[Sean]

Who wins Super Bowl XLI? Let's get an early look at what you guys think. (Futures odds pulled from Pinnacle Sports).

By the way, if you join SBR's Football Handicapping Contest - Beat The Prick - you'll have a shot at free trips to the 2007 Super Bowl in Miami, the 2007 BCS Championship Game, the 2007 NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii and more than $200,000 in cash and prizes.

So go ahead, make your early Super Bowl pick here and, who knows, you and a friend may actually be watching the game in person.

[rolemand]

Cool The 'Boys are sweeping the board so far

[Razz]

Ravens

[Dark Horse]

Early lean: Seahawks.

Unless there's a team out there with a bigger chip on their shoulder (after last year's SB, and all the calls against them).

[imgv94]

Early lean: Seahawks.

Unless there's a team out there with a bigger chip on their shoulder (after last year's SB, and all the calls against them).

Madden Curse-Super Bowl losing team curse-

[Dark Horse]

Two curses cancelling each other!

[imgv94]

Atlanta Falcons, only if Vick gets injured or moved to WR
though. If not I would be forced to take Denver +1356

[McBa1n]

I don't like picking the SB this early (by week 4 I usually get at least 1 team right that makes it the way), but I'd have to say Carolina. I say this only because I think they might be able to stay healthy this season with key players...
Plus they have the 4 keys to winning - A better than serviceable running game (better than average offensive line), a QB that can WIN a game by himself if needed, a competent offense and most importantly - a SOLID D (which they are probably top 5 in as far as talent goes in the NFL, despite losing a couple of players to free agency).

A TRUE darkhorse that I think might be a sweet 'value' play would be Jacksonville. While they don't have a QB that can "win games" for them at this moment, per se, starting - their QB doesn't exactly "lose" games for them ala Jake Plummer or Brett Favre, either. I believe they don't get enough play at all in the media, but I think they serve up the best D in the NFL as a unit (despite having LESS talent than say - Chicago). I also must add that homefield isn't that big of a deal to them. They can play at Indy, and that says a lot to me (they won and then covered, respectively, the past 2 years).

[kalmikrazy]

The value on Denver seems good. Plummer can have a noce year esp cause he knows he has a qb that will take his spot if he cant perform.

[jesterson]

I don't like picking the SB this early (by week 4 I usually get at least 1 team right that makes it the way), but I'd have to say Carolina. I say this only because I think they might be able to stay healthy this season with key players...
Plus they have the 4 keys to winning - A better than serviceable running game (better than average offensive line), a QB that can WIN a game by himself if needed, a competent offense and most importantly - a SOLID D (which they are probably top 5 in as far as talent goes in the NFL, despite losing a couple of players to free agency).

A TRUE darkhorse that I think might be a sweet 'value' play would be Jacksonville. While they don't have a QB that can "win games" for them at this moment, per se, starting - their QB doesn't exactly "lose" games for them ala Jake Plummer or Brett Favre, either. I believe they don't get enough play at all in the media, but I think they serve up the best D in the NFL as a unit (despite having LESS talent than say - Chicago). I also must add that homefield isn't that big of a deal to them. They can play at Indy, and that says a lot to me (they won and then covered, respectively, the past 2 years).

The New York Giants for all the reasons you mentioned Carolina above. I think Eli will show this year that he CAN win a game by himself...I agree with you about JAX, they've got a vastly underrated D (at least in fantasy) although Fraud Taylor staying healthy is key if they're gonna have a shot. I do like the Ravens' chances again too, McNair-Mason back in effect, dominating D, 2 good RBs...I can't wait for football!!!!

[jesterson]

The value on Denver seems good. Plummer can have a noce year esp cause he knows he has a qb that will take his spot if he cant perform.

Plummer waaaay overachieved last year, you'll see Cutler by week 9.

