This Sunday at approximately 6:25 PM EST Super Bowl XLVIII will kick-off between the offensive prowess of the Denver Broncos and the stiff defense of the Seattle Seahawks.

By: Bret Walts

The matchup between the top-rated offense and the top-rated defense could be one for the ages, especially with fan favorite Peyton Manning trying to lead a second NFL team to a Super Bowl victory. On the other hand, Seattle will look to capture its first Super Bowl in the history of the franchise led by young, second-year QB Russell Wilson.

The Seahawks, well-known for their rowdy “12^th-man” fan base, allows the fewest passing yards by any team in the NFL. Their defense is led by Richard Sherman, who has been at the center of attention after a controversial interview with Erin Andrews after Seattle’s victory over the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game.

Peyton will look to continue the family tradition by capturing his second Super Bowl ring to match two-time Super Bowl MVP, New York Giants quarterback and younger brother Eli Manning. Eli was last victorious in Super Bowl XLVI at Peyton’s home field, Lucas Oil Stadium. Peyton will now have the chance to win a Super Bowl at Eli’s home field at MetLife Stadium.

Predictions:

Here’s a quick breakdown of the offensive and defensive stats for both teams.

Those simple stats say Seattle squeaks by and wins the game and in Super Bowl matchups featuring the #1 offense vs. the #1 defense the top ranked defenses have won four out of five times. However, on the big stage, experience could play a big factor.

Seattle does not have a single player with Super Bowl experience on their roster according to NFL.com. On the other hand, the Broncos have Peyton, who is arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the sport, and a former Super Bowl MVP.

In the end, I think experience and the leadership of Peyton Manning determine the outcome of the game. If Peyton can connect with his group of talented receivers, featuring two top five NFL receivers in terms of touchdown receptions, the Broncos will come out on top.

Seattle may be the better team on paper, but they lack experience and will have to face one of the most offensively-gifted teams in the history of the NFL.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:

Denver Broncos – 24

Seattle Seahawks – 20

(It should be noted weather will be a factor in the outcome of this game. If East Rutherford, New Jersey welcomes a windy, frigid old man winter, Denver’s defense may suffer ever so slightly.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwq-rSL3-G0