On the cusp of the 2013 NFL season, our analysts provide their predictions, including the winners of individual awards, playoff teams for each conference and picks for Championship Sunday/Super Bowl XLVIII.
SUPER BOWL XLVIII
Judy Battista: Seahawks over Broncos. In a showdown of current (Peyton Manning) and burgeoning (Russell Wilson) quarterback legends, Seattle's overwhelming defense decides the champion.
Silver: Prophecies for 2013
Michael Silver peers into his crystal ball, making eight predictions about this season. Who will be named MVP? **More ...**
Gil Brandt: Seahawks over Bengals. The weather in New Jersey -- whatever it ends up being -- shouldn't be much of a factor for these outdoor teams. I see the Seahawks prevailing in a low-scoring contest.
Albert Breer: 49ers over Bengals. On the 25th anniversary of Montana-to-Taylor, these clubs meet for the third time in the big game -- and the result is the same as it was back then, with Jim Harbaugh, Colin Kaepernick and Co. winning the first championship of a new dynastic era in San Francisco.
Bucky Brooks: 49ers over Broncos. The 49ers stage their own pregame blackout to jump-start Colin Kaepernick and his teammates to a surprisingly easy win over the Broncos for the franchise's sixth title.
Jeff Darlington: Falcons over Broncos. Sorry, Peyton -- there's a new quarterback about to ascend toward the highest level. This is Matt Ryan's year.
Elliot Harrison: Seahawks over Broncos. Seattle claims the first Super Bowl title in franchise history by forcing Peyton Manning into a couple of big mistakes while not allowing him enough possessions to compensate. Marshawn Lynch rushes for over 100 yards.
Daniel Jeremiah: Patriots over Falcons.Tom Brady-to-Rob Gronkowski with less than a minute to play. The Patriots squeak by the Falcons for their fourth title.
Kimberly Jones: Broncos over 49ers. New Jersey temps in February will suit John Fox's group just fine. Peyton wins in Eli's home stadium.
Schein: Super Bowl XLVIII forecast
Adam Schein predicts each conference's rep in New Jersey -- and picks a winner. (Popular opinion need not apply.) **More ...**
Ian Rapoport: 49ers over Broncos. Last year, the 49ers were a play away. *Thisclose*. This year, despite Manning eyeing a second ring, San Francisco will close the gap.
Adam Schein: Falcons over Texans.Matt Ryan caps off a huge year in style, while Tony Gonzalez rides off into the sunset with the Lombardi Trophy.
Michael Silver: Seahawks over Bengals. Seattle's secondary shuts down the Cincy passing attack and destroys Andy Dalton, but the MVP trophy goes to Russell Wilson after a decisive 'Hawks triumph.