So, here we are, lucky enough to get our bye week right in the middle of the season. Myself, I like having bye weeks around mid point, nice break and time to rest as well as tweak the team to improve certain situations. Our's so far, not sure whether getting complacent or tired, but preventing 3rd and 4th quarter Defensive collapses that have plagued us the last 3 games. Thankfully against the Pack, the D suddenly reawakened in the middle of the 4th to finally shut the game down. Hopefully, Chilly and the boy's are working on that as well as trying to open up hole's for A.P. So, with those thoughts put down, I wonder what everyone's thoughts are on the 2nd half starting next week. Looking ahead, the schedule is partial fluff with Detroit, Seattle and a suddenly declining and schizo Carolina (Tho my feelings it's more of a overrated coach then players). Depending on how well Crybaby Cutler is doing in Chicago, it can be easily a sweep or a split, so erring on the side of caution, I will say split, but I really see a sweep as well. Thats leaves 3 teams that really concern me. Arizona, N.Y. and yes Virginia, the Bengals.

Arizona - There are 3 simple reasons why this team should always be considered dangerous, no matter the record: Fitzgerald, Boldin (when healthy) and Warner. All 3 have the abilities to put up good numbers at anytime against any team (just ask N.Y.). For the most part, have beaten teams they should have, excluding last weeks loss to the Panthers which may be more of an anomaly. Their rushing D has improved over last year and while ranked 17 at present, has been known to make some plays as well as hold the line too. Right now, they do not appear to be suffering the dreaded losing team "Superbowl Hangover". Of course, looking at their schedule, with the exception of the Colts (who they lost too) and the Vikes, for the most part appears to be soft. Some will say they may be over rated, but a team that has the ability to bite you in the ass if youre not careful, such as letting big leads slip in the 3rd quarter, always should be taken into account. While I am calling this one a victory, it will come in the expense of a little a$$ pucker as well. Vikings win 34 - 31

Giants - This is a team that has been a thorn in our sides for some time. Yeah, we beat them last year to win the North, but we didn't score our last 10 points until the 4th Quarter, after most of their starters were rested in the 2nd half (Giants were already in the playoffs). Before that, the Giants had won 3 straight in Minny.Yes, they have lost 3 in a row right now, but this team has had rough spots before. Remember a few years ago, when some players and fans were calling for Coughlin's head? Then they turned around and beat an undefeated team in the Superbowl. Like Eli or not, he does produce even if he has a rough game here and there, they all do. The receiving corp seems to be adjusting well with the loss of Plaxico "What hole in my leg?" Burress. Between Jacobs and Bradshaw, set in the RB position too. While they are going through a rough patch, this team will right itself and soon. This is gonna be a close one as well. And given it's the last game of the season, and the way things are looking, we may be the team in "coast" mode as at present, the Pack and Bears don't seem to be a challenge for the North. I am saying the Giants in this one as we more then likely be having second team guys in there, but make no mistake, even if we were both fighting for our playoff lives, it would still be close with a good chance of N.Y. winning. Giants 21-17

Bengals - What team will they be when we meet them in week 14? Will they do a late season collapse, something they have done in the past, or will they still be tearing it up? While I think Baltimore is over rated right now, the fact they took it to the end and beat the Steelers and lost to the Broncos on a pure fluke play tell's me that yes, they have awaken. Look at what they did against a supposed "contender" team in the Bears, 45 - 10. Sure, they went into O.T. against the Browns, but the 0-16 Lions gave us a scare last season in the first game between us. They have a very capable QB in Palmer who is another that can run up good numbers against any team, a good WR in Chad "pick my name of the week" OchocincoschizoJohnson and Benson has finally become the RB the Bears wished he had been. Seems like that's been the case for the Bears since Payton retired. Their D is ranked higher overall then ours with a 5th ranked rushing D. Though their passing D isn't ranked all that much higher then our's. While their O is not as loaded as ours, they are capable. Another game I think we will win, but just barely.  Vikings 24-20

Prediction - So, at the current pace, if Favre remains healthy, I think we will finish 13-3  with a throw away game against N.Y. as we will have wrapped up the North. Make it 14-2 if Crybaby Cutler and the Bears continue to implode. A few close games against very capable and scary teams (AZ, Cincy) . However, God forbid, if something does happen to Favre, those games against Arizona and Cincy could quickly change into their favor as well as the game in Chicago and perhaps Carolina with an outside chance, tho unlikely. So, keep your fingers crossed and hope for a healthy season for our QB.

What are your thoughts, predictions?