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STATS, LLC Week 11 of the 2009 Regular Season

Thu 11/19
Dolphins 24
Panthers 17
Final
Sun 11/22
Saints -
Buccaneers -
1 p.m. ET
Sun 11/22
Falcons -
Giants -
1 p.m. ET
Sun 11/22
Seahawks -
Vikings -
1 p.m. ET
Sun 11/22
Steelers -
Chiefs -
1 p.m. ET
Sun 11/22
Bills -
Jaguars -
1 p.m. ET
Sun 11/22
49ers -
Packers -
1 p.m. ET
Sun 11/22
Browns -
Lions -
1 p.m. ET
Sun 11/22
Redskins -
Cowboys -
1 p.m. ET
Sun 11/22
Colts -
Ravens -
1 p.m. ET
Sun 11/22
Cardinals -
Rams -
4:05 p.m. ET
Sun 11/22
Bengals -
Raiders -
4:15 p.m. ET
Sun 11/22
Jets -
Patriots -
4:15 p.m. ET
Sun 11/22
Chargers -
Broncos -
4:15 p.m. ET
Sun 11/22
Eagles -
Bears -
8:20 p.m. ET
Mon 11/23
Titans -
Texans -
8:30 p.m. ET

AFC midseason team reports

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  • brandon-meriweather-closeup-111109
    Patriots FS Brandon Meriweather

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By PFW staff

Editor's note: You can find PFW's analysis of additional categories for each team in the midseason team reports found in our current print edition, Vol. XXIV, No. 18, dated Nov. 15, 2009. You can purchase a copy online at PFWstore.com.

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills

Biggest surprise: Considering what the Bills were expecting from him in Year One, CB Jairus Byrd has exceeded hopes dramatically. A second-round pick in April who missed much of the offseason after sports hernia surgery, he has come in and instantly improved a pass defense that has been decimated by injuries, intercepting seven passes. If his solid play continues, he'll be in the running for Rookie of the Year honors.

Biggest disappointment: The Bills were hoping Terrell Owens would be the difference-making receiver they had been lacking when they gave him $6.5 million this offseason. But thus far, he hardly has been noticed. T.O. has just two TDs and hasn't had more than five catches or 60 yards in any game. Approaching age 36, he no longer has the ability to separate from defenders or stretch the field.

Fantasy MVP: His production has taken a dive since Marshawn Lynch returned from suspension in Week Four, but RB Fred Jackson was a very solid fantasy player early on. In the first three games, Jackson scored once and averaged almost 142 yards from scrimmage, torching the Bucs for 163 yards on 28 carries. On an offense that's been stagnant, he's the only Bill who has made a significant fantasy impact at any point this season.

Assistant coach on the rise: Given that key players like CB Leodis McKelvin, SS Donte Whitner and FS Bryan Scott have all missed time with injuries thus far, DB coach George Catavolos has done an amazing job. Buffalo is allowing only 198.8 passing yards per game, and it has a whopping 15 interceptions. A veteran position coach, Catavolos also deserves credit for the rapid development of rookie FS Jairus Byrd.

Fearless prediction: The Bills will come out of the bye week playing well and run their record to at least .500, perhaps better. However, a string of tough games late will result in losses and lead to yet another disappointing campaign. Following the season, head coach Dick Jauron and much of his staff will be given the pink slip as the organization chooses to start fresh.

 

Miami Dolphins

Biggest surprise: Few expected the Dolphins' ground game to improve as much as it has in 2009. Miami's offense leans heavily on its running backs to keep the chains moving, and Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams delivered in the first half of the season. The team's offensive line deserves more credit than it gets.

Biggest disappointment: After a 17½-sack season, expectations were high for Joey Porter to be the top playmaker on defense, but he hasn't reached the high bar set for him and has been outplayed by fellow OLB Jason Taylor. Porter is still a big talker, but he hasn't backed it up with his play yet this season, and that has made the defense less imposing.

