Cowboys will win five more games the rest of the way?

Probably so.

But that's why these are called bold predictions and not guarantees.

5. The New York Jets Will Miss the Playoffs

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 31: Rex Ryan, head couch of the New York Jets walks off the field at the end of a game against the Green Bay Packers on October 31, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Packers defeated the

I know I'm not making myself any friends in New York here, but I'm going with the Jets missing the playoffs.

Despite the Jets being a more talented team, I think Tom Brady and the Patriots outlast the Jets and the AFC Wild-Card winners come from somewhere else.

4. The Detroit Lions Will Make the Playoffs

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DETROIT - OCTOBER 31: Ndamukong Suh #90 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with teammate Corey Williams #99 after recovering a late fourth quarter fumble from Rex Grossman #8 of the Washington Redskins an scores a touchdown at Ford Field on October 31, 2010

Yeah, I said it. The Detroit Lions will make the playoffs.

The Vikings are a wreck right now, the Packers have no running game and Jay Cutler's tendency to throw too many interceptions will kill the Bears' playoff chances.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2010 NFC North champions: the Detroit Lions.

3. Michael Vick Will Be the NFL MVP

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 03: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before playing against the Washington Redskins on October 3, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Michael Vick's stats won't live up to those of the elite quarterbacks in the league.

That's impossible. He's just missed too much time this season.

But once he returns, Vick will regain the form he had prior to the injury, lead the Philadelphia Eagles to a deep playoff run and be crowned the regular-season MVP.

2. None of the 4 AFC Powerhouses Will Make It To the Super Bowl

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 31: Fans dressed as Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers pump their fist during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome on October 31, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints won 20-10 over the Ste

The four powerhouses I'm talking about are the Jets, Patriots, Ravens and Steelers.

They'll all be sitting home watching the Super Bowl early in 2011, because a surprise team will make it to the NFL's championship game.

1. The AFC Representative in the Super Bowl Will Be from the AFC South

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans carries running back Chris Johnson #28 over his shoulders after Johnson scored a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers in the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31,

Colts, Texans or Titans? Take your pick.

I'm not sure that the Texans defense is good enough to get there, and I'm skeptical about the Colts repeating.

So on a whim, I'll say that the Tennessee Titans will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.