Temple 3 - Thought, Word and Deed

These are my early, early predictions for the upcoming season. Right now, everyone is healthy except for Drew Brees, Carson Palmer and Daunte Culpepper. The rookies haven't held out as yet. They haven't impressed or disappointed yet. No one has erupted in training camp (see Terrell Owens for additional details). No coaches have been placed on the hot seat or received "votes of confidence." There haven't been any natural disasters (fingers will remain crossed through October). And, there are still plenty of trades to be made before the pre-season ends.

I will revisit these picks later in the year to see how far off I am. At this point, I can only hope something sticks. Here goes:

* - Terrell Owens will blow up at Bledsoe because the QB holds the ball too long. Bledsoe will be unfazed, but it will be national news unless Cowboys W's make the story seem lame.

* - Santonio Holmes will have a difficult adjustment period with the Steelers on regular formation until around Week 10. His first break-out game will be spectacular. 125+ yards, 2 TDs.

* - The Texans will not regret letting Reggie Bush go to the Saints. The Texans will be dynamic on offense and score about 24 points per game. Carr will be an early MVP candidate, but will tail off in the second half of the season - unless he can develop a relationship with Eric Moulds and Jeff Putzier.

* - The Dolphins will beat the Patriots in New England.

* - The Arizona Cardinals will make the playoffs.

* - The Carolina Panthers will play in the Super Bowl if DeShaun Foster stays healthy.

* - Larry Johnson will be the league MVP and the Chiefs will make the playoffs.

* - The Chargers, Bengals and Patriots will face difficult schedules and TWO of these teams will MISS the playoffs.

* - The New York Giants will lose to the Panthers in the NFC Conference Championship, 35-21.

* - The Detroit Lions will win 7 games this year.

* - The Saints will win 10 games this year.

* - Steve McNair will lead the Baltimore Ravens to the playoffs and the Ravens will beat the Steelers, in Pittsburgh.

* - The Jets will be terrible...again.

* - The Buffalo Bills will be looking for a quarterback after Week 6.

* - The Oakland Raiders will play hard for the first time in 15 years. They won't make the playoffs and will not beat the Broncos or Chiefs in the second half of the season.

* - Jake Plummer will regress because the presence of Jay Cutler will cause Jake the Snake to look over his shoulder and play like a nervous college kid.

* - Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle-El will make the Dallas DBs cry during both games this season. Parcells will have to wipe their tears with T.O.'s hand towel.

* - Lavar Arrington will have 10 sacks.

* - John Abraham will have 16+ sacks and lead the NFC in sacks for the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons will win no less than 11 games.

* - The Falcons will eventually trade TJ Duckett to the Steelers for draft picks.

* - Domanick Davis will run for 1200 yards, catch 45 passes and score 8 touchdowns for the Houston Texans.

* - Daunte Culpepper will be the hottest thing to hit South Florida since Marino. He will rediscover his feathery touch and throw 30+ TDs.

* - Edgerrin James will be unstoppable, except in games against the Seahawks. He destroys everyone else and outgains Shaun Alexander.

* - Tiki Barber begins to seriously think about Canton (and he won't be alone) after another 1,700 yard season with no fumbles.

* - The Offensive Rookie of the Year will be Reggie Bush.

* - The Defensive Rookie of the Year will be Kamerion Wimbley.

* - Comeback Player of the Year will be Priest Holmes.

* - The Defensive Player of the Year will be Troy Polamalu.

* - The Coach of the Year will be John Fox, Carolina Panthers.

* - The surprise team of the year will be the Texans with the additions of Kubiak (coach), Moulds, Putzier and Mario Williams.