It’s a battle between the two #1 seeds of their respective conferences.  This is no “underdog” story, people.  This is a battle between powerhouses.  One of the best defenses of all time versus the greatest offense of all time (statistically).  This is one team with no Super Bowl experience versus a quarterback looking to solidify himself as the greatest quarterback to play in the NFL.

The Meadowlands, the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets, is the venue for the game tonight, and when everyone bickered and moaned about this game being played in poor weather conditions, it’s only fitting to see the forecast above freezing in New York in February.  This is the 2nd week in a row Peyton Manning, the guy that tends to struggle in the wind and cold, has been blessed with ideal weather in places where snow, wind, and cold are excepted this time of year.

What to watch for…

– Can Peyton Manning continue to be great against the Legion of boom?  This Broncos offense put up historic numbers, but they also have yet to face a great defense.  Players like Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor are shut down defenders that will give problems to Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, Eric Decker, and Wes Welker.  We have nothing to compare this kind of matchup for these two teams, but it’s safe to say both will have success and problems throughout the game

– Can Knowshon Moreno and Monte Ball establish the run game?  I watched the New Orleans Saints be able to move the ball downfield against this Seattle Defense via the ground game, and its only fair to say the Broncos will need to have their running backs produce in clutch situations.  The Broncos can throw the ball all day, but the Seahawks are a different kind of animal against the pass.  The run game will have to keep them guessing.

– Will the Seahawks put pressure on Manning?  This is the only way to really get Manning off his game, and from what I’ve seen its highly unlikely that you can actually get sacks against him and this offensive line.  Seattle is one of the best at throwing different formations and blitz schemes at opposing offenses, but Manning is the best at reading the defense before the snap.  This will be the biggest battle in the game.

–  With all of the talk about the Broncos offense and the Seahawks defense, it’s easy to forget about the other matchup in this Super Bowl.  The Broncos defense has battled through injuries to key players and has looked great as of late.  Can they figure out how to keep Marshawn Lynch contained for all 4 quarters?  Also, can Russell Wilson step up and make plays in a game where you have to expect this offense to put points on the board in bunches?  This isn’t going to be a game where the Seahawks can just control the clock and play field position.  This will be a game where points will be scored, and Wilson needs to prove he can sling it downfield and run an offense that can score points in bunches.

Prediction

Forget all of the hype about individuals.  Richard Sherman talks are over.  Peyton Manning legacy debates are put on hold.  It’s time to play football, and I couldn’t be more excited to see two of the best teams this year play for the title.

I liked the Broncos to win it at first, then I liked the Seahawks.  Then I liked the Broncos, then the Seahawks, and honestly I switched my pick on a daily basis.  Today is the day, and I’m setting my pick on the Broncos.

The weather is not an issue, the Broncos run an offense that is nearly impossible to contain, and their defense has looked great.  This time of year you need your whole team playing like champions, and Denver’s defense has turned it on at the perfect time.

Give me the Broncos.  34-24.  Peyton Manning MVP.