The second half of the NFL season is sure to spring a few surprises, just as the first half did. There will be zigs when we expect zags, precipitous falls and improbable climbs. New stars will emerge and old ones will fade.

How Act II of the NFL season will play out, then, is not easy to foresee, but here are some possibilities.

Tom Brady and the Pats will peak late in the year
There is good reason that since 2001, the Patriots have won 83.9 percent of their games after Thanksgiving. The possibility of a strong finish makes sense this season because Brady's surgically repaired knee keeps getting strong and stronger as time passes.

The Colts' one-dimensional offense will not play well in the postseason
They rank first in passing yards but 30th in rushing yards - and that has not hurt the team yet. But if the Colts have to play outside in January (hello, New England), it sure might.

Dan Marino's yards record falls
Drew Brees won't be denied this time. And while he's at it, he'll help the Saints break the Patriots' all-time scoring record, too.

The NFC East will be a dogfight
This could be the league's most closely contested division, as the Eagles, Giants and Cowboys all have a chance to finish first or make the playoffs.

The Giants have gone south at midseason, but they have the time and talent to correct their flight pattern. The Cowboys have come on strong after a slow start. And the Eagles have the advantage of being undefeated in the division and 4-1 in the conference.

The Cowboys have the easiest road ahead, as the Giants and Eagles each have only two games remaining against teams that are not currently above .500