Super Bowl XXXIII - PFW Staff Selections

As published in print Jan. 18

How the editors forecast Super Bowl XXXIII

As published in print Jan. 18

HUB ARKUSH
Prediction: Atlanta 28, Denver 27

The Broncos are the defending world champions, have perhaps the greatest quarterback in history in John Elway and the best player in the game in Terrell Davis. The Broncos have the best tight end in the league, outstanding receivers and the game’s most underrated offensive and defensive lines. The Broncos’ coaching is sensational, and their players match up very well with Atlanta’s.

The Falcons’ talent isn’t as good as the Vikings’, 49ers’, Packers’ or Broncos’. Atlanta has two great players in Jamal Anderson and Jessie Tuggle and some very nice ones (Martin, Mathis, Whitfield, Buchanan and Smith). Dan Reeves has been there but never won a Super Bowl. Yet, somehow, right now, the Falcons are the best team in football — with one more surprise in store for us.

RON POLLACK
Prediction: Denver 27, Atlanta 24

Atlanta is no fluke. The Falcons’ 14-2 record in the regular season was the real deal. Plus, you certainly don’t beat a juggernaut like the Vikings on the road without being a terrific team. The Falcons belong, and they’ll play like it in the Super Bowl.

In the end, however, the Broncos will find a way to pull out a victory. Having been to the big game last season will aid Denver immensely in crunch time of what should be an extremely competitive game. My crystal ball says tie score, two minutes to go and one last John Elway-led, game-winning drive burned into the memory banks before he rides off into the sunset as a champion. Last year it was "finally." This year it’s "again." If this is the end for him, it’ll be a memorable finish to a memorable career.

NEIL WARNER
Prediction: Denver 24, Atlanta 23

Since I was the only one of the 38 PFW editors and correspondents who picked Denver to win the Super Bowl before the start of the season, I’m not about to back away from the Broncos now. On the other hand, after doubting Atlanta’s credentials for nearly the entire season, I now believe the Falcons can keep this game hanging in suspense until the final minutes.

Both teams have strong running games and stingy run defenses, so I expect most of the offensive damage to be done through the air. That being the case, I have to give the edge to John Elway over Chris Chandler, despite Chandler’s gutsy performance vs. the Vikings.

It’s hardly a dynasty, but a second straight title for Denver will enable Elway to retire on a Rocky Mountain high.

KEITH SCHLEIDEN
Prediction: Denver 34, Atlanta 21

The Falcons have been disrespected all season. History isn’t on their side. Not enough talent on their roster. On and on. They deserve all the credit in the world, and they deserve to be playing in Super Bowl XXXIII. However, there won’t be any upsets — like last year, when the Broncos shocked the Packers — in Miami.

Judging strictly on statistics, these teams match up pretty evenly. The Broncos have the No. 2-ranked rushing attack but will face the Falcons’ No. 2-ranked rushing defense. The Falcons feature the No. 6-ranked rushing offense but must face the Broncos’ No. 3-ranked run defense. They both have solid passing attacks and somewhat suspect pass defenses. But the Broncos have John Elway and Terrell Davis on their side — and I’m going with them.

MICHAEL LEV
Prediction: Denver 30, Atlanta 20

John Elway and Dan Reeves at the Super Bowl — has a familiar ring, no? The difference this time is that one definitely will win a ring — and it’s not going to be Reeves.

Either way, and it’s a grand Hollywood ending. If the Falcons win, it’s a win for underdogs everywhere. It’s a comeback for the ages, with Reeves recovering from heart surgery to lead his team to a title no one thought they could win. And it’d come against his old team, to boot.

If the Broncos win, Elway rides off into the sunset for good, perhaps as the best quarterback of all time. He wouldn’t have as many rings as Montana or Bradshaw, but Elway would have enough to win a few arguments.

After the game, Reeves will track down Elway, offering congratulations. It’ll be some emotional scene.

JEFF AGREST
Prediction: Denver 31, Atlanta 23

Talk about a sign that the Apocalypse is upon us — the Atlanta Falcons in the Super Bowl? I’ll give them this: They beat the NFC’s best to get there. Wins over San Francisco (twice, mind you) and Minnesota apparently pushed the SB XXXIII pointspread down to seven. I was sure the Falcons were going to be double-digit ’dogs — again.

But the "Dirty Birds" have overachieved all season, and they’ve shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, I think they’ll keep this game close until the fourth quarter, when the Broncos ultimately will pull away, much like they did in last season’s Super Bowl.

The bottom line is this: The Falcon "D," which ranked second in the league vs. the run this season, needs to slow Terrell Davis, or the margin of defeat could be bigger.

PAT FITZMAURICE
Prediction: Denver 38, Atlanta 20

The only way to defeat the Broncos is to keep Terrell Davis in check and take advantage of a secondary that qualifies as Denver’s lone Achilles’ heel. There is reason to believe the Falcons can do these things, since their underrated passing game and tough run defense were responsible for the upset of Minnesota in the NFC title game.

But the Broncos won’t wilt under pressure the way the Vikings did. Head coach Mike Shanahan and his staff will have the defending champs well-prepared, as always, and Denver’s running game will be too much for the Falcons.

The only good news for Atlanta’s die-hard sports fans (who rank just below the spotted owl on the endangered-species list) is that, thanks to baseball’s Braves, they’re used to finishing second.

ROBERT NEELY
Prediction: Atlanta 30, Denver 27

The Broncos are a lot like the Viking team that Atlanta beat in overtime. Both have prolific offenses and defenses that play well from ahead. So, Atlanta’s experience in beating the Vikings will come in handy vs. the Broncos.

I love the team concept that the Falcons have. Each player knows his job, takes care of it and depends on the next guy. They haven’t created an "us-against-the-world" mentality — it’s more of an "us" mentality.

In the end, I can’t bring myself to pick against the Falcons. They keep winning games in which they are outmanned. The matchup with the Broncos fits that category.

I’ve learned this season not to pick against the Falcons. They are plucky enough to find ways to win. They’ll do so again in Super Bowl XXXIII.