2011 NFL Predictions: 25 Surprises You Won't See Coming

Here it is, not even the end of 2010, and I'm already thinking about 2011.

Why?

Because when I shook my Magic Eight Ball this morning and asked if there were going to be "25 Surprises You Won't See Coming" in the 2011 NFL season, my Eight Ball foretold, "All Signs Point to Yes."

However, the Eight Ball wouldn't tell me what these 25 surprises would be, so I had to go about figuring them out myself.

Here are the 25 NFL surprises I see happening in 2011.

25. Andrew Luck Will Lead Carolina to Respectable Record

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal in action against the Oregon State Beavers at Stanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

As of this writing, the Carolina Panthers are 2-12, the worst record in the NFL.

It's the worst record coach John Fox has seen since beginning in Carolina in 2002.

It doesn't help that Matt Moore got injured and Jimmy Clausen took over.

But despite Moore needing more time to season, I can't see the Panthers leaving Stanford QB Andrew Luck off their Christmas list for the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

His skillset and playing ability has him as the No. 1 QB on the board in most experts' eyes and he could be the second coming of Sam Bradford, if not better.

With Luck, even with a bad team in Carolina, I see the Panthers reaching respectability again. Luck is that good.

24. Deion Branch Will Have More Yards, TDs Than Wes Welker

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 17: Wes Welker #83 celebrate with teammate Deion Branch #84, both of the New England Patriots, after Branch caught a touchdown pass in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Foxboro,

If you haven't noticed, Deion Branch has exploded since coming back to the New England Patriots.

The 2005 Super Bowl MVP with the Patriots, he scuffled around in Seattle before making his way back to his favorite QB, Tom Brady.

Similarly, Tom Brady likes Branch too, as Branch has 681 yards and five TDs with the Patriots in just 10 games this season.

To compare, Welker has 829 yards and seven TDs in 14 games.

I still think Welker will have more catches in 2011, but Branch has become more of a big play threat in New England this season and could eclipse Welker in yards and TDs next season.

23. Pierre Thomas Will Be the Saints' No. 3 Running Back

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 05: Chris Ivory #29 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Saints won 34-30. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Gett

Before 2010, Pierre Thomas was the clear No. 1 back for the New Orleans Saints.

But after injuries have limited him severely this season, a little back by the name of Chris Ivory has emerged.

In just 130 rushes through 11 games, Ivory has 683 yards, good for 5.3 yards per carry. He also has five TDs rushing in this time.

I see him overtaking Thomas as the No. 1 and the bigger Thomas being used more in goal-line situations.

22. Seahawks Will Have a Worse Record Than in 2010

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on from the sidelines after being removed from the game in the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at Qwest Field on December 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The

The Seattle Seahawks are current owners of a 6-8 record.

Hasselbeck is getting older, they don't have a legitimate backup and their defense is just bad.

Regardless if they take Jake Locker or Cameron Newton in the draft, I don't see anyone leading this team to a better record in 2011.

If Locker or Newton start right away, it's going to be a bad situation and they are surely going to go through some growing pains.

If Hasselbeck starts, he will be worse than in 2010. I'm convinced his time has come.

21. The 49ers Will Miss Out on Top 4 QBs in Draft

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 05: Head coach Mike Singletary of the San Francisco 49ers watches as his team takes on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 5, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the 49ers 34-16. (Photo by Jonathan Da

If the San Francisco 49ers make the playoffs this year, despite finishing with a possible 7-9 record, they will still draft in the 20s.

That will most likely push them out of the sweepstakes for Andrew Luck, Ryan Mallett, Jake Locker and Cameron Newton.

But don't worry, Niners fans, they will have a backup plan (which I will talk about later).

20. The 49ers Will Win NFC West in 2011

Julian Finney/Getty Images

HERTFORD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Head Coach Mike Singletary of the San Francisco 49ers outside The Grove Hotel on October 27, 2010 in Hertford, England. The San Francisco 49ers will meet the Denver Broncos in the NFL International Series regular-season ma

With the 49ers new QB (which, like I told you, I will discuss later), they will not only win the NFC West, they will do so in convincing fashion.

Sure, beating out the rest of the NFC Worst isn't a big surprise, but still a surprise nonetheless, as they have looked awful this season.

19. Michael Vick Will Have a Worse Year Than in 2010

Nick Laham/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Sure, it's hard to duplicate 2010, but with more experience you would think Vick would have a better season in 2011.

But he won't.

In his second year after prison, Vick will have a "sophomore slump."

Teams will find a way to contain Vick (similar to the Bears and Giants in the first half of Week 15).

I still expect him to have a solid year, but not nearly what he's done this year.

