The wait is almost over.

The players are ready. The fans are ready. Even the commercials are ready. The NFL season comes to a close tonight with Super Bowl LII taking center stage.

Helping to get you ready for what may transpire tonight in Minneapolis between New England and Philadelphia is the annual Times Leader Super Bowl, which was the brainchild of the late Rich Gibson.

The poll has expanded in recent years and this year’s contains the thoughts and predictions of 99 people. Included are current and former football coaches and players as well as media types.

As for what to expect tonight, look for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick to hoist their sixth Lombardi Trophy into the air after a very competitive and entertaining game.

Of those polled, a whopping 78 people chose New England.

These should hold you over until the pre-game show starts this afternoon:

BRETT McLEAN, St. Clairsville — It will be interesting early, but Brady and Belichick are the best in the business. The Eagles will succumb to the superior franchise. PATRIOTS, 31-17.

BRYAN NARDO, Emporia State — At this point, why would anyone pick against Brady and Belichick? PATRIOTS, 27-24

JUSTIN KROPKA, Harrison Central — I’m not sure you can be sound mind and body and pick against Brady and Belichick. PATRIOTS, 28-24.

RICK GOODRICH, John Marshall — I don’t like the Patriots. EAGLES, 34-28.

RICH DUNCAN, Berry College — Although New England has some holes on defense, it still makes the best in-game adjustments and you can’t bet against Brady because he’s still the best in the game. PATRIOTS, 27-21.

CHRIS DAUGHERTY, Wheeling Park — Brady does to Philly what he does to everyone else and wins it late with a last-second touchdown. PATRIOTS, 28-24

MARK SPIGARELLI, Bellaire — Philadelphia is on a roll and its defense is very strong. EAGLES, 24-20.

B.J. DEPEW, Linsly — It’s really tough to pick against New England. It just keeps winning, and I think this game will be too big for Nick Foles. PATRIOTS, 27-13

DONNIE KERNS, Buckeye Trail — The greatest quarterback of all time will find a way to lead New England to victory as he’s done all postseason. PATRIOTS, 24-23.

TODD FITCH, Louisiana Tech — Philadelphia will blitz Brady to keep it close, but in the end Foles will turn it over. PATRIOTS, 28-20.

RICK DeLUCA, Times Leader — At some point, New England’s string of last-minute miracles will come to an end. I am expecting that point to come tonight. PATRIOTS, 27-17.

SCOTT HOLT, Cameron — I’m a life-long Eagles fan, but, unfortunately, I think their magic has run out. PATRIOTS, 24-23.

JERRID MARHEFKA, Ohio University — As I learned last year, you don’t bet against Tom Brady. PATRIOTS, 31-17.

CHASE KINEMOND, Bethany College — New England’s offense is great with Brady and the defense is playing great in the playoffs. I just don’t think the Eagles will be able to score enough, but they’ll need to get pressure and force turnovers to have a chance. PATRIOTS, 24-17.

MATT NARDO, Emporia State — It’s hard to go against Brady. If the ball’s in his hands with a chance to win, he’s going to find a way. PATRIOTS, 31-17.

CHUCK HAGGERTY, West Liberty — New England will win the offense and special teams phases of the game, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a special-teams play doesn’t make the difference. PATRIOTS, 30-24.

MARK HINERMAN, WKKX — I am rooting for John Marshall grad Craig Blake, who is Philadelphia’s equipment manager, to get a ring. EAGLES, 23-20.

TODD SMITH, Edison — Not rooting for New England, but I think Brady will have another fourth-quarter drive to win his sixth Super Bowl. PATRIOTS, 27-21

MATT BARBOUR, Ohio Dominican — Philadelphia is looking to earn some redemption and I think they have the better team. EAGLES, 28-21

ANDREW CONNOR, Indian Creek — New England always find a way to win big games and Tom Brady is always the difference maker. PATRIOTS, 28-17.

ROGER HERBERT, Buckeye Local — Anytime you give Belichick two weeks to prepare for a game, it usually doesn’t go well. PATRIOTS, 35-17.

RICK THORP, Times Leader — I say this every time the Patriots appear in the big game, giving Belichick two weeks to prepare isn’t good for the opponent. New England has too much Super Bowl experience. PATRIOTS, 32-20.

