It's down to the final three contestants on 'Dancing With the Stars,' and after a topsy-turvy season that saw the leaderboard constantly shaken up, it's anyone's mirrorball trophy to lose.

Over the last few weeks, Hines Ward and Chelsea Kane have settled into front-runner status, each leading the board multiple times and nabbing perfect 10s. Meanwhile, Kirstie Alley squeaked past Ralph Macchio last week as the underdog-slash-fan favorite.

While I'm going out on a limb and predicting that Chelsea will win in a last-minute Shawn Johnson-type upset over Hines, I asked critics and fervent 'DWTS' fans to weigh in on the simple question: Who will take home the mirrorball this season?

There was a definite consensus, but don't count out the fact that there may be a dark horse in the running. Read what they had to say ...

Gina Carbone, Writer, Wetpaint.com
Winner prediction: Hines Ward
Hines and partner Kym Johnson are judges' darlings. They had momentum going into the finals, and athletes tend to do very well. They're gorgeous to look at, have chemistry and have zero behind-the-scenes drama in terms of showing diva attitudes or fighting with the judges. Their only "drama" was Kym's injury, which only seemed to help them with the judges and, presumably, the fans.

Angel Cohn, Managing editor, Television Without Pity
Winner prediction: Hines Ward
Chelsea has serious skills and Kirstie has a strong fan base, but Hines is the total package. He works the charm, he's an athlete, he's smooth on the dance floor and he's got that megawatt smile that will push him over the top.

Liane Bonin Starr, Senior editor, HitFix.com
Winner prediction: Chelsea Kane
Though she's always been a dark horse (did you even know there was a 'Bratz' movie?), she's emerged as not only the strongest dancer but also the one who's having the most fun on the floor. Hines isn't to be counted out, given the strong record athletes have had (past winners Emmitt Smith, Apolo Ohno, Kristi Yamaguchi, Shawn Johnson ...) and his laid-back charm -- but I have to wonder if he isn't too laid back to inspire viewers to vote.

Laurel Brown, Features writer, BuddyTV
Winner prediction: Hines Ward
Kirstie may have the fan appeal, and Chelsea's got the dancing skills, but Hines is the only competitor to combine popularity with great dancing. He has dominated the season and hasn't slowed down at the end. Besides, how can you not love the guy?

Rich Juzwiak, Senior editor, TV Guide
Winner prediction: Hines Ward
I think Hines will win because his butt looks the best in his 'Dancing' gear from week to week, and if there's anything America loves, it's a good a**. Even though dancing seemed out of Hines' area of expertise, the show actually plays to the strong point of the football player, which is to give good a**.

Rickey Yaneza, Editor, Rickey.org
Winner prediction: Hines Ward
It's going to be close between Hines and Chelsea for the title, as both have the most 10s for the season. However, sports figures have a history of winning the mirrorball trophy, so I will have to give the edge to Hines.

Weigh in with your own opinion in the poll and comments section below!

The 'Dancing With the Stars' finale airs tonight at 9PM ET on ABC.