18. Colt McCoy Will Lead Browns to Respectable Record

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 21: Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns passes during a game agaisnt the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 21, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Before the Cleveland Browns' last two games against Cincinnati and Buffalo, the Browns were still losing at a high rate but were still playing solid ball.

In their first 12 games, they had a 5-7 record, but had not lost by more than 10 points to the Buccaneers, Chiefs, Ravens, Falcons, Steelers, Jets or Jaguars.

They had beaten the Saints and the Patriots.

In six games with the Browns this season, McCoy played pretty well.

17. Brett Favre Will Retire

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 20: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings leaves the field after being sacked by the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium on December 20, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Sure, after Brett Favre's concussions and injuries this season, he is expected to retire.

But after what he's put all of us through the last few years (he's playing with our minds, I tell ya), if he retired in 2011, it would still be a surprise.

16. Tarvaris Jackson Won't Step in For Favre

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 13: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings talks with Tarvaris Jackson #7 during warm ups prior to playing the New York Giants at Ford Field on December 13, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Tarvaris Jackson never seems to get his shot.

When it's supposed to be his year, Favre shows up (again and again).

When he gets a chance, he injures himself.

With not a big enough sample size, when Favre retires in 2011, the Vikings probably won't be comfortable handing the reins over to "Action Jackson."

They could draft Locker, or they could trade for a suitable No. 1.

Either way, I don't see Jackson being the No. 1 QB come the start of the season.

15. Alex Smith Will Still Be on the 49ers

Donald Miralle/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers drops back to pass against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

After five years of Alex Smith not proving himself to be the answer for the Niners' QB woes, a lot of us expect him to be out of San Francisco next season.

But I don't see why the Niners wouldn't keep him as a backup.

If anything, he'll be a decent backup, and they've invested so much time into the guy I don't see why they'd quit on him now, especially when they could get him for a bargain like they did this season.

14. The Buccaneers Will Make the Playoffs

Larry French/Getty Images

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 12: Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passes against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers defeated the Redskins 17-16. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

The 8-6 Buccaneers, just 3-13 last season, are still in the playoff hunt despite losing by a touchdown or less to the Falcons (twice) and the Ravens.

In fact, it is because of their losses I expect them to be a better team next season.

A young team, the Bucs came very close this season to beating the Falcons and Ravens, and they will be even more experienced next year.

This is a team on the rise and having Josh Freeman and Mike Williams certainly helps their cause.

I expect them to earn a Wild Card spot next year.

13. The Raiders Will Make the Playoffs

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 19: Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the ball during their game against the Denver Broncos at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 19, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

This declaration might even surprise Raiders fans, after what they've had to deal with the last few years.

But this team has come out of nowhere to be a playoff contender this season.

A lot of it has to do with Darren McFadden finally being healthy and Jason Campbell standing up respectably.

It doesn't hurt that they continue to have a top pass defense in the league.

With the offense coming along, it's only a matter of time.

I expect them to win the AFC West next year, ahead of the Chiefs and the Chargers.

12. Dolphins Will Draft Cam Newton, Start Kevin Kolb

Al Bello/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 17: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles passes against the Atlanta Falcons during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 17, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

I expect the Miami Dolphins to have a chance to nab Auburn QB Cameron Newton in the draft, depending on how far Jake Locker drops.

But I don't expect them to start him right away.

In fact, with the coach I predict them to have in 2011 (more on that later), I think they will not only be able to land Eagles backup Kevin Kolb, he will actually enjoy being there.

Kolb will be their No. 1, with Cam Newton waiting in the wings.

How's that for some QB depth, Dolphins fans?

11. Kyle Orton Won't Be on The Broncos

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos throws a pass during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Gett

I know Kyle Orton is injured right now, but I expect Tim Tebow to take over from now on.

The Broncos aren't going anywhere for a couple of years and Orton's trade value is going to be mighty high after his 2010 season (I could see him being traded to Minnesota).

Trade Orton to Minnesota and start to rebuild. I may be wrong, but I think Tebow could handle it. I like him as an NFL quarterback with the little that I have seen.

10. Vince Young Won't Be With the Titans

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 23: Head coach Jeff Fisher talks to quarterback Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans during the second half against the New York Jets at LP Field on December 23, 2007 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Imag

Sure, the Titans aren't expecting Kerry Collins to start forever. But while some people think Vince Young and coach Jeff Fisher's issues can be worked out, I don't.

I think this is beyond a simple misunderstanding.

I think Fisher has made his mind up that Young won't be starting for the Titans at all anymore.

With that said, the Titans could get something in return with Vince Young, who ironically was starting to look like a decent starting quarterback before his squabble with Fisher.