Fantasy MVP: Brown has been one of the more productive backs in the league. He's an every-week starter, and his seven TDs make him a particularly valuable fantasy player. It's true that he's had some bad games, including an 11-carry, 27-yard showing vs. the Jets in Week Eight, but he has balanced those kinds of games with a couple of great ones.

Assistant coach on the rise: Assistant head coach/secondary Todd Bowles is already on the head-coaching radar. He interviewed with the Lions and Broncos for their head-coaching vacancies last offseason and could strengthen his credentials this season if he finds a way to get the most out of the team's two rookie cornerbacks, Sean Smith and Vontae Davis, who will be starting the rest of the way.

Fearless prediction: Injuries to key players in the first half of the season on defense will take their toll in the final eight games, and the Dolphins will miss the playoffs, although they will finish a respectable second in the AFC East.

 

New England Patriots

Biggest surprise: FS Brandon Meriweather has become one of the more dependable defenders, twice locking down top tight ends in Tony Gonzalez and Kellen Winslow. Meriweather's big game in London also featured two INTs, one of which he returned for a TD. The team's good pass defense owes no small part to Meriweather's vast improvement. If he gets a little sounder in his tackling, we could be looking at an All-Pro-caliber player.

Biggest disappointment: WR Joey Galloway was thought to be the perfect complement to Randy Moss and Wes Welker, able to draw deep safeties away from them and stretch the field with an occasional Tom Brady bomb in a diverse passing attack. But not only could Galloway not win the No. 3 WR job, losing to rookie Julian Edelman, but he was cut in mid-October after playing in only three games.

Fantasy MVP: With his relatively slow start, Brady might have disappointed some owners who expected 2007-caliber numbers. But the past three contests have shown that Brady remains a dangerous fantasy weapon.

Assistant coach on the rise: QB coach Bill O'Brien, who has replaced Josh McDaniels as the offensive play-caller, received some criticism early this season when the offense was not humming as expected. But very quietly he has done a nice job in putting his own stamp on the offense, developing more of a downfield passing game and becoming an effective communicator. O'Brien also has done nice work with undrafted rookie backup QB Brian Hoyer, who has looked prepared in a couple of mop-up efforts.

Fearless prediction: The Patriots continue their hot-and-cool pattern through a tough part of the schedule but enter the playoffs more battle-tested. They might not be Super Bowl-caliber, but the Pats could make some postseason noise.

 

New York Jets

Biggest surprise: The Jets weren't expected to compete for a playoff spot, but they're second in the AFC East at 4-4 and aren't out of the race yet. It has been surprising to see the extremes at which the club performs, and it's going to need to put forth a more consistent effort in the final eight games.

Biggest disappointment: Head coach Rex Ryan might have allowed his team to grow too confident after getting off to a 3-0 start. The Jets lost their way in the second quarter of the season and have dropped four of their last five games, including two close contests to the division-rival Dolphins.

Fantasy MVP: RB Thomas Jones has been very up-and-down this year, but the ups have been very good for fantasy owners. He came through with major points vs. the Bills in Week Six when he accounted for 227 rushing-receiving yards and scored one TD. His seven TDs on the year make him the clear choice.

Assistant coach on the rise: Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine has helped oversee significant improvement on the Jets' defense, as the unit, which ranked 16th in the league last season, has jumped to No. 2 in the league. He's in his first year as a coordinator after coaching outside linebackers for the Ravens previously. He's still relatively young at 43 and could be getting head-coaching interviews before long.

Fearless prediction: QB Mark Sanchez will not replicate the success Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco had as rookies, as he will be unable to lead the Jets into the postseason in his first year in the league.

 

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens

Biggest surprise: WR Kelley Washington came to the Ravens with a reputation as a special-teams ace, not as a pass catcher. But he has been given a chance to play more on offense in Baltimore, and the 30-year-old receiver has made the most of the opportunity, emerging as the No. 3 receiver.

