Super Bowl pick? Patriots

Originally Published: January 3, 2005
By Joe Theismann | ESPN Insider
Joe ponders a few playoff issues over his Monday morning cup.

Now that the regular season is done, my focus turns to my list of five things to watch in the NFL playoffs ... but first, my Super Bowl prediction: I'm picking the New England Patriots. They're the defending champions and they have plenty of postseason experience. I believe the Patriots will win back-to-back Super Bowls (and their third in four years).

With Corey Dillon and Ty Law healthy, the Patriots are an even stronger team. Neither Dillon nor Law played in New England's 34-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8. Since then, the Patriots have had more of an opportunity to study Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and see how he operates.

The Patriots and Steelers are the best teams in the NFL. But both teams happen to be in the AFC, so my pick for New England's opponent in the Super Bowl is the Atlanta Falcons. We often see a Cinderella reach the Super Bowl, and the Falcons are the most likely Cinderella-type team this year.


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Joe Theismann

Football analyst
Former college and pro football star Joe Theismann has served as an analyst for ESPN's Sunday Night Football since 1988. He also is frequently heard on ESPN Radio, regularly contributes to ESPN.com and has contributed to the NFL Draft.

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