9. The Bengals Will Try to Replace Carson Palmer

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 21: Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals walks off of the field after throwing an interception late in the fourth quarter of the Bengals 49-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Paul Brown Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Cincinnati,

And no, I don't mean with his young brother Jordan Palmer, currently the backup on the team.

I may be wrong, but I see Carson's days being numbered in Cincinnati.

In his seven seasons with the team, the Bengals have had two winning seasons and Carson still hasn't proven he's an elite quarterback in this league.

Despite having both Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco on his team this season, whether it's his fault or not, he still doesn't stand out in Cincy.

8. The New York Giants Will Miss the Playoffs

Nick Laham/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs in the game winning touchdown on a punt return against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ni

I could see either the Green Bay Packers or Tampa Bay Buccaneers winning the Wild Card over the Giants next season.

Last week against Philadelphia was a microcosm of the Giants lately: a team loaded with talent that still can't seem to beat the top teams (unless you count Week 4 against the Bears when Cutler was himself in a previous life).

I think there's some issues with this team and I could see them slipping. Still a solid team, but with something missing.

Note: I think coach Tom Coughlin is doing the "Moonwalk" in this picture. Except it's the Angry Moonwalk.

7. John Fox Will Be Fired

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

CLEVELAND - NOVEMBER 28: Head coach John Fox of the Carolina Panthers reacts to a call against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

Carolina Panthers coach John Fox is respected throughout the league and certainly respected in the Panthers organization, but after a while, if the results aren't there, you've got to admit it's just not working.

In his nine seasons in Carolina, the Panthers have finished above 8-8 only three times.

This year they are 2-12. Sure, they don't have the most talent in the world, but Fox is not producing wins and that's what matters.

6. Bill Cowher Will Coach the Miami Dolphins

Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 5: Pittsburgh Steelers' Coach Bill Cowher announces his retirement during a press conference at the Pittsburgh Steelers' headquarters on January 5, 2007 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)

Now Dolphins fans must really be brimming with grinning.

Draft Cam Newton, land Kevin Kolb and land coach Bill Cowher?

I swear, everyone, I'm not a Dolphins fan.

But I could conceivably see Cowher taking over for Tony Sparano in light of a bad season for the Dolphins.

Plus, Cowher has even said he has his eyes set on the Dolphins, Giants or Texans.

I don't see Coughlin going anywhere and I don't see Kubiak going anywhere either.

That leaves the Miami Dolphins.

5. Rex Grossman Will Start For The Redskins

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Rex Grossman #8 of the Washington Redskins during play against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

I fully expect Donovan McNabb to be on his way out of Washington.

Especially due to the fact that, if the Redskins cut him after the 2010 season, they reportedly only owe him $3.75 million.

This whole Mike Shanahan-Donovan McNabb thing clearly isn't working out.

I expect Shanahan to stick with Grossman and be more controversial than he already has been.

4. Norv Turner Will Be Fired

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 12: Head coach Norv Turner of the San Diego Chargers signals to an official that there should have been a facemask penalty against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium on December 12, 2010 in San Diego, California. the Charger

The San Diego Chargers could sneak into the playoffs this year, but I doubt it.

I don't expect them to sneak into the playoffs next season, either.

This will lead to more questions about Norv Turner's head coaching ability and he will consequently be fired.

The talent has always been there for a possible Super Bowl run, but Turner and the Chargers have never delivered.

3. Terrell Owens Won't Have a Job

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

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

Terrell Owens is old, he just tore his meniscus and teams are wary of him, due to his history.

His past teams certainly won't take him.

For more on why I think Terrell Owens is officially done, click here for details and a couple of jokes, too.

2. The Falcons Will Be the Team to Beat

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 19: Wide receiver Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

And by THE team, I mean THE team.

Including the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles.

I see this team on the rise with such players as Matt Ryan and Roddy White maturing.

Atlanta's main crux is their passing defense.

You add some pieces there via the draft or a trade and the Falcons are golden.

Well, not golden, but definitely a possibility to beat the Patriots and Eagles.

Bring on the hate mail, y'all.

1. The 49ers Will Land Donovan McNabb

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins on the sidelines against play against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Remember I told you to wait for that No. 1 surprise, Niners fans?

Well, here it is.

Donovan McNabb is done in Washington, in my eyes, and the 49ers would trade just about anything to land a good quarterback.

Despite the year McNabb has had this season, he is still a good quarterback.

The Niners have plenty of talent on their team, with very little winning to show for it.

Throw some of that talent into the deal and land yourself a steady veteran quarterback for a young offense.

Bingo.

The 49ers would be foolish not to pursue McNabb if his time is indeed done in Washington but, then again, the 49ers organization has done a lot of foolish things lately.

I expect McNabb would certainly prefer leading a storied franchise back from the depths than languishing on the bench with coach Mike Shanahan glaring at him all the time.