Biggest disappointment: The Ravens simply have not been able to replace the production of ILB Bart Scott, who followed ex-Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan to the Jets. Tavares Gooden has struggled in place of Scott, and the Ravens have had to turn to multiple players to fill the role.

Fantasy MVP: In yardage formats, RB Ray Rice has produced like a first-round pick. Quick and elusive, Rice is getting the lion's share of the work in the Ravens' backfield. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield makes him all the more difficult to take out of the lineup. In short, he's a must-start in most leagues. 

Assistant coach on the rise: Joe Flacco's rapid development reflects well on QB coach Hue Jackson, who has previous experience as an offensive coordinator and could very well get another chance to call plays in the years to come. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron's work also cannot be overlooked, but Jackson is less well-known.

Fearless prediction: The Ravens' defensive regression, a major factor in their 1-4 slide after a 3-0 start, will continue, and it will leave them behind Cincinnati and Pittsburgh in the AFC North — and out of the playoffs. The club's CB play has been a major issue all season, as has finding a capable complement to Ray Lewis at inside linebacker. The Ravens are likely to address both positions in the offseason.

 

Cincinnati Bengals

Biggest surprise: Last season, RB Cedric Benson was a serviceable starter. This season, he has been a star, running with speed and power and being every bit the dependable bell-cow back he was billed to be coming out of Texas. Give him credit for turning his career around after a disappointing stint in Chicago — and give the Bengals credit for giving him a second chance.

Biggest disappointment: WR Laveranues Coles hasn't come close to replacing the production of the departed T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Coles, signed to a four-year, $28 million contract in the offseason, has only 22 catches in Cincy's first eight games.

Fantasy MVP: Benson was likely drafted as a backup in most fantasy leagues, but he's played like a starter all season. No NFL back has had nearly as many carries as Benson (24.8 carries per game), a workhorse at the University of Texas who has rekindled his career in Cincinnati. Expect him to continue to carry a heavy workload down the stretch, particularly as the weather turns colder.

Assistant coach on the rise: Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has been an excellent fit with the Bengals. The defense can be unsound at times against the pass, but it shuts down the run, and there's no question that Zimmer and head coach Marvin Lewis are on the same page when it comes to scheme and personnel.

Fearless prediction: The Bengals will return to the playoffs for the first time since 2005. Cincinnati just doesn't have many glaring weaknesses on either side of the ball, and Lewis' club has been consistent all season. The Bengals are for real.

 

Cleveland Browns

Biggest surprise: Rookie WR Mohamed Massaquoi appears to have a bright future. He had impressive games vs. divisional foes Cincinnati and Pittsburgh and has proven he can get open deep. While his hands are inconsistent and his all-around game must improve, he has at least shown he has some ability.

Biggest disappointment: In Week Three, head coach Eric Mangini turned to QB Derek Anderson to spark the offense. The experiment has been a failure. Anderson played reasonably well in his first start, but he has struggled mightily ever since. His inaccuracy, not to mention a penchant for forcing the ball into coverage, has been glaring, and it might lead to him losing his job after the bye.

Fantasy MVP: We'll split the award between RBs Jerome Harrison and Jamal Lewis. Harrison rolled for 153 total yards in the Browns' Week Four game vs. Cincinnati, and he may have been started in some leagues because Lewis was out with an injury. The following week, Lewis returned to rush for 117 yards on 31 carries in Cleveland's lone win of the season vs. Buffalo. For a team that's scored only five offensive TDs and has few starter-caliber fantasy players, this is the best we can do in terms of the MVP discussion.

Assistant coach on the rise: The Browns' special teams have been a bright spot in a tough season, and assistant head coach/special-teams coach Brad Seely has done a nice job with the group. Seely earned praise for his work in New England before joining the Browns.

