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So far the 2005-06 NFL season has failed to live up to the overzealousmajority’s expectations. The New England Patriots look as if theyhave never won a Super Bowl. The Philadelphia Eagles are regressingto the days when indiscretion and low morale were their toughestopponents. (Remember the days when management showed their appreciationfor Reggie White, Keith Byars, Randall Cunningham, and Seth Joynerby releasing them rather than paying them.) The Carolina Panthers,for the second consecutive year, have disregarded the sentimentsof those predicting their return to football’s grand stage infavor of their own wishes—which consists of being the best wildcard team they can be. Oh, and let’s not forget a team that waspredicted by many to win the Super Bowl despite the departureof Mr. Moss. In fact, this team may go down as the first in historyto celebrate a prediction and not an achievement. They eschewedthoughts of the Vince Lombardi trophy and all of its laurels infavor of a maritime celebration complete with sexual bliss. Theyare the Minnesota Vikings.

Now, if you happen to be a member of the silentminority like myself, then you were already well aware that Indianapoliswould be the best first half team of the season and that TampaBay is a dangerous team simply because opposing teams’ kickersprovide the best chance of scoring against them. Plus, you werenot only a believer that Mark Brunell was the right quarterbackfor Washington, but also that Drew Bledsoe would thrive in Dallas.Also, like me, you probably had no idea that Bill Parcells wouldswing at his receivers’ coach in the heat of an argument withan official during a game. But we don’t claim to be psychics--just realists.

Realism always prevails, especially in a sportwhere fantasy via its football association, tends to be more misguidingthan its enthusiasts realize. And yes, the reality of DaylightSavings Time always affects the ill-prepared and reverses thefortunes of many a team. Unfortunately this week’s victim willbe the Philadelphia Eagles, who will be a few steps behind onevery play against Denver. In fact, the Eagles will not win anothergame until November 14th when Dallas invades Lincoln FinancialField. Of course, by this time the New York Giants will have thedivision lead thanks to inspired football on behalf of the late,great Wellington Mara.

Moreover, in the NFC south, Atlanta will catchup with their nemesis Tampa Bay. Both teams will run a tight raceuntil the ghost of Christmas Eve hands Atlanta a loss in Tampathus spearheading Tampa to a division crown. However, the realsurprise in the NFC will be the Seattle Seahawks who won’t bechallenged until November 27th when they host the Giants. Seattleis tough to beat at home and a light schedule following this victorywill condition them to beat Indianapolis on Christmas Eve--ontheir turf. Plus, Indianapolis will struggle in the second halfof the season, not because of a tough schedule but because ofa thin defense that still possesses many flaws.

With that being said, the two teams to watchout for at large are in the AFC. They are the Pittsburgh Steelersand the Jacksonville Jaguars. Pittsburgh should end up with arecord of 13-3, while Jacksonville will finish with a 12-4 mark.The Steelers will not lose until they play in Indianapolis onNovember 28th. In a transcendent effort the Colts will close outa tough month in which they are burdened by another loss to thePatriots. The good news for the Steelers is that they will notlose another game after this until the playoffs. On the otherhand, the Jaguars will shock everyone by winning the divisiondespite having the same record as the Colts, 12-4. The Jaguars’once formidable run defense has been torched lately but Stroudand Henderson won’t be tested until they face Edgerrin James onDecember 11th in Jacksonville. As much as I am rooting for theColts, I realize that Jacksonville has a much more indulgent schedule.And as I said earlier, it’s all about realism baby.

Leonard Dozier writes for TrevRogers Sports,which can be found at www.TrevRogers.com .