The big game is a few days away and there is a lot of excitement, buzz and excitement for this year’s game between the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks.
Sports experts and sports fans are talking a lot about Seattle’s defense and Payton Manning’s record season. They are also considering how cold weather could affect the game.
Odds makers have made the Broncos favorites by two and a half points at the time this column is being written.
My friend, colleague, quantification expert, and co-author of one of my books, Who will win the big game: the 50 characteristics of the championship teams, coaches and athletes, tells me that a lot of the data favors the Seattle Seahawks.
And the Seahawks’ excellent coach, powerful running game, and dynamic quarterback make them an excellent football team.
And even though I made a bet on the Seahawks to win it all when I was in Las Vegas ten months ago, I think “Payton Manning will hit the payout in this year’s Super Bowl.”
This is why …
I’ve been watching soccer for longer and for more years than my wife wants to think about and I’ve never seen a quarterback throw the ball as consistently and efficiently as Payton Manning is throwing it now.
The offensive line seems to give Payton all the time he needs to make a short pass, a medium-length pass, or a long pass. He’s doing all the pitches.
Manning and the Broncos are also coming off a very good showing against the Patriots. This dominant performance should give the Broncos a positive boost as they enter this week’s big game.
Plus, he does very unique things when he runs the offense. His ability to read defenses, change plays and get rid of the ball very quickly sets him apart from most quarterbacks in the league.
Payton Manning can create a great illusion that, in my opinion, can unsettle even Pete Carroll’s super defense.
Also, I think Manning has an added motivation because winning another Super Bowl will make people see him as one of the best quarterbacks of all time.
So the Mile High City team, which may now have a lot of fans for miles around as a result of marijuana legalization, will likely have a lot to celebrate Sunday night.