ESPN did a poll earlier today that asked, What was more surprising: The Rays in the World Series or the Cards in the Super Bowl?

At first glance, it’s the Rays in the World Series. But then you realize they were pretty good all year, their pitching staff was dominant, they’d beaten up on the BoSox in head-to-head meetings, and you say, “Well, it really wasn’t that surprising.” Before the season, very surprising. Heading into the playoffs, not that crazy.

Heading into the season, Cards in the Super Bowl sounded crazy, but not crazy-crazy. They’ve got the best wide receiver tandem in football, a veteran quarterback, and a pretty decent secondary (one of the best safeties in the league, and he doesn’t often get credit for it).

The line has Pittsburgh at -7. It opened at 6.5, but apparently that defense against the crazy-story-that-is known as the Cardinals is making the crowd jump towards Big Ben and sure destiny.

My call? I’ll give a final prediction heading into the big game, but my early prediction says Cards 27, Steelers 24. In other words, bet the Cards, and take the money line.