Hubdub’s Hot Predictions this week, as decided by Hubdub users and staff, are selected based on their newsworthiness for the week. These stories are bound to be big news this week - and we have forecasts on how they’re likely to turn out.

The Superbowl

This Sunday the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers face off for the 43rd Superbowl. The favorites on Hubdub seem to consistently be the Steelers. Currently Hubdubbers give them a 62% chance of taking home the win on Sunday. Good luck to both teams!

Super Bowl XLIII - Arizona Cardinals vs Pittsburgh Steelers - Who will win?

Politics

With the easy part behind Obama, the new administration now has to govern. The first focus seems to be reaffirming Obama’s campaign promise regarding Guantanamo Bay. Pundits are already pointing out though that the rhetoric of change for Guantanamo Bay hasn’t yet been substantiated. So when will the first detainee depart Guantanamo Bay? Hubdub forecasts before May 1, 2009.

When will the first detainee leave Guantanamo?

Entertainment

Yes sports is all important and stuff and the Superbowl’s a pretty big event, but what about The Office on NBC? The Office will have its postSuperbowl episode following the Superbowl on Sunday, but how many viewers will stick around to watch it? Hubdub forecasts there’s a 32% chance of less than 20 million viewers sticking it out.

How many people will watch the postSuperbowl Office episode?

Even if you don’t watch the Superbowl you’ll probably still find some way to watch the commercials. The cost of these commercials? Well $3 million gets you about 30 seconds. Budweiser is expected to put on the highest rated commercials this year.

Super Bowl XLIII - Which commercial will have a higher rating on USA Today’s annual Ad Meter?

Science

The Space Shuttle’s future is sketchy, NASA’s working on a new workhorse for space exploration and a strangled economy isn’t helping keep these billion dollar behemoths afloat. There are 6 scheduled launches in 2009, but even now Hubdub predicts the likeliness of all 6 launching in 2009 is sketchy….

Will all 6 Space Shuttle missions scheduled for 2009 launch in 2009?

Trading percentages given are at time of posting and may not match up with markets after the fact due to Hubdub users forecasting on said markets.

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Hubdub’s Hot Predictions this week, as decided by Hubdub users and staff, are selected based on their newsworthiness for the week. These stories are bound to be big news this week - and we have forecasts on how they’re likely to turn out.

Politics

One phrase epitomizes Barack Obama and his call to arms, ‘Yes We Can.’ Throughout the election he repeated it, but with election over will Obama seek to reuse ‘Yes We Can’ at the inauguration? Hubdub predicts the answer is no. By 54% Hubdubbers put their money on Obama not mentioning the phrase at all.

Presidential Inauguration: How many times will President Obama use the phrase “Yes We Can”?

World

Analysts believe Israel is not only sending a message to Hamas in Gaza but to Washington, and more specifically Barack Obama. It’s thought Israel wants to do as much damage to Hamas, before Obama comes to power. For now though, at least to Hubdubbers it’s unclear if the conflict in Gaza will even reach a cessation before Obama is inaugurated.

Will Israel cease fire in the current Gaza conflict before Obama is sworn in as President

Entertainment

Gran Torino killed at the box office  last weekend, making over $20 million dollars. Is their Oscar potential for Eastwood though? The movie was snubbed by the Golden Globes, but Hubdubbers see redemption in its  future, forecasting Clint Eastwood has a 67% chance of being nominated for best actor for his role in the movie.

Oscar Buzz: Will Clint Eastwood (Gran Torino) be nominated for Best Actor?

The Golden Globes accidentally posted a win for Anne Hathaway4 days early, so it seems likely she’s a safe bet for an Oscar nod. She does however, face the embarrassing release of Bride Wars at the same time that the Academy is trying to decide if she’s Best Actress material. Certainly not all publicity is good publicity.

Oscar Buzz: Will Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married) be nominated for Best Actress?

Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles had a upset win over the Giants this Saturday, at least for this New York fan. Now as the Eagles head to the NFC Championship Game they’re no longer the underdogs at Hubdub. We’re forecasting they win against the Arizona Cardinals. Giving them a 68% chance of victory.

NFC Championship - Philadelphia Eagles @ Arizona Cardinals - Who will win?

Trading percentages given are at time of posting and may not match up with markets after the fact due to Hubdub users forecasting on said markets.

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This year’s Super Bowl will be held in Tampa, FL on Feb 1st. Eight teams head in to the Divisional Playoffs, beginning Jan 10th.  While Kurt Warner has had a stellar season, the Cardinals face a challenge heading to Carolina who is undefeated at home.  Although the Raven’s defense will test Tennessee, the Titans will prevail and win a close game.  Donovan McNabb has led the Eagles to 2 big wins against the Cowboys and Vikings.  If the same McNabb shows up in NY, look for an upset over the defending champs.  After a slow start, the Chargers have won 5 in a row to make the playoffs.  The Chargers lost a close one (11-10) to the Steelers earlier this year.  Without LaDainian Tomlinson (who is doubtful for this Sunday’s game), they will have a hard time coming up with a win at Pittsburgh.  The Conference Championships will be held on Jan 18th.  The Steelers will be looking to avenge their loss to the Titans in Week 16 and will put up a good fight.  However, the Titans will go on to defeat them twice and advance to the Super Bowl.  Jake Delhomme will have a breakout game to lead the Panthers to an easy victory over the Eagles.  Super Bowl XLIII will feature what could be a great matchup between the Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans.  Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams will step up their game against the tough Titans defense (which has only allowed 14.6 points per game) to lead the Panthers over the Titans, 24-20, just before they announce their plans to head to Disney World to celebrate their Super Bowl championship.
Mark
Hubdub Sports Category Editor

Uncategorized NFL, playoffs, predictions