[McBa1n]

I'm with you on McNair/Mason... They are sick together. I just hope McNair hasn't fallen too far. He looks like it, but he still looks better than Boller. Contender? Nah - their running game is getting worse - not better (has anyone seen Ogden? He looks like a rookie or 'mediocre' player in what I've seen this pre-season). Actually, I was real happy for Mason when McNair went over there. Mason is like Muhammed - SICK route runner, usually open and top 5 hands. He gets no play, though.

As for the Giants, I see your point and it's a very good one. Tiki is elite, Eli LOOKS legit (plus he's WON big games that he probably shouldn't win, unlike his brother), the Giants have quality receivers and a solid D (Not that good, though - they are top 10, likely, though). That ain't a bad darkhorse pick at all... The 2 things that concern me is Coughlin's record in 'big games' is horrible, and the Giants did little to nothing to resolve their offensive line. Actually, last season was the best they've done in years with NO O-line at all. They have a bottom 10 O Line right now on paper... Now that you mentioned it, I'm going to watch their last preseason game closer focusing on their line (and rewatch the game vs the Jets.. mmm...tivo).

Historically, the Giants go as far as their O-line goes (pre and post LT, that is)... It's not talked about enough how bad it is, outside of the NY market, anyway.

[MPMEYER1982]

Da Bears, best defense in the league and Griese will overtake Grossman as starting QB and lead us to a Super Bowl victory.

[Zikaris]

Denver.

Good recievers. Good line. Tatum Bell should run well. Jake Plummer isn't throwing INTs.

The offense isn't even their strength. The broncos have a monstorous defense. 3 amazing DBs. 3 amazing LBs. John Lynch.. the man destroys QBs on a daily basis. above average strong safety. average line.

Their pretty much the superbowl ravens team of a few years back, the only difference is they have an offense.

[Illusion]

The team you least suspect since the field is so wide open. I did however vote Miami.

[Bulldog]

Broncos-Giants

Thats my superbowl prediction right there!!!

[Willie Bee]

Colts-Panthers

[HAPPY BOY]

knew there was something i liked about ya Illusion. r u a phins fan too? thats my darkhorse at least they will definetly make the playoffs

[TheGuesser]

Eagles- Pats, Eagles Win this time.

[Zikaris]

Eagles- Pats, Eagles Win this time.

The pats have seen their last superbowl for a long long time.

[jesterson]

I'm with you on McNair/Mason... They are sick together. I just hope McNair hasn't fallen too far. He looks like it, but he still looks better than Boller. Contender? Nah - their running game is getting worse - not better (has anyone seen Ogden? He looks like a rookie or 'mediocre' player in what I've seen this pre-season). Actually, I was real happy for Mason when McNair went over there. Mason is like Muhammed - SICK route runner, usually open and top 5 hands. He gets no play, though.

As for the Giants, I see your point and it's a very good one. Tiki is elite, Eli LOOKS legit (plus he's WON big games that he probably shouldn't win, unlike his brother), the Giants have quality receivers and a solid D (Not that good, though - they are top 10, likely, though). That ain't a bad darkhorse pick at all... The 2 things that concern me is Coughlin's record in 'big games' is horrible, and the Giants did little to nothing to resolve their offensive line. Actually, last season was the best they've done in years with NO O-line at all. They have a bottom 10 O Line right now on paper... Now that you mentioned it, I'm going to watch their last preseason game closer focusing on their line (and rewatch the game vs the Jets.. mmm...tivo).

Historically, the Giants go as far as their O-line goes (pre and post LT, that is)... It's not talked about enough how bad it is, outside of the NY market, anyway.

They've got a veteran group at OL, and as long as they stay healthy, are going to be better than you think! This ain't the Cards o-line.

[Curse Fire]

Cowboys all the way baby! You can start hateing
me now cause the Boys are going to win it all this
year . May be they will play the Broncs one more
time from the AFC either Denver or Seatle I think.

[begolf25]

from the AFC either Denver or Seatle I think.

Typical Dallas fan!