The Super Bowl is one of the most popular, if not the most popular sporting event in this country. Although the date for Super Bowl LII is set for February 4th, 2018, almost 4 months from now, it is NEVER too early to give some predictions.

The 2017 NFL season has started out to be a interesting one, with many teams duplicating strong performances from last year, while others, not so much.

So, I will just jump right into it and say my early Super Bowl LII prediction: a REMATCH between the Patriots and the Falcons. I know this sounds cheesy and typical, but here’s why:

The Patriots, off to a decent start at 2-2, may show glimpses of fault and error, but in the end, Tommy Terrific (Tom Brady) is leading their offense. As long as he is still tossing around the ol’ pigskin for the Pats, they have as good a shot as anybody in the NFL to hold up that Lombardi Trophy. At 40 years old, I still believe Tom Brady has the firepower to lead this talented Patriots team to yet another Super Bowl. With offensive weapons such as Rob Gronkowski, newcomer Brandin Cooks, Chris Hogan, and Danny Amendola, they have potential to go far once again.

The Falcons, who are my pick for the NFC representative in Super Bowl LII, have shown a lot of potential as well. With Matt Ryan at quarterback throwing to Julio Jones, and Devonta Freeman running the football, the Falcons could make a return to the big stage as well. The only thing that concerns me with the Falcons is their lack of strong defense and presence of injuries. If they can stay healthy and figure out a way to limit the scores of opposing teams, they can be successful once again.

A Junior at Wayne Hills, Matt Hirsh, weighed in on the conversation: “I think it will be Patriots vs. Packers. Although the Pats defense has looked bad over the past couple weeks, it comes down to Tom Brady and Bill Belichick  and they will find a way to overcome like always. The Packers are, it seems, in the NFC Championship every year and this is the year they finally break free from the rest of the NFC and Rodgers gets his second ring.”

Other teams I have in mind that could most definitely give these teams a run for their money:

Buffalo Bills. This is a team I am absolutely in love with this year. Tyrod Taylor has shown his true potential and is doing some damage across the board. The Bills are currently 3-1 and in first place of the AFC East and are my close-second favorite to win the AFC (along with the Chiefs).

Kansas City Chiefs. This football team is VERY talented this year, with rookie Kareem Hunt putting up stupendous numbers, Tyreek Hill still proving he is the “human cheetah”, and their defense is the equivalent to a brick wall. I have no doubt in my mind this football team will walk out of the 2017 season with something accomplished.

Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers, regardless of their 3-1 record, have not been the same Steelers I am used to watching, BUT, they are still always worth a visit for the AFC playoffs. Le’Veon Bell is too dynamic of a running back, Antonio Brown is arguably the number one WR in the league, Big Ben is, well, Big Ben, and their defense gets it done as well. This is yet another noteworthy team once again.

Los Angeles Rams. Okay, now, I know this one may sound WILD but, this team has caught my eye for multiple reasons. Although they finished 4-12 last season, and had some serious struggles with the run- game and their defense, along with many other issues, head coach Sean McVay clearly did something during the offseason with this football team. Off to a 3-1 start, Jared Goff has looked well, Todd Gurley is having a MVP caliber year, and their new offensive line pickups in the offseason have payed off. It is a longshot, but I think this team is very special and Sean McVay, youngest coach in the NFL, can lead this team to possibly create some magic.

Green Bay Packers. This is a football team that has, in analogical terms, driven the ball down the field, but has been stopped short on the goal line almost every year. They are constantly making runs in the playoffs, and always are stopped short of their end goal. This could be the year for Aaron Rodgers to lead his team to victory.