It is the midway point of the NFL season. Which means the real season begins now.

But it is worthwhile looking back at what got us here.

If there is one theme that ran through the first half of the NFL season, it is that much of what has happened was unforeseen, unexpected and nearly unbelievable.

For example:

The Tennessee Titans are the best team in football — with Kerry Collins throwing to the likes of Bo Scaife and Justin Gage.

The Bears' offense is dreaded — and not by Bears fans.

The Bears' defense is dreaded — by Bears fans.

The indestructible Tom Brady, who had not missed a start in 111 tries, blew out his knee on opening weekend.

The Patriots are 5-2 and in first place in the AFC East ... with Matt Cassel as their starting quarterback. This really would have been improbable if the Patriots were coached by anyone other than Bill Belichick.

Ed Hochuli's blown call enabled the Broncos to beat the Chargers in the second week of the season. League insiders consider Hochuli one of the most consistent and reliable refs in the NFL.

The Chargers haven't received any other breaks either, and the team that may be the most talented in the NFL has been the most disappointing.

Another collection of all-stars, this one in Dallas, also has underachieved.

The Packers' passing game has not been any worse for the departure of a future Hall of Famer.

The "Wildcat" formation was dismissed as bush-league trickery after the Dolphins trotted it out early in the season, but there is no question it has left a bruise on many defenses.

The Falcons managed to turn around their team in a rebuilding year with a new head coach and a rookie quarterback.

A trade of major consequence was completed at the deadline when the Lions sent wide receiver Roy Williams to the Cowboys for draft picks.

The same Redskins team that couldn't win with Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs is kicking tails and taking names with Jim Zorn.

The Seahawks, everyone's preseason darlings in the NFC West, are 2-5 in Mike Holmgren's final season as coach.

The off week became the new off-season. Among those who lost their jobs while taking a break: Lions President Matt Millen, Raiders coach Lane Kiffin, Rams coach Scott Linehan and Chargers defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell.

Jim Haslett took over the 0-4 Rams and promptly won his first two games.

The Colts couldn't run or stop the run, and became just another team.

The dignified Mike Singletary gave his first halftime address to the 49ers ... with his pants around his ankles.

Midseason awards

MVP: Drew Brees, Saints — He is on pace for the most prolific passing season ever, despite playing in a lineup racked by injuries.

Offensive player: Clinton Portis, Redskins — He leads the NFL in rushes, rushing yards and first downs, and he's second in yards per carry and rushing touchdowns. What's more, he is on pace to run for 1,888 yards, which would be the seventh-highest total in NFL history.

Defensive player: Joey Porter, Dolphins — He has set the tone for an improved Miami team with 10½ sacks and three forced fumbles.

Coach: Jeff Fisher, Titans — The Titans have no business being 7-0. Other strong performances: Belichick, Tom Coughlin, John Harbaugh, Dick Jauron, Lovie Smith, Mike Smith and Zorn.

Offensive coordinator: Ron Turner, Bears — Raise your hand if you thought the Bears would rank second in points per game.

Defensive coordinator: Steve Spagnuolo, Giants — He lost two starters to free agency, one to retirement and another to injury, and he still has the third best defense in the NFL statistically.

Offensive rookie: Chris Johnson, Titans — He leads the great class of rookie runners averaging 5.1 yards per carry with 89.4 yards rushing per game.

Defensive rookie: Jerod Mayo, Patriots — Rookie linebackers aren't supposed to succeed in New England, but someone forgot to tell that to Mayo, who has been the team's best inside linebacker.

Comeback player: Ronnie Brown, Dolphins — Coming off a knee surgery, he has seven TDs and averages 4.1 yards per carry.

All-Pro team

QB_Brees, Saints

RB_Portis, Redskins

RB_Michael Turner, Falcons

WR_Greg Jennings, Packers

WR_Steve Smith, Panthers

TE_Jason Witten, Cowboys

LT_Chris Samuel, Redskins

LG_Justin Blalock, Falcons

C_Kevin Mawae, Titans

RG_Chris Snee, Giants

RT_David Stewart, Titans

DE_John Abraham, Falcons

DT_Albert Haynesworth, Titans

DT_Kevin Williams, Vikings

DE_Mario Williams, Texans

OLB_Joey Porter, Dolphins

MLB_Ray Lewis, Ravens

OLB_LaMarr Woodley, Steelers

S_Michael Griffin, Titans

S_Troy Polamalu, Steelers

CB_Charles Woodson, Packers

CB_Cortland Finnegan, Titans

P_Dustin Colquitt, Chiefs

K_Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots

PR_Reggie Bush, Saints

KR_Darren Sproles, Chargers

Revised predictions

Division winners

NFC North_Bears

NFC East_Giants

NFC South_Panthers

NFC West_Rams

AFC North_Patriots

AFC East_Steelers

AFC South_Titans

AFC West_Chargers

NFC wild cards_Cowboys, Packers

AFC wild cards_Bills, Jaguars

NFC championship — Cowboys over Giants

AFC championship — Titans over Steelers

Super Bowl_Cowboys over Titans

Scout talk

Top 15 college prospects

Underclassmen figure to dominate the first round of the April draft. The talk is many of them will decide to come out early this year because labor uncertainty could affect their earning power in subsequent years. Here are the underclassmen with first-round grades who are rumored to be considering leaving school early.

1. Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma. A pure passer with an accurate arm. Makes great decisions and shows poise and moxie.

2. Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State. A very fast and very physical back who can outrun a defender and break a tackle. Durability is the only question.

3. Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State. Has a cannon for an arm and is accurate. Has the athleticism to avoid pressure and take off and run.

4. Andre Smith, OT, Alabama. Is explosive, strong and physical but still light on his feet and agile.

5. Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. Dynamic combination of size (6-3, 214), speed and ball skills. Makes big plays.

6. Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia. Has the frame (6-3, 237), the arm and the mechanics. Has been a little inconsistent with his accuracy and decision making.

7. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida. Strong, athletic QB with running skills. Has a good arm but isn't as natural a passer as some others. Plays in an unconventional offense.

8. Mark Sanchez, QB, Southern Cal. Is accurate and effective with timing throws. Moves well. Scouts would like to see more poise.

9. LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh. Shifty, elusive and fast. Has vision and instincts. Could be more physical.

10. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia. Tough runner with good vision and burst. Has average long speed.

11. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri. Has average size (6-1, 200) but is very explosive and catches the ball well. A bigger Steve Smith.

12. Greg Hardy, DE, Mississippi. Talented edge rusher with initial quickness. Is a bit inconsistent and lacks bulk (6-4, 265).

13. Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland. Big (6-3, 206), fast, explosive and smooth. Has good hands.

14. Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois. Has the size (6-0, 204), speed, quickness and ball skills NFL teams want. Intangibles are questionable.

15. Percy Harvin WR, Florida. Very fast with good hands, but will have to adjust to an NFL-style offense.