It only feels like yesterday that we were all sitting down with our pizzas, our Buds and our jerseys to watch the Super Bowl LII. However, I'm here to inform you that close to six months have passed since the game and - extraordinarily - we are now closer to the end of 2018 than we are away from it.
That said, it's not quite time to start putting our cash on who we think will be winning the Super Bowl, with most predictions being done on hearsay and opinion, rather than form and facts. The NFL season hasn't kicked off yet, and there is still plenty of business to be done before that first ball is booted into the sky and the first touchdown completed.
But, for those of who you have itchy feet - or fingers - the temptation to make predictions and put down money is all too great. Whether you play it safe and go for the firm favourites, or you go rogue and bet on an outsider, the NFL market has already had a lot of money chucked on it and TV analyst Tony Romo has made his call on who he thinks will be scooping the prize.
Romo was named Sports Illustrated's Media Person Of The Year, largely because of the unique insight he brings to the booth and his unnerving ability to correctly call plays and predict results.
So, if you're unsure who to put your weekly wages on, Romo has weighed in on the debate for you. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback had just recovered from a four-point deficit to win the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament when he was asked by NFL Total Access host Lindsey Rhodes to forecast the Super Bowl LIII matchup.
"Oh, if I had to pick right now?” he said. “It’s pretty early. The thing about the NFL is things change pretty fast. Injuries happen. A lot of stuff happens. If I was picking right now, I’d probably go with Green Bay vs. Jacksonville. I think that would be just a tentative rough guess here in the summer months."
Romo cited numerous key reasons that the Packers - who held a 7-9 record at the end of last year's season - will be "much improved" in 2018. The analyst said that the addition of star tight end Jimmy Graham to the team's offense is a particular bonus for the team. "I think you'll see a couple things that I think are key. The Jimmy Graham addition is going to be very big. A lot of the field goals are going to turn into touchdowns because of that and having him as a weapon."
Despite his backing of the Packers, Romo also made sure to shout out the New England Patriots as well - citing Tom Brady and Belichick as the key to their potential success.
“You can never count out New England,” Romo said. “As long as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are breathing, the easy pick is them.”
So, who's your money on?
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