Super Bowl XLIV

Sunday, February 7th, 6:25pm:

Indianapolis Colts vs. New Orleans Saints
Line: Colts -4.5
O/U: 56.5
I'm actually quite surprised that the Colts are favored by so much with Dwight Freeney's status in question. He's a huge part of their defense, and how much he can play will directly impact how successful the Colts D is at stopping the high-powered Saints. The Saints are clearly capable of beating anybody when they are 100% on their game. The same, however, can be said for the Colts. I think Brees and company have more pure offensive talent, but Peyton has the ability to burn any defense. Neither defense is terrible, but neither is particularly wonderful. Both can bring good pressure and force turnovers, the Saints moreso than the Colts. Indy is more of a bend-but-don't-break style defense, and they execute very well. Still, I'd be surprised if this game ended with either team below 30 points. Will New Orleans win thank to their experience in shootouts, or will Indy get it done on the back of having been there before? I have to side with the experience factor. Plus Indy wouldn't have lost a game all year had they decided to try for the undefeated season. The Saints still would have. And did.
My Pick: Colts -4.5. Indy wins its second Lombardi Trophy with Manning at the helm 38-31.