Nobody was more disappointed (except the losing players, of course) than I was at the outcome of last Sunday’s NFL championship games.

Not because I’m a fan of the Eagles or the Titans, but because I had predicted them to meet in Super Bowl XXXVII.

And I didn’t pick that match-up during the playoffs. I called it in September. So when they both lost, I lost the chance to toot my own horn right here on this very piece of paper.

But why drown in my sorrows? Now, we have a dream Super Bowl with no obvious favorite.

Well, the Raiders are favored, but I think the spread should be even. We have the number one offense versus the number one defense.

If defense wins championships, then why are the Raiders favored? Can anyone explain this to me? Does anyone believe that the Raiders will walk up and down the field against the Bucs’ defense?

Well, if you answered “I do” to that question, I’ve got some advice for you. Go back and watch the last time that Rich Gannon and company played a number one defense, as in the top defense in the AFC, the Miami Dolphins.

The Dolphins dominated the Raider offense in a 23-17 victory earlier this season. And the Bucs’ defense is two or three times better than Miami’s.

Plus, Jon Gruden knows a thing or two about the Raider offense. I think he should know how to stop it.

Even though Tampa Bay will slow down the Raider’s offense, the outcome of the game will be determined by whether Oakland’s defense can stop Rich Gannon.

Wait, got confused for a second. I meant the other journeyman quarterback who: has not only finally found a home but become the team’s unquestioned leader; throws short, accurate passes; and stands in the pocket and takes his licking — Brad Johnson.

I predict Oakland contains Tampa’s offense for the first quarter-and-a-half, but not after that. Take the points — Bucs 24-23.

Besides, by the fourth quarter, it’s going to be bedtime for half the Oakland team.

No matter who wins on Sunday, it should be a tremendous game that should help continue the recent streak of good Super Bowls.

A major misconception in today’s American pop culture is that the Super Bowl is only fun for parties and commercials, but not for the game, which is “always a blowout.”

But that’s simply not true. Here are the top five Super Bowls I’ve seen:

5. XXX: Dallas 27, Pittsburgh 17

4. XXXIV: Rams 23, Titans 16

3. XXXV: Giants 20, Bills 19

2. XXXII: Broncos 31, Packers 24

1. XXXVI: Patriots 20, Rams 17