Fbkid's Super Bowl Predictions

Unfortunately, there is only one game left in the NFL season and it is the one we have all been waiting for. Coming into the season, the Colts replaced Tony Dungy with Jim Caldwell and with Peyton Manning at quarterback haven’t missed a beat. The Saints led by quarterback Drew Brees will be playing in their first ever Super Bowl and it should be an emotional game for both the team and the city of New Orleans. Here is my Super Bowl prediction along with my key to victory and x-factor for each team.

Saints:

Key to victory: Defensive play calling: The Saints have always had a very explosive offense but much of their success wouldn’t have been possible without their improved defense. Jabari Greer has been excellent this year and might even be the most underrated corner in the league while Darren Sharper is playing like he is in his 20’s. So far in the playoffs the Saints have faced off against Kurt Warner and Brett Favre but will meet their toughest challenge yet in Peyton Manning.
Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams likes to blitz the quarterback but with Manning’s quick decision making and weapons, this game plan could make or break the Saints chances.

X-Factor: Devery Henderson WR: Quick, name the Saints leading receiver this postseason. Is it Marques Colston? Jeremy Shockey? Reggie Bush? The correct answer is Henderson who is mainly used as a deep threat but has played like an every down receiver this postseason. For his career, Henderson averages an astounding 19.7 yards per catch so it wouldn’t be surprising if he has at least one big play on the game’s biggest stage.

Colts:

Key to Victory: The offensive line: Other then Jeff Saturday, most football fans couldn’t name another starter on the Colts offensive line but this unit has played very well this year. The Saints (Bobby McCray in particular) have laid some very hard and sometimes dirty shots to opposing quarterbacks this postseason. Some of us have already seen the Curtis Painter experience and nobody would like a second viewing especially under these circumstances.
The line also needs to open some holes in order for the running game to get going. For the postseason the Colts are averaging less than three yards a carry and with the Saints offense the Colts offense needs to be on the field as much as possible.

X-Factor: Raheem Brock DE: While it is expected that Dwight Freeney will play in the game, he will not be at full strength and will be more of a decoy than anything else. If Freeney does end up missing the game, Brock will take his place. Brock is an experienced player who is solid in all aspects of the game. Even though Brock starting would mean the Colts lose a speed rusher coming at Drew Brees’ blindside, they still have Robert Mathis opposite him who has had his fair share of sacks over the years as well.

Prediction: This has all the makings to be a shootout and most think it will end up being one of the better Super Bowl’s of all time. While the Saints road to the Super Bowl along with everything they have done to give the city of New Orleans hope is fantastic, the end to their season might not have a story book ending. Peyton Manning (who if you haven’t heard grew up in New Orleans watching his dad Archie start at quarterback for the Saints) can tear apart the blitz which the Saints do heavily. In a game featuring two of the league’s most explosive offenses, there is a chance this game could come down to the defenses. My prediction is Saints 26 Colts 34.

Fbkid's Super Bowl Predictions

Unfortunately, there is only one game left in the NFL season and it is the one we have all been waiting for. Coming into the season, the Steelers were a preseason favorite in the AFC as they have one of the league's best quarterbacks in Ben Roethlisberger and a very strong defense. For some time now the Cardinals have always been a trendy pick to make the playoffs. Now that they finally got there, they are making the most of the opportunity. Here is my Super Bowl prediction along with my key to victory and x-factor for each team.

Cardinals:

Key to victory: Edgerrin James RB: When James left the Colts after a seven year stint with the team, the Colts went on to win the Super Bowl. Now James finally gets to the big game and can have his time to shine. The Steelers defense is ferocious and will blitz Kurt Warner on every play. If James can make an impact on the touches he gets, it will throw the Steelers defense off guard opening up the passing game for Warner to get the ball to his all pro receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.

X-Factor: Adrian Wilson S: Wilson is one of the best safeties in the entire league and doesn't quite get his due. In fact, you probably wouldn't even be able to tell that there is another Pro Bowl safety in this game other then Troy Polamalu but Wilson fits the bill. Wilson is a ball hawk and should have a huge impact on a Cardinals defense that has really risen to the occasion this postseason.

Steelers:

Key to Victory: The offensive line: I said it last year and I will say it again; the Steelers still need to improve on the offensive line. Roethlisberger does a great job of moving around in the pocket but he has taken a lot of shots over the years. The Cardinals have really gotten pressure on opposing quarterbacks and the offensive line has to play well for them to win this game.

X-Factor: LaMarr Woodley LB: It's hard to go under the radar playing across from the defensive player of the year on one of the most popular teams in the league, but Woodley manages to do it. While Harrison faces constant double teams, Woodley should have favorable matchups on the edge and has shown that he is fully capable of making teams pay.

Prediction: While the Steelers have been here before and the Cardinals don't have much veteran experience, they have players and coaches who have been here before. Unless the Steelers offensive line comes to play, the Cardinals defense could have a very big game and if it turns into a shootout, the Steelers don't have the fire power that the Cardinals do. My prediction is Cardinals 24 Steelers 20.