Super Bowl XLVII Predictions: What Teams Made the Cut?

It's never too early for Super Bowl predictions. Never. When I was a kid, I would start my Christmas list on December 26. I was a rotten child, but I think you get my point. 

We're less than two months away from the start of the 2012 NFL season, and the barrage of media predictions for each of the 32 teams will be underway any day now. But why not get a head start on picking which teams will be representing the AFC and NFC in Super Bowl XLVII?

Leading candidates would include: 

Pittsburgh Steelers

They finally (finally!) made some wholesale upgrades on their offensive line with David DeCastro and Mike Adams in April's draft. Both are expected to start in Week 1. The Steelers are loaded for bear at the skill positions with talent that includes wide receiver Antonio Brown, who might be the best bargain in the NFL right now. The Steelers' sixth-round pick from 2010 is scheduled to make only $540,000 in 2012. 

New England Patriots

No matter how well the Patriots finish the previous season, they seem to get better with every offseason. Their front office addressed a serious need at middle linebacker with their selection of Dont'a Hightower (which, I'm told, does not actually mean Do Not Hightower; just wanted to clear that up), and their acquisition of wide receiver Brandon Lloyd has received near-universal praise. 

Green Bay Packers

The Packers haven't slipped much since their memorable Super Bowl run two years ago. One could argue that Aaron Rodgers has more trust from his head coach than any other quarterback in the NFL. The defense will be looking to rebound from a statistically disappointing 2011, but the pieces remain intact for another foray into the postseason. 

San Francisco 49ers

This team was just a muffed punt from getting to the big game last year, and they're young enough to do it again this season. I'm not saying they're a shoo-in for the playoffs, but I already have my NFC WEST 2012 CHAMPS tee shirt on backorder. 

Senior NFL Draft lead writer Matt Miller and I hand over some early Super Bowl predictions in our latest debate. Enjoy our video above and leave us your own Super Bowl picks in the comments. And for anyone that turns out to be correct come February, leave yourself a little reminder to rub it in our collective faces. Hey, I'd do it.