Another Superbowl Countdown Begins

On the way home from another snowboarding trip, my friend, Kri, and I stopped for a late lunch and caught the last of the afternoon football games: New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys. There were a few wipeouts in the earlier games that were pretty impressive: The Patriots beat Buffalo 13-0; The Steelers swept the Browns 31-0; The Colts dominated the top seed Titans 23-0.

With today being the last game day of the regular season, some of the match ups were crucial in determining who is moving on to the playoffs. Miami ending up in the AFC and Arizona on the NFC Division leaders lists completely baffles me, but they give me hope that perhaps my 49ers can someday play their way back up to the top. The Dolphins and the Cardinals haven't exactly been stellar teams in the past few seasons, but they have certainly proven that anything is possible.

Based on the current playoff picture, I would love to see Payton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts return to the Superbowl against the Philadelphia Eagles, who put up a fight against the Patriots but were defeated in Superbowl XXXIX. Both teams have a strong, loyal following, and veteran players that would collectively make for a great championship game. I personally have an affinity for both quarterbacks, Manning and Donovan McNabb, who have demonstrated genuine charisma and leadership abilities that have taken their respective teams far in current and past seasons.

However, based on performance, here is my prediction for the teams going to Superbowl XLIII: Last year's Superbowl champion New York Giants will attempt to defend their title against the Tennesee Titans, the team with the most wins this season.

Agree or disagree? I'd like to hear your opinions, football fans!