Fearless prediction: QB Brady Quinn will return to the starting lineup and will fare better than his predecessor — raising more questions as to why Mangini ever pulled him in the first place. Quinn won't lead Cleveland to a slew of wins in the second half of the season, but his superior accuracy to Anderson's will give the offense a lift.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

Biggest surprise: Rookie WR Mike Wallace has stepped right in for the departed Nate Washington as Pittsburgh's deep threat. Wallace has excellent speed and catches the ball well; the latter skill has separated him from 2008 second-rounder Limas Sweed. Wallace quickly has earned QB Ben Roethlisberger's trust and looks to be a big part of the offense for years to come.

Biggest disappointment: This hasn't been a good season for PK Jeff Reed, whose kickoffs have been poor and whose accuracy on field goals has left something to be desired. Making matters worse, Reed has been arrested twice since the Steelers won Super Bowl XLIII, with the latest incident happening in October.

Fantasy MVP: Roethlisberger is riddling opposing secondaries. Though he's probably not going to throw as many TDs as he did in 2007, when he delighted fantasy owners with 32 touchdowns in 15 games, he's on pace to set a career high for passing yards. Undoubtedly drafted as a backup by many fantasy owners, Roethlisberger has been a reliable starter.

Assistant coach on the rise: DL coach John Mitchell doesn't get much publicity, but year after year, he does a very good job preparing the Steelers' defensive line. The Steelers' D-line will be put to the test with DLE Aaron Smith lost for the season with a right shoulder injury, but the Steelers have long been known for the readiness of their backup linemen, and Mitchell deserves credit for that.

Fearless prediction: Roethlisberger, in the midst of one of his finest campaigns, will throw for more than 4,000 yards, and the Steelers will capture the AFC North for a third consecutive season.

 

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans

Biggest surprise: Rookie SLB Brian Cushing is making a strong push for the Pro Bowl in his first NFL season. He already has twice earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He has been a force vs. the run, but he also has been very good in pass defense. In short, the rookie from USC has played a major role in the defense's turnaround after a terrible start to the season.

Biggest disappointment: RB Steve Slaton's second NFL season has left much to be desired. He barely gained more than three yards per carry in the first half of the season, and fumbling problems landed him on the bench early in Week Eight's win at Buffalo. The Texans' offensive line hasn't blocked as well as it did a season ago, but Slaton also seems to have regressed.

Fantasy MVP: Fantasy owners will note that QB Matt Schaub already has more TD passes than he had last season. More importantly, he has improved his all-around game. He's making fewer mistakes. He's handling pass-rush pressure well. Also, he's been durable, starting every game this season. The risk of injuries and inconsistency may have affected Schaub's fantasy value entering this season, but he's playing as if he will be a star for years to come.

Assistant coach on the rise: After playing terribly in September, the Texans' defense has taken a big leap forward, and that's a credit to defensive coordinator Frank Bush, whose players have bought into his scheme. He's emphasized speed over size along the defensive line, and his LB corps, led by veteran DeMeco Ryans and rookie Cushing, have also thrived in his attacking scheme. 

Fearless prediction: The Texans will finish with a winning record for the first time in franchise history, but they will fall just short of that elusive first-ever playoff berth. While they are capable of pushing AFC powers Indianapolis (Week 12) and New England (Week 17), they probably can't beat both of them, and that will keep them out of the postseason mix.

 

Indianapolis Colts

Biggest surprises: With WR Anthony Gonzalez out of the mix for a while, fourth-round draft pick Austin Collie and second-year pro Pierre Garçon, who spent almost all of his rookie season playing on special teams, have more than picked up the slack. Collie, a polished route runner, has done a surprisingly solid job replacing Gonzalez in the slot. Besides having a really cool French-sounding name, Garçon can run like the wind and has become a serious downfield threat.

Biggest disappointment: The Colts' ground game is better than it was in 2008, when an injury to C Jeff Saturday and RB Joseph Addai's health problems took their toll. But it's still not very good and remains a work in progress as it has not developed as quickly as expected. The team still believes, however, that when it needs to run — as was the case late against the Niners — it is able to do so.