BRENDAN FERNS, West Virginia University — There are four former Mountaineers on the Philadelphia roster. EAGLES, 31-28.

AUSTIN DORRIS, Indiana University — Philadelphia isn’t much without Wentz, and I refuse to go against Brady and Belichick, especially in the Super Bowl. PATRIOTS, 31-7.

COREY FILLIPOVICH, Wilmington College — — It’s simple … Tom Brady is why New England will win. PATRIOTS, 33-27.

COLTON McKIVITZ, West Virginia University — It’s Tom Brady. PATRIOTS, 31-24

ADAM STEWART, Ohio State University — Until there’s another coach or another quarterback wearing a New England uniform, I refuse to believe it won’t win. PATRIOTS, 31-24.

TY FLEMING, WKKX — Philadelphia’s front two defensive levels are awesome, but it’s hard to go against Brady and Belichick. PATRIOTS, 24-20.

ROBERT VARGO, Ohio Dominican — Philadelphia’s pass rush and just a desire to see someone different win it. EAGLES, 27-24.

FRED RAY, Fairview, Ky. — New England is the most consistent team in the NFL and it doesn’t seem to get rattled. PATRIOTS, 27-17.

JAY CIRCOSTA, Monroe Central — Nick Foles has been on a roll, but it’s hard to go against Tom Brady. PATRIOTS, 31-24.

GARY KROL, Bridgeport — Philadelphia’s defense is good enough to make it interesting, but New England’s defense will hold Philly to field goals early and then Brady, who is the GOAT, does his work. PATRIOTS, 31-20.

LARRY MARMIE, Former NFL Coach — I think the Eagles defense will present problems for New England, but Brady will figure it out, and I don’t trust Philly’s offense. PATRIOTS, 24-17.

SCOTT NOLTE, WTRF — Philadelphia flies to its first title. EAGLES, 28-24

DREW SPENCER, Ohio Dominican — The New England defense, with two weeks to prepare, may make it a rough night for Nick Foles and that Philadelphia offense. PATRIOTS, 21-17.

TOM KEANE, West Virginia Wesleyan — What Brady and Belichick have been doing in New England is special and their experience will pay off in the end. PATRIOTS, 24-21.

BEN TAYLOR, NFL Alumnus — It’s hard to bet against the greatest quarterback/coach tandem of all time, but if Gronk doesn’s play, Philadelphia will have a chance late. PATRIOTS, 23-21.

MIKE FLANNERY, River — The best coach and quarterback haven’t gone anywhere and New England is the most disciplined team. PATRIOTS, 31-17.

ZAC BRUNEY, Wheeling Jesuit — I polled our staff and the majority, including me, is rolling with Belichick and Brady. PATRIOTS, 30-24.

JESSE WELLS, Shenandoah — Two words … Tom Brady! PATRIOTS, 30-24.

RENO SACCOCCIA, Steubenville — Philadelphia’s front four is really good and it’s going to take a once-in-a-lifetime quarterback performance. EAGLES, 23-20.

LARRY DEEM, Beallsville — New England knows how to win in the fourth quarter. PATRIOTS, 28-24

CHET POBOLISH, Southwestern Oklahoma State — Philadelphia has nothing to lose and an aggressive defense that Brady hasn’t seen this season. EAGLES, 28-21.

BRENT CROASMUN, Paden City — New England’s Super Bowl experience is a factor. Brady and Belichick will make all the right decisions. PATRIOTS, 28-17.

TONY FILBERTO, Weir — Philadelphia takes an early lead, but Brady and New England take over in the fourth. PATRIOTS, 27-21

DONNIE YEAGER Jr., Times Leader — New England solidifies its place as the dynasty of the millennium and Tom Brady captures his fifth Super Bowl MVP. PATRIOTS, 31-17.

MIKE EDDY, Parkersburg South — Rooting for Philadelphia, but have to play the odds with Belichick, Brady and New England. PATRIOTS, 31-28.

ELIJIAH BELL, North Carolina A&T — I picked against Brady and lost (last year), so I am hoping it happens the other way around because I want Philadelphia to win. PATRIOTS, 27-17.

