I hate the Seahawks. I abhor the Patriots. I’ve never heard of Bad Bunny and already can’t stand his “music.” Can’t stand NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth. But I probably watch the Super Bowl anyway.

– J-Dawg, Boulder

Kiz: Two years ago, when Sam Darnold was trying to rehabilitate his NFL career as a seldom-used reserve quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, I spent 15 minutes of one-on-one time with him during Super Bowl week and tried to sell him on the idea of signing on as a free agent with the Broncos. If you remember, Darnold was the QB that John Elway liked in the 2018 draft. Yes, Broncos Country loves Bo Nix. But if Darnold wins a ring with Seattle, I’m going to be wearing a told-you-so grin. 

With the Broncos not in the Super Bowl, I’ve got better things to do. Like play video games. But at least I don’t have to worry about an AFC West division rival winning it all this year.

– U.S., oorah

Kiz: As I told my loyal readers way back in September, look for Nix and the Broncos to be at the Super Bowl in 2027.

What Super Bowl? The Olympics have our full attention.

– Lori, going for the gold

Kiz: Well, my Super Bowl Sunday will be spent watching Lindsey Vonn try to pull off a miracle in the Olympic downhill rather than chasing two football teams that Broncos Country doesn’t particularly like. So kindly let me add: I’m very grateful to The Denver Gazette for making the commitment to letting me cover my 14th Olympic Games. While it’s a thrill for me, what’s really important here is a news organization that sees the importance of telling the stories of world-class Colorado athletes like Mikaela Shiffrin and Avs playing for the love of country. Sports are ties that bind us together as neighbors, and the Denver Gazette has me in Italy out of respect for the best sports fans in America.

Despite all the injuries to the Nuggets, I’m pretty confident in the playoff experience on this roster. So as long as the starting lineup has three weeks playing together prior to the end of the regular season, all these injuries will  be irrelevant when it matters most.

– Adrian, Melbourne, Australia

Kiz: Wow, didn’t know anyone from Down Under paid attention to the knuckleheads here at Kickin’ It Headquarters. Thanks for the shoutout. At full strength, the Nuggets are the only team I see with a chance of stopping Oklahoma City from being back-to-back champs. But this team seems to be snakebit. So while a championship run would be awesome, know what I really want from this season? For team management to realize what a rising star they have in Peyton Watson and find a way to pay him, even if it requires some painful roster decisions elsewhere.

And today’s parting shot throws shade at the prospect of an Olympic miracle.

As an old man who has suffered through two torn ACLs and has had both knees replaced, I feel for and admire the estimable Ms. Vonn. But while awaiting her performance in the downhill, I’m afraid I must quote Mr. T in his prediction for Rocky in the boxing ring: pain.

– M.Z., classic movie buff