Appelbaum Outlook: The Arizona Cardinals will win Super Bowl XLIII.

That might look crazy in print, but it's not nearly as blasphemous as seeing "Chicago Cubs" and "winning" and "World Series" in the same sentence.

It's too easy to pick the Pittsburgh Steelers. Haven't the Steelers won every other Super Bowl? Didn't they just play in the crummiest Super Bowl ever against the Seattle Seahawks, like three weeks ago? Does America need to relive the horror?

I'm going with Arizona—because there's no logical reason to pick Arizona.

The 2008 NFL season has been one of the strangest in league history. The Miami Dolphins, 1-15 last year, won the AFC East; the Cardinals hosted two playoff games; and John Madden miraculously didn't gorge himself to death on turducken.

It's only fitting that the league's most farshtunken franchise will win this year's big prize. Plus, the Cardinals have a little mojo on their side.

Every time I see Anquan Boldin, I think of Rod Tidwell, the iconic character played by Cuba Gooding Jr. in "Jerry Maguire." Like Tidwell, Boldin is a moody, talented wideout.

Gase I keep having visions of Boldin catching the gamewinning touchdown on Sunday, slowly coming to his senses after a vicious hit and then celebrating in the back of the end zone by high-fiving fans.

Secretly, I hope to see Gooding Jr. stuffing his face with nachos on the sideline while Boldin, who just received his Super Bowl MVP trophy, looks into the camera and says with a smile, "Show me the money!"

Of course, there's Boldin's fellow wide receiver, Larry Fitzgerald, who will make at least two "Holy Cow!" catches and cement his place as the most exciting player in the game.

Also, Cardinals president Michael Bidwell—you know, the goofy guy in the red suit—looks like he should be wearing a fez and playing the accordion while a monkey dances on his shoulder. He's adorable.

Most importantly, the Cardinals have quarterback Kurt Warner—and Kurt Warner has God looking over his shoulder.

It's safe to say the Cardinals are on a mission from God, and they'll prevail on Sunday.

Final score: 45-37, Cardinals

MVP: Anquan Boldin

Best Super Bowl snack: Hummus, Israeli salad and shawarma in a warm pita. After wandering in the Arizona desert for what must have felt like 40 years for Cardinal fans, this is the perfect treat to celebrate victory. Bonus points if John McCain eats multiple servings at your party.

Contact Eliav Appelbaum at eliav@theacorn.com.

Outlook: This is simple, son. A highflying offense puts fans in the seats, but a stellar defense wins championships.

Let us not forget that entering last year's Super Bowl the New England Patriots had a gamechanging offense featuring superstars Tom Brady and Randy Moss, but it was the New York Giants and their stout defensive line that ruled the day.

Right now, Pittsburgh's punchyouinthe-mouth defense is nearly on par with the 1985 Chicago Bears and 2000 Baltimore Ravens. They also compare favorably to the Steelers' Steel Curtain defense of the 1970s.

I'm not the only one that feels this way. Sports Illustrated dubbed this season's Steelers' defense as "Steel Curtain II" and for good reason. Pittsburgh allowed a league-low 13.9 points per game during the regular season and held opponents to 10 points or less on eight occasions.

That, my friends, is outstanding work.

Look, there's no hiding the fact that Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner has a rocket arm, plenty of big-game experience and the one-and-only Larry Fitzgerald—a wonderful receiver who can catch anything thrown in his area code.

But the one quality the 37-year-old Warner doesn't possess is mobility, and that's going to play a major role in the Cardinals' eventual demise.

Warner's slower than the DMV line, and NFL Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison is going to feast on the immobile Arizona signal-caller.

Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu will make several good reads and take advantage of Warner's hurried throws. I expect Polamalu, who had seven interceptions during the regular season and sealed the Steelers' win over Baltimore in the AFC title game with a pick-six, to get at least one takeaway on Sunday.

On offense, Pittsburgh is just like halftime performer Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band—they were "born to run."

Steeler running back Willie Parker knows all about stepping up in the big game, having pulled off a 75yard scamper for a touchdown in Super Bowl XL against the Seattle Seahawks.

Expect Pittsburgh to grab an early lead and keep it on the ground until they leave Tampa Bay with a record-setting sixth Super Bowl victory.

Final score: 30-17, Steelers

MVP: Troy Polamalu

Best Super Bowl snack: Many people attend Super Bowl parties not for the actual game or even the commercials, but for the food served. If you're throwing a biggame bash, finger foods are essential, but Buffalo Wings are a must. Whether it's a hot, mild or barbecue-flavored recipe, your friends will be grateful.

Contact Thomas Gase at tgase@theacorn.com.