MIKE YOUNG, Wheeling Central — I have to go with the experience. Having Brady, Gronk back and obviously Belichick is one of the best game planners in the business. PATRIOTS, 28-16.

JOHN BLACKMORE, WKKX — Philadelphia doesn’t play well from behind, so I expect Brad and New England to be explosive early. I’ll take TB12 over Nick Foles any day and twice on Super Bowl Sunday. PATRIOTS, 31-17.

BRUCE STILES, Union Local — I like the way the Eagles play, but obviously the guys on the other side know a lot about winning the big one. EAGLES, 28-25.

JOSH SILLS, West Virginia — I would like to see someone other than New England win. EAGLES, 21-14

CHASE WADE, Ohio Dominican — I can’t stand New England. EAGLES, 24-17.

CURT McGHEE, West Liberty — I’m a New England and Tom Brady fan. PATRIOTS, 27-17.

DAVE CHAPMAN, Magnolia — Brady plays with more purpose as he goes after his sixth Super Bowl. PATRIOTS, 31-20.

VON WOODING, Oberlin — He already has five Super Bowls, why not add another one? PATRIOTS, 35-21.

JOSH LUDWIG, East Liverpool — With two weeks to prepare and the familiarity of being in the Super Bowl, the Patriots will be prepared to win one more Lombardi Trophy. PATRIOTS, 34-27.

DAN CARRELL, University of Houston — New England has Brady. PATRIOTS, 31-17

ROB METZGER, WTOV — Past history shows it’s not wise to pick against New England. Somehow, someway, Tom Brady finds a way to bring home another Lombardi. PATRIOTS, 35-24.

CHRISTIAN WITCHEY, St. Vincent College — A late fourth-quarter drive by Brady moves them into field goal range and special teams wins the game. PATRIOTS, 27-24.

MARK HOLENKA, Shadyside — New England is a little more diverse on offense and it uses this play called a sneak. The Steelers are in awe. PATRIOTS, 27-20.

BOB KOCH, OVAC All-Star Game Director — As a Steeler fan, wake me up when it’s over. PATRIOTS, 28-14.

TOM RATAICZAK, OVAC Executive Secretary — New England is battle-tested. It’s been there and just wins the big game. It’s experience and poise will allow it to pull it out again. PATRIOTS, 32-24.

STEVE DALEY, Steubenville Central –Philadelphia will play nearly perfect and make a game of it, but as usual Brady and New England will get the ball late and go for the win. We’ve seen it happen so often, why should be expect anything different? PATRIOTS, 34-30.

ROGER WAIALAE, West Liberty — Experience wins out in the end. PATRIOTS, 32-24.

DARRIN HICKS, Madonna — New England has Brady and Belichick and that’s all you need. PATRIOTS, 31-16.

JOHN KELLEY, University — Tom Brady always find a way. PATRIOTS, 24-20.

KIM NORTH, Times Leader — Being a Miami fan, I literally hate New England, but I am not big on Philadelphia either. I’m just hoping for a good game. PATRIOTS, 28-27.

KEVIN GUNN, Cambridge — New England has the best coach and quarterback in all of football. PATRIOTS, 31-17.

JERRY AMES, WKKX –Philadelphia’s defense is playing at a high level and can stop New England on third downs. EAGLES, 34-24.

JORDAN CRAMMER, WTRF –As much as it pains me, I can’t bet against Belichick and New England. He’s had two weeks to prepare for an Eagles team playing a back-up quarterback. PATRIOTS, 24-21.

ERIC HUCK, Fort Frye — It’s tough to pick against Brady and Belichick. PATRIOTS, 27-24.

ERIC MEEK, Toronto — New England is just the overall better team. PATRIOTS, 35-10.

BILL GARVEY, Bethany College — I think the Eagles have the defense, but the NFL is all about the quarterback and there is no o ne better than Tom Brady. PATRIOTS, 28-24.

JULIANNE PELUSI, WTOV — I don’t expect New England to start strong, but they always finish strong. PATRIOTS, 28-23.

COLE SKAGGS, West Virginia Wesleyan — I would like to see Philadelphia win, but with Brady’s ability to make key plays in crucial moments, I don’t see it happening. PATRIOTS, 42-38

JEFF MONTEROSO, West Liberty — With two weeks to prepare, it’s tough to bet against Belichick. I wouldn’t be surprised if he calls Nick Saban to talk about how to defend RPOs. PATRIOTS, 27-24.

