7 bold predictions for Super Bowl LIII
With the 2018 season reaching its climax, theScore's football editors make seven outlandish - and unrelated - predictions for Sunday's Super Bowl LIII matchup between the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams.
Robey-Coleman seals Rams' victory with late pick-6
Nickell Robey-Coleman will silence the critics who've said the Rams don't belong in the big game because of his self-admitted pass interference play that went uncalled in the NFC Championship Game. He'll intercept Tom Brady deep in Rams territory late in the fourth quarter and return it 80-plus yards for the game-clinching touchdown. The center of controversy from the conference championship will become the hero. - Esten McLaren
Donald and Co. crush Super Bowl team sack record
New England's offensive line was one of the NFL's best units this year, but it will be no match for the Rams' defensive line. Aaron Donald will prove to be football's most unstoppable force, Ndamukong Suh will continue to play his best football of the year, and the cavalry of Dante Fowler Jr., Michael Brockers, Samson Ebukam, and Co. will do its part to get to Brady nine times to destroy the previous record of seven team sacks. There aren't too many coordinators and coaches who can stump Bill Belichick, but Wade Phillips is up to the task. - Arun Srinivasan
Gronk wins MVP, joins WWE after game
It's no secret that major injuries have negated many of the athletic gifts that made Rob Gronkowski the most dominant tight end ever. But he'll dial back the clock Sunday for one final vintage Gronk performance, shredding the Rams' undersized linebackers and overmatched safeties for multiple touchdowns in an MVP-winning performance. After the game, Gronk will announce he's retiring from football to focus on the next phase of his career: conquering the world of pro wrestling. - David P. Woods
Teams combine for most points in Super Bowl history
What better way to end one of most offensive seasons in NFL history than with the highest-scoring Super Bowl of all time? In Super Bowl XXIX, the San Francisco 49ers and San Diego Chargers combined for a record 75 points. The Rams and Patriots owned two of the league's top four offenses during the regular season, and the juggernauts will go touchdown for touchdown in Atlanta, producing a historic shootout. - Alex Chippin
Hoyer throws game-winning TD
You might not have heard, but Brady is 41 years old. (Rams head coach Sean McVay is 33!). New England's offensive line has done an amazing job protecting its star quarterback, but it likely won't be enough to stop the reigning DPOY from wreaking havoc. In a poetic twist of fate considering how Brady's career started, the franchise player will be lost to a late injury, forcing Brian Hoyer into the game. The backup will ultimately throw the touchdown that gives the Patriots their sixth Lombardi Trophy. Brady will probably get his job back, though. - Jack Browne
Gostkowski can't repeat history
The Patriots and Rams met back in Super Bowl XXXVI, which ended with a 48-yard game-winning field goal from Adam Vinatieri. Current New England kicker Stephen Gostkowski will have the exact same opportunity in Super Bowl LIII. With the game tied and no time remaining, Gostkowski will attempt a 48-yard field goal for the win - and miss. The game will be forced to go to overtime, and the Rams will capture their second Lombardi Trophy. - Mike Alessandrini
Burkhead outshines game's top backs
In a matchup that will feature talented running backs like Todd Gurley, Sony Michel, C.J. Anderson, and James White, it will be the oft-forgotten Rex Burkhead who will be the game's leading rusher. The third man on the Patriots' depth chart has carried the ball just 16 times for 53 yards this postseason, but he emerged with 12 carries and two crucial touchdowns in the AFC title game. His usage will increase even more in Super Bowl LIII. - Michael McClymont