Minnesota will win Super Bowl XLIII.
Funny, that seems like a new way of writing my shirt size.
America’s favorite game is finally back. The NFL begins Thursday with Washington at the New York Giants. No more “60 minutes” or “Family Guy” to fill our Sunday nights.
This is the time of year Cowboys fans dream of winning a playoff game and the rest of us dream of dating Jessica Simpson. When Giants backers think once-in-a-lifetime runs happen two straight years. When New England seeks redemption after falling a few seconds short of their first perfect season.
Twenty-one weeks of pro football aren’t enough. If only they could make it a year-round game. Let Todd Collins play the spring schedule.
Anyway, you want crystal ball forecasts that no one will remember or likely admit come February. The predictions aren’t that hard. Being right is the tough part.
Minnesota is the best team in the NFC. Indianapolis gets the AFC nod. And since a great running back and defense can beat a Hall of Fame quarterback and no defense, then the Vikings are the big winner.
We all know the best teams. The NFC has Dallas in the East, Minnesota in the North, Carolina in the South and Seattle in the West. Green Bay and New York are the wild cards. Sorry, Redskins fans, but 8-8 stays home.
Dallas can’t win a playoff game. Don’t blame that pretty Jessica in the stands. The Cowboys don’t have mental toughness when it really counts. They have the best talent, but proved last year it’s not enough. Dallas may win the division again, but the Cowgirls are going down come January.
Seattle isn’t the same on the road. Green Bay isn’t the same without Brett Favre. New York got all its break last year and now misses a pass rusher. That leaves Carolina versus Minnesota in the NFC Championship. Vikings running back Adrian Peterson versus a great run defense. The home edge and artificial turf help Minnesota advance.
The AFC winners remain New England in the East, Pittsburgh in the North, Indianapolis in the South and San Diego in the West. Cleveland and Jacksonville are wild cards.
It comes down to Indianapolis versus New England because Pittsburgh has mostly underachieved in the postseason over the past decade and San Diego is coached by Norv Turner, who will figure a way to lose.
New England has peaked. There’s a natural drop-off after three rings and a perfect regular season last year. Somehow, they’re not reloading this time. Oh, the Patriots will get close, but the Colts will peak at season’s end.
Peyton Manning versus Peterson in the Super Bowl — bet the over. It will be another entertaining night.
If you want to pick a sleeper in each conference, take Arizona and Houston. After all, anything can happen in the NFL.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
