Take five sports writers, and ask them at the beginning of the season who will win the Super Bowl… That’s right, before anyone has even stepped on the field. We did just that, and the answers may surprise you:
Matt Shanley 
I was truly torn when it came to making my prediction for the winner of Super Bowl XLIV. With a great deal of disregard for those who consider me biased, I’m picking the New York Giants to win their second championship in three years. The departure of veteran receivers Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer play a large role in the team’s production, however, I believe that General Manager Jerry Reese has added enough pieces this offseason to bring the G-Men back to Florida come February. Acquiring players such as Michael Boley and Chris Canty bolster the team’s already intimidating defense and puts Big Blue on a pedestal. The league’s power has shifted to the NFC, and the conference will come down to the Giants and the Atlanta Falcons. In the end, though, Eli Manning will be hoisting his second Vince Lombardi Trophy.
My pick to win the Super Bowl is the Tennessee Titans. Yes, they did lose DT Albert Haynesworth and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. That being said, Jovan Haye and Tony Brown are two big boys that should have no problem as a rotation that replaces Haynesworth. Kerry Collins is not the sexiest name at quarterback, but he is a 2009 pro bowl player that is solid at short passing and play-action. Chris Johnson is an explosive and elusive running back and Lendale White has dropped about 30 pounds, but he can still be useful in goal-line and short yardage plays. The Titans offensive line is one of the best in football, which will only help their dominant run offense. The Titans can pound the left, center, or right sides of the defensive line with this crew up front. The fact that this team builds themselves on the running game and defensive football means that they can win in any weather, especially in the cold of December and January and February.
It’s pretty safe to say that Six-Burgh will see a seventh title. In a busy off season where teams made moves and got better, the Steelers saw no need to tamper with their perfect combination. In fact, they see the return of a fully healthy Willie Parker as a key addition as they will try to repeat as Super Bowl champions. Standing in their way are the Titans, Patriots, and Colts but neither of those teams are as complete as Pittsburgh. Featuring a nasty defense led by James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, and Troy Polamalu, the Steelers still have the best in the game. Ben Rothleisberger has the best leadership qualities in the NFL and his steady WR corps of Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes makes him even more dangerous.
Corianne Egan 
As far as teams who made the most improvements go, the Eagles are number one. They have a full, explosive team that is ready to tackle its way into the postseason. The Eagles have potentially the best offense in the league, complete with a dominant offensive line. No, this isn’t about Michael Vick and the wildcat. Donovan McNabb needs more time in the pocket, especially with the passing offense that Andy Reid likes to run. With an experienced DeSean Jackson, a healthy Brian Westbrook, and new draftees LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin the Eagles could potentially put up 40 points a game. The defense is the only question for Philadelphia, but with the numbers they will put up, does it matter? There are no excusees for the Birds this year… they made it to the NFC Championship game, and can only look forward to more advances this season.
After careful consideration, I have to pick the Phins to win. After last seasons unexpected turn around, the Miami Dolphins are poised to keep that momentum rolling into the 2009 season. The Miami Dolphins are led by the NFL’s comeback player of the year Chad Pennington, who last season threw for 3,653 yards while completing over 67 percent of his passes. The other bright spot for the Dolphins is the resurrection of the Wild Cat, which has now become an epidemic in the NFL, spreading like wild fire. The Wild Cat continues to be a threat; especially with running back Rodney Brown and rookie QB from West Virginia Pat White, to go along with Pennington, Ricky Williams and Ted Ginn. Tony Sparano is destined to see positive achievements from his team this year and don’t expect anything less.
Mike Anello 
John Russo
Richie Wisniewski 
Upper Deck Underdogs 