Celebrities handicap Super Bowl XXXVIII

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Like fans everywhere, Hollywood celebrities are choosing up sides for Super Bowl XXXVIII between the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots.

Merv Griffin picks the Panthers to win, 17-14.

"Too many similarities between this year's Panthers and the underdog Patriots of two years ago," said Griffin. "Defense and a strong ground game are the recipe for a championship."

"Roots" and "The Thorn Birds" producer David. L. Wolper likes the Pats to win, 24-14. But producer Aaron Spelling has the Panthers winning, 31-24.

"Houston's weather will aid the Panthers who must score first to win game," said Spelling. "The Panthers will lock it up in the last minute."

Best-selling author Sidney Sheldon sees a high-scoring affair, with the Panthers beating the Patriots, 34-30.

Oscar-winning actor Red Buttons picks the Pats, 24-13 -- but he isn't impressed with either team.

"My team at PS 44 in the Bronx would have beat them both," he joked.

Dr. Joyce Brothers -- the TV psychologist who actually played a baseball announcer in the 1988 comedy "The Naked Gun" -- has New England, 24-17.

"Every year I've predicted the underdog and been correct but this year I'm picking the 'overdog,'" said Brothers. "They've 14 wins in a row; Super Bowl XXXVIII will be their 15th."