You better believe Tom Brady’s magnificent obsession is being handed a one-for-the-thumb Lombardi Trophy by Roger Goodell. His usual adversaries — Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning — will be standing at the gate to deflate those grandiose plans. It feels like it may be Luck’s time, and the patty cake South virtually guarantees the Colts homefield advantage for the AFC Championship game — the perfect place for Peyton, with the better defense on his side, to go back to the future at age 39 much to Jim Irsay’s horror for one last chance at his second Super Bowl ring.

You had to like Aaron Rodgers’ chances, but losing Jordy Nelson for the season is a killer. Russell Wilson can throw the ball from the 1-yard-line to Jimmy Graham if he doesn’t feel like handing off to Beast Mode Lynch, and that defense and 12th Man can intimidate. But what if Sam Bradford can stay on the field? What if Jerry Jones screwed up by letting DeMarco Murray loose? What if Chip Kelly has Chip Kelly players? What if he has the best-conditioned team? What if he has a “Philadelphia fighter” defense now? The Super Bowl, that’s what.

Manning will easily be the sentimental favorite, of course. There will be no Legion of Boom confronting him this time. He won’t have to wear gloves in Santa Clara. Byron Maxwell will be schooled by Demaryius Thomas. C.J. Anderson will run effectively enough to provide balance. The Broncos will be in an emotional Rally ’Round The Legend frenzy a la the John Elway Broncos in Super Bowl XXXII. If Sam Bradford starts the game, Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware and Shane Ray will make sure he doesn’t finish it. One last night of Peyton barking “Omaha, Omaha.” And Big Brother finally ties Little Brother with a second Super Bowl ring.

The pick: Broncos over Eagles

Dave Blezow: Packers over Ravens

Brian Costello: Steelers over Seahawks

Hondo: Packers over Colts

Bart Hubbuch: Seahawks over Colts

Paul Schwartz: Steelers over Eagles

Mike Vaccaro: Chiefs over Packers

George Willis: Seahawks over Chiefs

MVP: QB Andrew Luck (Colts)

Offensive player of the year: RB Adrian Peterson (Vikings)

Defensive player of the year: DE J.J. Watt (Texans)

Offensive rookie of the year: WR Nelson Agholor (Eagles)

Defensive player of the year: OLB Shane Ray (Broncos)

Coach of the year: Chip Kelly (Eagles)

Comeback player of the year: S Eric Berry (Chiefs)