MARK DIERKES, Times Leader — As much as I dislike New England, it’s hard to bet against a legend. Brady earns the MVP. PATRIOTS, 32-19.

JOHN MAGISTRO, Olentangy — This is a game between two, well-coached teams and it will be closer than many think. PATRIOTS, 27-20.

DENVER WILLIAMS, Trinity College — I don’t think the Eagles have enough on defense to contain Brady and Co. for a full 60 minutes. PATRIOTS, 31-17.

LEVI NELSON, Mogadore Field — My wife and her family are avid Eagle fans, so I fear for my safety if I pick against them. I do think the Philadelphia defense will play well. EAGLES, 27-24

QUINCY WILSON, W.Va. State University –Tom Brady leads a game-winning touchdown drive. PATRIOTS, 28-23.

PERRY NARDO, Times Leader/Intelligencer — Jacksonville was able to show that New England’s defense is susceptible to the run and the duo of Blount and Ajayi will allow the Eagles to control the clock and limit Brady’s opportunities. EAGLES, 24-20.

ZACH AMEDRO, West Liberty — Which defense can make more plays in crucial situations? As good as New England is, it’s not perfect and if Philadelphia can capitalize defensively on a few mistakes and create a few turnovers … EAGLES, 30-27.

MIKE McKENZIE, Beaver Local — Foles is a quarterback of destiny and Philadelphia scores in the last minute to win. EAGLES, 27-24.

DAVE BRUNEY, Martins Ferry — Although I think Philadelphia has more talent on its roster, no one prepares like the Patriots. I just don’t know how you can bet against those guys. They’ve been there and done it so many times. PATRIOTS, 27-21.

RYAN RECKER, WTAE — Philadelphia will push New England to the end, but Belichick and Brady will get their first ring for their second hand and for the second time will win a third Super Bowl in a four-year span. PATRIOTS, 27-23.

KURT STUBBS, MaxPreps — I could try to provide some kind of analysis, but let’s be honest … sometimes we overcomplicate sports. New England has Tom Brady. End of story. PATRIOTS, 28-17.

JENNIFER COMPSTON-STROUGH, Times Leader — New England has been to so many Super Bowls that I think they’ll be more laid back, allowing more motivated Philadelphia to prevail. EAGLES, 24-21

JOHN SIMONSON, WTOV — I learned last year not to pick against Brady. PATRIOTS, 26-21

BLAKE ALLEN, Barnesville — It’s a very good matchup, and I think the Eagles have the running game and defense to pull off the upset, but it’s hard to pick against Brady and Belichick. They’ll find a way once again. PATRIOTS, 24-20.

MAC McLEAN, Brooke — Can’t deny the GOAT. PATRIOTS, 24-10.

SHERI McANINCH, Times Leader — I like the underdog and the momentum Philadelphia seems to have right now. EAGLES, 21-7.

DAVE CLUTTER, OVAC Football Commissioner — Philadelphia’s improbable playoff luck ends. Great quarterback experience trumps a back-up quarterback. PATRIOTS, 29-23

JAY SAWVEL, Wake Forest — Philadelphia wins up front on both sides. EAGLES, 24-20.

LANCE MEHL, NFL Alumnus — Foles folds in the big game, but the team I pick always loses. PATRIOTS, 21-17.

KIM COLLETTE, Times Leader — The underdogs have nothing to lose, so David beats Goliath as Brady and Belichick are knocked from the top of the mountain. EAGLES, 28-24.

KATE SIEFERT, WTOV — Despite Philadelphia having more top-tier talent and being better on both sides of the line, I don’t see it shutting down Brady. PATRIOTS, 30-27.

DAVE BLOMQUIST, WWVA — Brady is Brady and I just don’t think the Eagles have enough offense to win it. PATRIOTS, 20-13.

As for my prediction? I am like so many above. I can’t go against Brady and Belichick. PATRIOTS, 27-17.

Staskey can be reached via email at sstaskey@timesleaderonline.com or at twitter.com/TLSportsSeth