At the beginning of the 2006 season I made a friendly lunch wager with a friend that the Pack would win at least seven games this year. I took a lot of heat from the guys when the Pack was at 1-5.

I ended up winning the lunch bet after all when Brett and the boys went 7-3 in the second half and managed to beat the Bears (starting all of their big names on defense for about 3 quarters) at the end of the season.

I know the Packers schedule was easier last year than it will be this year and that the Bears had home field advantage locked when they played their last game, but they might just surprise you and sneak into a wild-card slot next year. I don't think they will be ready to challenge the Bears, but they are making progress.