USA TODAY Sports' 2018 NFL midseason predictions for Super Bowl LIII, MVP and more

As the NFL season hits the midway point, it seems like the appropriate time to revisit some preseason prognostications. So we asked our panel of experts, which now includes trade deadline acquisition Jori Epstein — welcome aboard — to reassess its earlier predictions for the Super Bowl LIII champion, MVP, rookies of the year and more.

Note there's now a lot less room on the Saints bandwagon, which Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz occupied by his lonesome back in September. And all that MVP love Aaron Rodgers had two months ago? Our team, with the exception of senior columnist Jarrett Bell (a Todd Gurley supporter from the jump), has clearly shifted its longing gaze to Chiefs wunderkind Patrick Mahomes.

Now, let's peer into our crystal (foot)ball ...