Super Bowl XLIV predictions

Written by Spectrum Staff Friday, 05 February 2010 08:00

Rob Detjen

I really like how both teams are playing coming in, but I think the difference in the game will be Peyton Manning and the Colts not turning over the ball. 

Everyone is expecting a back and forth offensive battle, but with two weeks off, both defenses should come ready to play. If the Colts turn over the ball like the Vikes did a couple of weeks ago, and Dwight Freeney is unable to go, then the Saints have a shot for the upset.

In the end, Manning’s off-the-field excellence will carry the Colts down the stretch to their second Super Bowl victory in four years, and solidify him as the greatest quarterback to ever play the game. 

Colts: 24-21

Lucas Kracht 

Indianapolis is coming in after destroying the best defense in football, the New York Jets. Peyton Manning threw for 377 yards and 3 touchdowns, and proved that no matter what defense is on the field he will find a way to exploit them. 

The Saints defense is ranked 26th against the pass and 25th overall. Furthermore, the Saints relied heavily on the pressure they put on Brett Favre to beat the Vikings. Peyton Manning has only been sacked 10 times all season. 

Indianapolis needs to stop the run early and make the Saints a one-dimensional team, much like the Vikings did last week. That’s why I’m going to take the Colts.

Lucas can be heard every Friday from 3-4 on the “Sprengeler Sports Show on  96.3 KNDS.

Colts: 34-24

Cavin Berube

After the Saints were gifted the tickets to the Super Bowl, I didn’t see them having a shot against the Colts. The Colts are the better all-around team. Their defense is underrated, and Peyton Manning is the best quarterback in the game. 

But the Dwight Freeney injury really made me think. A torn ankle ligament for a defensive end is crucial and it will limit everything that he does well. 

If you give Drew Brees time, he is one of the best in the game, and I think that is what this injury does. Even if Freeney plays, he won’t be at full strength, and that will be the difference in this one. 

Saints: 30-24 

Adam Sprengeler

Victoire pour les Saints. That’s French for victory for the Saints, and that is exactly what is going to happen this Sunday in Miami. 

I feel this match will be decided by the quarterback play, and that the Saints defense is going to create a living hell for Peyton Manning. Manning doesn’t like to get hit – I think we can all attest to that – so the Saints are going to be all over him just like they were with Brett Favre two weeks ago.

Colts star defensive end Dwight Freeney is also questionable. Even if he plays, how hard will he be able to go? Add that to a Colts‘ defense that gives up the seventh most points per game and a plus 11-turnover ratio for New Orleans and that equals dancing on Bourbon Street.

Adam can be heard every Friday from 3-4 on the “Sprengeler Sports Show” on 96.3 KNDS.

Saints: 31-24

Michael Howe

Sunday’s game features two teams that have high scoring offenses and defenses that do just enough to win games. 

Indianapolis, in my mind, has not lost a game yet this season. Both regular season losses came when Peyton Manning and the rest of the Colts’ starters were taking it easy, waiting for the post season. 

People say that Vikings gave the NFC title to the Saints with five turnovers. But, besides the misexchanged handoff between Favre and Peterson, the four other turnovers were caused by the Saints defense.

I think this game comes down to special teams. Saints have return man Reggie Bush, while Indianapolis has been steady all season. Many people are overlooking the fact that Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri has been hurt most of the year. He’s listed as probable for Sunday, but Matt Stover has been great as his replacement. Saints kicker Garrett Hartley booted the game winner against Minnesota in overtime, but he still very young and inexperienced, and that kick was indoors.

With the weather possibly coming into play, I trust the Colts’ kickers.

Colts: 27-24

Daniel Gunderson 

I am supposed to explain why I picked the Colts in 100 words or less. I really only need two: Peyton Manning. 

This guy only needed the ball 15 minutes to rack up 27 points and a win against the Dolphins. He’s so tough to beat because he does not make mistakes. 

Even if the Colts are without Dwight Freeney, and Brees lights their “D” up for 30 plus, Manning will have a chance at the end of the game to get the win. And he will deliver. 

Colts: 35-31