The NFL season is more than one-third complete and its been an exciting six weeks. Now that we have a relatively decent grasp on what’s occurred and what to expect for the rest of the ‘08 campaign I thought it would be a good time to sit back, analyze some results and talk about the immediate future of the NFL.

10. The Lions to pick up their first 2008 victory with an upset over the Panthers in Carolina in Week 11-Matt Millen drove this team into the ground while driving Lions fans to drink. I live with a Lions fan and can attest to that fact. It is a sad, sad day in a man’s life when his favorite team’s quarterback waltzes out of the back of his own end zone, costing his team a shot at their first victory and causing my roommate to contemplate drinking cooking wine because we were out of beer. But that’s why they’re the Lions.

9. The Seahawks to fold for the remainder of the season - So you’re decimated by injuries. Not really an excuse here. Holmgren has officially named Seneca Wallace the team’s starter under center in Week 7. We can’t properly determine whether or not that’s an improvement from Charlie Frye in Week 6, likely because we’re too busy gagging at the thought that this team might be able to limp into the playoffs. Seahawks faithful should brace themselves and expect the worst because right now their best bet is to call Daunte Culpepper in for a workout. Yes, really.

8. Drew Brees to break Dan Marino’s record for passing yards in a season - Seriously, this guy look’s unreal right now. He’s averaging over 330 yards per contest and that’s been without top receiving options Marques Colston, Jeremy Shockey and David Patten. Brees is currently on pace to better Marino’s mark by nearly 300 yards by season’s end. Five years ago, after Brees went 19-for-30 with less than 200 yards, three picks, a lost fumble, and got sacked six times in a loss to the Dolphins, this type of performance was the furthest thing from people’s minds. How quickly they grow up.

7. The Chiefs to realize they have to start from scratch - They have two weapons on offense right now: Larry Johnson and Dwayne Bowe. The problem is that Johnson is clearly unhappy and you’re not giving him the ball anyway. The issue with Bowe is that you have a quarterback carousel with Brodie Croyle, Damon Huard and Tyler Thigpen all on board. How about you just punt and start over? Remember Herm, “You plaaaaay to wiiiin the gaaaame.”

6. Peyton Manning to be Peyton Manning - So far this season Manning’s performance has been sub-par to say the least. But, after having Marvin Harrison show up for the first time in two years and tight end Dallas Clark finally nearing 100 percent, the best Manning will hit his stride and step back into elite form. Additionally, in the Giants loss to the Browns on Monday Night Football last week, we saw the re-emergence of our usual bewildered Eli, so all seems right with the world as far as Mannings are concerned.

5. Reggie Bush to finally silence the few people still defending the Mario Williams pick - Generally, I’m a strong advocate of drafting linemen and linebackers in the first round. But, when the Texans passed on the Heisman-toting Bush in the ‘06 draft, I thought it had to be fixed. It was hard to envision this as a serious possibility without Sean Payton passing an envelope full of illegitimate cash to Gary Kubiak in a shady scene straight out of a gangster movie. Bush will cement Kubiak’s mistake by leading all fantasy running backs in total points at the season’s end.

4. Jason Witten to have the best season of any tight end ever - He’s currently on pace to set NFL record for receiving yards in a season and, with Big D’s addition of Roy Williams to help spread out defenses, should continue down the same path. The big “if” in this situation is Tony Romo’s pinkie finger. Witten is Romo’s most relied upon target, so the potential insertion of Brad Johnson in the starting lineup, could derail Witten’s dream season.

3. The fantasy world to collectively realize LT is overrated - This will be the second straight year where LT’s production has dropped significantly. Combine that with an improving Philip Rivers, more competition in the AFC with the Bills, Titans, and Broncos, and Norv Turner’s apparent inability to run a cohesive offense, and you’re left with a running back who has fallen from grace. He will slip from the top spot on ‘09 draft boards by punching in for a mediocre ‘08.

2. Tampa Bay and Tennessee to ruin the playoff experience for everyone - I have compiled a short list of things that I would rather do than watch either of these teams play:

- Cut the grass
- Wait for an old person to cross the street
- Watch the WNBA
- Sit in traffic
- Get in a fist fight with Jon Gruden

Any game in which either of these teams is involved is sure to be low-scoring, sloppy, and uninteresting. In the final seconds, one player with no fantasy-consequence whatsoever, like Bo Scaife, will make a big play to decide the game. I’ll kindly pass, thanks.

1. You will develop an eternal hate for at least one fantasy player by the season’s end - It may have already happened because of DeSean Jackson’s bonehead fumble a few weeks ago. Or Sage Rosenfels’ high turnover act in the waning minutes of the Houston vs. Indy game. Or, it may be a player to be named later. But when it happens, be sure to embrace the fact that your feelings for said player will never be the same again. That kind of passion, which borders on hatred, is what makes fantasy football fun. Don’t let it pass you by.