A Look at Super Bowl XLVIII

Well tonight is the night. Families all over the world will gather in front of the TV for the Super Bowl. There will be countless deli trays, wings, and beer consumed. People will live-Tweet about the commercials. Teenage girls will emerge from hiding long enough to watch the Bruno Mars halftime show before escaping back to their rooms. But for those who care about the game, here is my breakdown and prediction.

The edge in offense definitely goes to Denver. Despite Marshawn Lynch being the most prolific offensive player on the field (he isn't called Beast Mode for nothing), Peyton Manning, Eric Decker, Wes Welker and Demaryius Thomas are one hell of a combination. Yes, I know Russell Wilson is a fine athlete and a threat to run which makes him tough to defend, but he is not the passer Manning is nor does he have quite the same caliber of receivers to throw to. No disrespect to Sidney Rice, Doug Baldwin and Golden Tate intended, they are all solid receivers. They just aren't on the level of what Denver has. Both teams have great offensive lines which allow them to do the things they do on offense. Now, Seattle does have the edge in the running game and that will play a role tonight. But overall Denver has the better tools on offense.

Defense is another story. Seattle is by far the better defensive team. They surrendered the fewest points, total yards and passing yards during the 2013 regular season and led the league in takeaways. Seattle's rushing defense was tied for seventh in the NFL with Denver and the Bronco's rushing defense is playing well right now. The Broncos pass defense however, was ranked 27th in the NFL. We all now know who Richard Sherman is, but he's not just some chump talking needlessly talking trash. He did intercept 8 passes during the season and returned one for a touchdown. Shaun Phillips and his 10 regular season sacks make him the player to watch for in Denver's defense.

Special teams go to Denver. Kicker Matt Prater is better than Seattle's Steven Hauschka and Trindon Holliday is scary returning kicks.

The biggest keys in tonight's game are this: How does Manning approach a defense like Seattle's? Can Denver's secondary step up enough to slow down the solid receivers of Seattle? Who will win the battle of Lynch vs. Denver rush defense?

PREDICTION: SEATTLE 24 DENVER 20



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