NFL: Six Keys To Super Bowl XLVIII

Six things that will determine the outcome of Super Sunday between the
Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks. 

by Steve Painter 

Here is a quick guide for what to expect this Super Bowl Sunday when the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos take the field.

1. Defense, Defense, Defense

Seattle's defense was the best in the NFL this year and this game will be no different. They will stymie the run, forcing Manning to throw, but will they allow good decision by Manning? No, he will be forced to make pass attempts into the best secondary in football, and he will throw some picks while others will miss their mark due to good coverage.

The Seattle defense only allowed 14.4 points per game this year, and gave up 442 fewer yards than the next best defense.

Advantage: Seattle

2. Marshawn Lynch vs. Knowshon Moreno/Montee Ball

This is not even a fair matchup. Moreno has had a good, even great year, for Moreno. And Ball, he is a first year guy who has come on lately, but is still figuring things out. Look for Seattle's defense to minimize the impact of both these runners.

But Lynch is a beast, hence the term Beast-Mode often spoken of when discussing him. He will get his yardage in this game, and reduce the pressure on Russell Wilson to produce big numbers in order to win.

Advantage: Seattle

3. Weather Conditions

It will be cold, some say bitter, for the game. No snow is forecasted. This will be a factor for both teams, but will favor Seattle because they are more physical, and with their running game, it's to their advantage.

Advantage: Seattle

4. NFC Conference Supremacy

The NFC has proven to be the stronger conference in recent years, owning a 4-2 straight up record and being 5-1 against the spread. And, if you recall, the NFC team in recent years has had the better defense, as well. Yes, Seattle will lose its strong home-field advantage, but so will Denver.

Advantage: Seattle

5. Seattle has been strong in their role of being an underdog

The Seahawks have a lot of team pride, and play together as one unit, without any controversy. This makes them a very dangerous underdog. In fact, they are 17-3-1 against the spread over the last 21 games in which they were the underdog, along with a 9-5 straight up record in the last 14 games as a dog.

And in the Super Bowl, lately, underdogs have gone 5-1 against the spread and won four of those games outright.

Advantage: Seattle

6. Conclusion

This game is intriguing, because it matches Peyton Manning against the best defense in the land. Manning, it's been said, has something left to prove, but that's nonsense. He has proven that he is one of the best QB's to ever play the game. Of course he wants to win, but prove something? C'mon, man.

The people that bet on Seattle, whether it's an office pool, or with a Sports Book, are going to be very happy after the game. Seattle is the better all around team this year and will be victorious in their quest for victory and a ring in the 2014 Super Bowl. Take the points and run.