After Sunday, eight teams will play seven games over three weekends to determine who will hoist the Lombardi Trophy on the first Sunday of February. None of that will be necessary because we already know who will win Super Bowl XLVIII. It’s the San Diego Chargers.

Why are we so sure, you ask? Does it have something to do with Philip Rivers? Can we attribute this bold prediction to new coach Mike McCoy? Is this about how teams who sneak into the playoffs and pull off the biggest upset of the wild card weekend tend to advance deep into January? No, no and no. It’s much more scientific than that.

Here’s a list of the teams the Philadelphia Eagles have faced in their home openers over the past four seasons. You’ll notice each of these teams have something in common.

2009 — vs. New Orleans Saints

2010 — vs. Green Bay Packers

2011 — vs. New York Giants

2012 — vs. Baltimore Ravens

Every team Philly played in its first regular season game at Lincoln Financial Field went on to win the Super Bowl. New Orleans, Green Bay, New York and Baltimore. You’ll never guess who the Eagles played to start their 2013 home campaign. (Although the headline and all the previous text may have provided some foreshadowing.)

2013 — vs. San Diego Chargers

There it is. Because San Diego opened Philly’s home season, the Chargers will be winning it all.

So don’t bother going to Denver for the divisional playoff, San Diego. We all know Peyton will throw a bad fourth-quarter interception to seal the game for you and your bolo tie-wearing quarterback. And that trip the following weekend to either Boston or Indianapolis? Think green, NFL, and save the Bolts the plane trip. Instead of playing a cold weather Super Bowl, have both teams go bowling or something. There’s no need for any of it.

The San Diego Chargers run to the Super Bowl has been preordained. Philip Rivers is going to Disney World.