Fantasy MVP: Although decent cases could be made for both WR Reggie Wayne and TE Dallas Clark, QB Peyton Manning, arguably in the midst of his best season ever, is the best choice. A strong candidate for league MVP honors, Manning has thrown multiple TD passes in five of eight games, and in the one game in which he did not have any TD passes (Week Eight vs. the 49ers), he still managed to throw for 347 yards. He's on a pace to throw a club-record 626 passes for a league-record 5,090 yards.

Assistant coach on the rise: Special-teams coordinator Ray Rychelski, who has risen from the college ranks, has done an excellent job revitalizing the team's previously weak coverage units. His rah-rah college approach has been very well-received.

Fearless prediction: Manning will be the league MVP, and while they won't remain undefeated, the Colts will make it to the Super Bowl, where they'll fall to the Saints.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Biggest surprise: While it was discussed in the offseason, it was hard to foresee the 3-4 becoming Jacksonville's base "D" in 2009. However, defensive coordinator Mel Tucker's familiarity with the scheme, a season-ending leg injury to DE Reggie Hayward, and the ineffectiveness of DEs Derrick Harvey, Quentin Groves, Jeremy Mincey and James Wyche — Mincey and Wyche were cut — spurred the transition. The Jaguars hope Harvey and Groves, the team's top two draft picks in 2008, will be more productive as outside 'backers.

Biggest disappointment: Jacksonville's inability to create pressure on opposing passers is the most glaring deficiency. Managing only eight sacks in their first eight games, the Jaguars are having a very hard time getting off the field on third downs, and the secondary is getting torched on big plays all too often.

Fantasy MVP: In PFW's final preseason fantasy draft board, Maurice Jones-Drew was the third-ranked running back. After eight games, though, MJD leads all RBs in total fantasy points. In addition to his league-leading 11 rushing touchdowns, MJD is a proven commodity, catching passes out of the backfield, and has rushed for at least 97 yards in five of the Jaguars' eight contests. In their other three games — two of which were losses — MJD was used sparingly, carrying the ball 13 times or fewer. Fantasy owners should be pleased with Jones-Drew's durability this season but also may be a bit frustrated with his lack of touches in some games.

Assistant coach on the rise: WR coach Todd Monken has done a really nice job with a group of young, new faces, making the WR corps the team's most-improved unit in '09. While having consummate pro and future Hall of Famer Torry Holt around certainly has helped, Monken has preached discipline and hard work after last year's group was sorely lacking in those departments. QB David Garrard is on record as saying he feels much more comfortable with this year's group and that they have made his life a lot easier. Mike Sims-Walker looks like a star in only his second season of game action, and rookie Mike Thomas has also made great strides. Late-round picks Tiquan Underwood and Jarett Dillard haven't made an impact just yet, but the future appears bright.

Fearless prediction: A 6-10 record. Obviously, no one is catching the Colts, and history tells us that it's going to take 10 wins to grab a wild-card spot. Thus, the 4-4 Jaguars would need to win six of their final eight. With road trips to New England, the Meadowlands and their second West Coast journey of the season (San Francisco) still looming, and divisional rivals Indianapolis and Houston coming in to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, it's not looking good.

 

Tennessee Titans

Biggest surprise: The Titans' 2-6 start is shocking, and it highlighted unexpected problems across the board. The defense, so sound in 2008, fell apart, particularly against the pass. The offense sputtered, with QB Kerry Collins, before being benched, not playing as well as he had the previous season. And on special teams, the Titans struggled to find a consistent returner and a capable punter once Craig Hentrich was lost for the season.

Biggest disappointment: FS Michael Griffin has not built on his Pro Bowl season of 2008. He has missed tackles and has struggled in coverage. Overall, the play of the secondary was a major problem for much of the first half of the season, and especially when CBs Cortland Finnegan and Nick Harper and S Vincent Fuller missed times with injuries.

