It's almost time for the trash talk to cease, and the 2013 NFL season to conclude with the grandest game of them all. It's looks like a close game is in store as these teams are both dominant in their own way, and both very hungry for a title. Will Peyton Manning shake off his detractors and win his second Lombardi Trophy, which should without doubt cement his legacy as arguably the greatest QB of all time? Or will the young upstart Seattle Seahawks, with no Super Bowl experience on their roster, (first time since the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV), claim their spot as the best team in the NFL?
My gut tells me Manning and the Broncos will come out on top 27 - 23. I really like this Seattle defense and I think they help the Seahawks take a lead into the 4th quarter. Then Manning will take the field with about 5 minutes left and lead a poised TD drive to take the lead for good. Look for a running Twitter feed throughout the game and feel free to #VibeWithUs. Enjoy the game folks!
More Staff Picks below, and Mike Walter's keys to the game for each team.
Michael Walter - Seattle 24 Denver 23
Denver and Peyton's experience in big games should win them the first half of the game. Look for RB Marshawn Lynch to lead Seattle to a last minute field goal and overcome a shaky game from QB Russell Wilson.
Johnny Garcia - Denver 20 Seattle 16
I think it's going to be a low scoring game due to the weather. I also see Seattle trying to run the ball early and often and controlling time of possession. QB Russell Wilson may not be ready for the biggest stage of them all. Hoping for a good close game.
Keisha DeVaughn - Denver 24 Seattle 14
QB Peyton Manning is hungry for another Super Bowl title to add to his legacy!
Bernie Tolbert - Denver 27 Seattle 20
QB Peyton Manning's leadership and experience should allow Denver's offense to score enough points to overcome any defensive shortcomings. Also, weather may have a little impact, and Denver is a bit more comfortable in winter conditions.
Alex Tolbert - Denver 24 Seattle 23
Seattle's defensive dominates the first 3 quarters of the game. Manning is awful until the 4th when he leads a game winning drive.
Keys for Denver:
1. Protecting Peyton.
2. Establish some kind of run game.
3. Find ways to match up with Byron Maxwell, Seattle’s weakest DB, (and starting corner opposite
Richard Sherman).
4. Make Russell Wilson beat you from the pocket.
5. Play zone defense in the first half and switch to man in second half to confuse Wilson into a bad
read, and an interception.
Keys for Seattle:
1. Win the time of possession battle.
2. Turn Beast Mode on early to establish dominance in the trenches.
3. Bring pressure up the middle to disrupt Peyton’s rhythm in passing game.
4. Make Percy Harvin the game MVP by getting him the ball in space, and on returns.
5. Settle for FG’s early to put pressure on Denver’s defense to stop them later (when) if the game is close in the 4th quarter.
