As negotiators for both the National Football League and the Players Association continue into the summer, NFL predictions for the upcoming season have more or less been put on hold due to the uncertainty. Teams have not been allowed to conduct official business, and players have been unable to report to their respective teams training facilities.

Despite this dark cloud hanging over the football season, there is reason for optimism. Recently, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft remarked that discussions between the two sides have produced meaningful progress in negotiations and that there is room for optimism. With that in mind, here are a few things fans can expect when labor peace has finally arrived.

After winning the Super Bowl for the first time in over a decade, the Green Bay Packers are in a unique situation caused by the lockout because of the uncertain status of many of the teams top players. Questions always arise of defending champions, but the Packers do not know the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement yet, and so they cannot prepare to sign players without having a knowledge of how much salary cap space they can spend.

There are also many quarterbacks looking for their first Super Bowl ring. San Diego Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers is among them, failing to reach footballs pinnacle again last season. New York Jets star Mark Sanchez has had a bevy of early success in his young career, but has lost one game shy of the Super Bowl in two consecutive seasons.

In addition, the status of Indianapolis Colts leader Peyton Manning is also in question. The Colts were knocked out of the playoffs very early last year by the Jets which led to questions about Mannings age finally catching up to him.

The lockout does appear to be in its final stage and football insiders remain hopeful a deal will be announced shortly. Once a new collective bargaining agreement is signed, teams can hold training camps, the season can finally be allowed to start, and fans will be able to ascertain whether or not these NFL predictions ring true.

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