Super Bowl XLVIII

The Big Game is here and it's the matchup that most (including myself) had predicted at the start of the season. The Peyton Manning led Denver Broncos vs. The Seattle Seahawks and "Beast Mode." Both teams had beaten the rivals Manning over Brady and Seattle over San Francisco to get here.

Denver Broncs vs. Seattle Seahawks
In a matchup that will see the number one offense versus the number one defense, this Super Bowl has the potential to be the greatest Super Bowl in the last 20 years. Russell Wilson has many years ahead of him and with the way the defense is built, it could be back in the Super Bowl for years to come. On the other hand this may be Peyton Manning's final chance at hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. Currently the owner of a (1-1) record in the "Big Game." Manning does not want to go out with another loss and one less ring then his younger brother Eli. After the season that he had, the 2014 MVP heads into the game as a slight favourite but he'll have to get by Richard Sherman's defense to win. There are many intriguing matchups but here are the three that I feel will be the most crucial.

Key matchups:

1) Denver's Wide Recievers vs. the Legion of Doom: If Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas can shut down and confuse the wide outs of Denver, it will be a long game for the Broncos. Yes, Knowshon Moreno has gone forever since fumbaling, but the Seahawks don't give up a lot of rushing yards. Manning will have to be on the mark to win this game. The Seahawks don't give a lot of big plays down the field, so short and middle passes may be the key instead of the big 20+yard play.

2) Marshawn Lynch vs. the Broncos defense: Lynch has been in beast mode all throughout the playoffs and without Von Miller causing havoc, he should have a strong game. If the Broncos can control what the Seahawks do up front that will force Wilson to throw the ball to guys like Golden Tate and Doug Baldwin. The key for the Seahawks is to give Lynch 22-27 carries and hope he rushes for 100+yards.

3) Peyton Manning vs. Russell Wilson: Old School vs. New School. The Sheriff against the New Kid on the Block. Two different types of playing, both very successful. Manning will have to control everything at the line of scrimmage while Wilson has the ability to make and extend plays with his legs. The key will be who can avoid the turnovers the most.



Prediction: Seahawks 24 - Broncos 21