Fantasy MVP: Chris Johnson, end of story. The Titans' second-year running back has the speed needed to vex any defense and is capable of single-handedly winning a fantasy matchup for you, as evidenced by his huge performances in Week Two and Week Eight. He may not score every week, but he's still likely to rack up a respectable yardage total, and he isn't easily benched.

Assistant coach on the rise: The Titans' offensive line played well even as the team slid to an 0-6 start. OL coach Mike Munchak has done a wonderful job developing the line into one of the NFL's better units.

Fearless prediction: QB Vince Young will play well enough down the stretch to remain on the Titans' roster in 2010. Owner Bud Adams is a major Young supporter, and Young's first two starts may signal that the former Texas star has turned a corner in his development.

 

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos

Biggest surprise: It has to be a surprise that head coach Josh McDaniels' plan, once widely panned by observers, is working so well in his first year. It looked like the franchise was heading in a downward spiral ever since Jay Cutler was traded, but this has been one of the more impressive teams thus far, and McDaniels deserves a great deal of credit for turning things around so quickly.

Biggest disappointment: There have been few disappointments for Denver, but shaky special-teams play has been a problem. Second-year P Brett Kern didn't improve after showing promise as a rookie last year, and he was cut during the bye week. Field-goal protection also has been less than ideal, and mistakes on special teams in Week Five vs. the Patriots almost cost Denver a win.

Fantasy MVP: His numbers aren't overwhelming, but Kyle Orton has been a steady fantasy player this season. He has mostly avoided mistakes — he had made only one turnover in the first seven games before throwing three picks in Week Nine — and has thrown at least one TD in all but the past two games.

Assistant coach on the rise: Offensive coordinator/QB coach Mike McCoy has had his profile enhanced this season. He's not the play-caller in Denver, as McDaniels handles those duties, but don't discount what learning from McDaniels can do for a coach. McCoy has helped oversee Orton's development since taking over, and that is sure to impress some higher-ups around the league.

Fearless prediction: Despite their thrilling start, the Broncos will have to fight off a late surge from the Chargers for the AFC West title and will finish just one game better than San Diego before exiting the playoffs in the second round.

 

Kansas City Chiefs

Biggest surprise: The Chiefs were hoping to find a diamond in the rough when they used the final pick of the 2009 draft on PK Ryan Succop — and it looks like they did. Succop not only has shown surprising accuracy, hitting 11-of-14 field-goal attempts, but his range has been impressive, as well. The rookie has drilled five kicks from 40 yards and beyond, including one from 53 yards.

Biggest disappointment: During a season in which K.C. needed RB Larry Johnson to be effective to take pressure off the passing game, L.J. was been anything but, gaining 2.7 yards per carry with zero TDs. He then decided to become a distraction to the franchise, making offensive remarks that got him suspended for two weeks and then released.

Fantasy MVP: On an offense in which nobody is putting up impressive stats, WR Dwayne Bowe gets this distinction almost by default. Despite missing one game due to injury, he still has 23 catches for 301 yards and four TDs, numbers worthy of a No. 3 fantasy receiver. While expectations were much higher for Bowe coming into 2009, his production is more than acceptable considering the lifelessness of this offense.

Assistant coach on the rise: In his first season as a full-time special-teams coach, Steve Hoffman has done a remarkable job in Kansas City. He has helped make a good punter in Dustin Colquitt even better, and he's had a lot to do with the rapid emergence of Succop. The Chiefs' coverage units have also been very solid, helping them win the hidden-yardage battle.

Fearless prediction: Opponents will overlook the Chiefs in the second half, but they shouldn't. With a very manageable schedule and a head coach in Todd Haley who will have them fighting tooth and nail to win each game, Kansas City will win at least 3-4 games in the final two months, springing a major upset along the way. Haley will also do enough to show he deserves another year at the helm.

