NFL Super Bowl XLIV Predictions 2010

So here we are then, the Super Bowl! 32 teams started, and a lot of them had a good chance of getting here; some did not but had the dreams, so did not and knew it.

It was back on September 10th 2009 that Graham and I took our Final Look, going out on a limb on who would be here, and neither of us mentioned the Saints and we only put the Colts into a Wildcard spot. So yeah, that shows what we knew back then. The Saints have shown some real steel in their play, as have the Colts. Both teams are offensive juggernauts who have been good enough (though not fearsome) defensively. But that they are the two best teams cannot be disputed – well, it can, but you know what I mean – and for the first time in too long for me to bother checking, the two top seeded teams will take to the pitch for the big game.

What do we think…

Will Trade Husband for SB Tickets

Andrew – I think it’s fair to say that all of us here feel a certain affection for the Saints. Not only did they come and play in London, but they put on one heck of a great game that we still remember fondly. As a franchise they’ve been a bit downtrodden over the years and it’s great to see them doing so well at last. There is also the Katrina factor – to be doing so well for a city that has suffered so much does warm the heart.
On top of that is that they feature some extremely watchable players: Drew Brees, of course, Reggie Bush, Jeremy Shockey, Darren Sharper, Tracy Porter, Jonathan Vilma and Mac Favourite Will Smith to name but some of this exciting and talented squad.

The Colts though… they have possibly one of the finest QBs ever to play the game in Peyton Manning. Watching him learn, adjust and then shred the Jets was yet another masterclass from this pro. On top of that he seems like a truly nice guy, and I enjoy most of his adverts. With Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon giving him options when Reggie Wayne is covered, Dallas Clark a big part of the passing game and a fair running game and good offensive line… you know that this is a team that can put up serious points.

Defensively, they might not feature many ‘big’ names but as a unit they can play and produce results. They’ll be hoping to get Freeney ready to play, and the signs are that he’ll be ready. Doug Farrar has a good article here about the Colts’ ‘underappreciated’ front 7 that is worth a read. These guys do come in under the radar, but shouldn’t be ignored.

After resting for the end of the regular season, the Colts have been impressive in dismissing the Ravens and Jets and that decision – to rest and be ready for the playoffs rather than chase 16-0 could well be vindicated come Super Bowl Sunday.

But this remains a very difficult game to call. The odds-makers have the Colts as narrow favourites, and I think that’s fair. Whilst the Saints will have many neutrals, me included, supporting them, I think the Colts are an opponent too far and too strong. So I’m calling a Colts win.

Craig - Not the Superbowl i wanted, but a good game it will be. Andrew has basically hit all the points that need to be hit so i’ll get right down to the predicting. I want a Saints win, but i’m going for a Colts win.

Superbowl 41 Championship Ring

Graham - OK, I’ll get right to it, I want the Saints to win the Super Bowl. There done. Now, would I put money on it? Well not for a win bet no. On paper this is the Colts game, but as we know the Super Bowl doesn’t always work like that does it. Cast you mind back to the ‘They will never win it’ NY Giants v the ‘Nobody can beat them’ Patriots a couple of years ago and you will see what I mean.

I think it would be great if we had 2 Super Bowl winners from the last 3 Wembley games and for that reason (notice I am putting all logical thought aside for this one). I am picking the Saints.

The long and short of it is I don’t really mind who wins. I am going to sit back and relax with a beer enjoy the game and The Who and be thankful that we are getting a live broadcast on TV and have yet another regular season game to look forward to in London this October.

Official Mac Prediction:

The most important question is – Who do you think will win?

Image Credits:
Will Trade Husband… Chopfinger
Our wives (and fiancée) would not hold this sign up. For that we’re both grateful, and a little saddened.

Championship Ring… briser50