 

Oakland Raiders

Biggest surprise: Rookie WR Louis Murphy, a fourth-round pick, has more than three times as many catches as the Raiders' second-ranked wide receiver in receptions. That's troubling or impressive, depending on your perspective. Murphy has outplayed and outworked first-round selection Darrius Heyward-Bey and is one of QB JaMarcus Russell's more trusted targets.

Biggest disappointment: This was supposed to be the year that Russell figured things out, but he still looks as confused as ever. Russell has regressed from where he was at the end of last season. He still hasn't shown the commitment and leadership that head coach Tom Cable publicly called him out for lacking, and it looks as if he might never develop into a decent quarterback.

Fantasy MVP: No offensive player has been particularly impressive for the Raiders, but the closest thing to a fantasy MVP is TE Zach Miller. With a better quarterback and supporting cast, Miller would be a fantasy stud, but he's being held back in Oakland. His yardage numbers are decent for a tight end, but he's scored only one TD.

Assistant coach on the rise: No Raiders assistant is on the rise at the moment, but WR coach Sanjay Lal has a chance to make a name for himself if he can help develop a young corps of pass catchers into a reliable group. If rookie WRs Murphy and Heyward-Bey become the kind of weapons the Raiders think they can be, Lal could become an in-demand coach.

Fearless prediction: Tom Cable will not harm anyone in the next few months, but he will be fired at the end of the season, and Al Davis will hire a new head coach for the sixth time in the past nine years.

 

San Diego Chargers

Biggest surprise: Although WR Vincent Jackson was great last season, he has taken his game to another level in '09. No longer strictly a deep threat, Jackson has surpassed TE Antonio Gates as Rivers' go-to guy. Not only does he already have four 100-yard outings, but he also is among the NFL leaders in receiving yards and TD grabs.

Biggest disappointment: A year removed from reconstructive knee surgery, OLB Shawne Merriman wasn't expected to be an All-Pro this season, but he was being counted on to make a big impact. Dealing with a nagging groin injury as well, Merriman didn't record a sack until Week Eight, and he has not been a consistently disruptive force. That said, he did notch two sacks last week, providing hope that he's in store for a big second half.

Fantasy MVP: Despite not being drafted as a No. 1 receiver in most fantasy leagues, Jackson has played like one through the first half. Not only does he have 722 yards and seven TDs, but he's been a consistent producer, posting double-digit fantasy points in all but one game. With a strong final two months, he could wind up as the top wideout in all of fantasy football.

Assistant coach on the rise: Despite having one of the league's more talented secondaries, the Chargers finished 31st in pass defense last season, prompting them to bring in a new DB coach to right the ship. That's exactly what Steve Wilks has done this year, helping elevate San Diego's pass "D" into the top five. His work is most noticeable in CB Antonio Cromartie, who's playing at a much higher level after altering his technique a bit.

Fearless prediction: Although they've gotten back into the hunt in the AFC West, the Chargers will ultimately fall one game short of the Broncos and miss the playoffs. After falling short of expectations yet again, head coach Norv Turner will finally get the ax as San Diego tries to score a big-name head coach this offseason.

NFC midseason team reports

 

PFW has launched its brand-new NFL Draft Newsletter series, with the second issue being released later this month. Produced by PFW's player personnel department under the direction of Nolan Nawrocki, the series consists of four information-packed issues. For more info or to subscribe — click here for PDF e-pub or here for print format.

Comments (2)

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boltsfaninaz
Whoever wrote this article is a complete idiot!!! He/she onlys picks 5 teams to make the playoffs(colts,bengals,steelers, donkeys, and patsies)!!! My chargers will make the playoffs at 11-5 this year!!! GO BOLTS!!
PurplePandemonium
Was just going to say the same thing. Ravens 10-6 or Bolts 11-5 will be 6th playoff team (if Bolts can get to 11 wins).

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