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Super Bowl XLVIII: Should You Put Your Money On The Broncos Or The Seahawks?
Your Bustle bookie here to help you decide how to bet this Super Bowl Sunday. Just kidding, I'm not a bookie and if I was I wouldn't have just told you. Anyway, if your team didn't make the big game and you're asking yourself "Who should I root for in the Super Bowl?" I'm here to break down the facts. This game is ridiculously well-matched, and two preseason favorites making it all the way to the Super Bowl is a sports gambler's dream come true and worst nightmare all at the same time.
Sure if you bet early on the Denver Broncos or the Seattle Seahawks, that ridiculous premonition you acted on is paying off heftily. But let's be honest, you're not going to stop there. That's when the nightmare sets in. The best offense in the league is set to battle the best defense in the biggest game of the year (Weee, adrenaline!), so who do you put your money on? Let's take a look.
Image: Fotolia
Best Offense
Hands down, the Denver Broncos have not only the best offense in this game, but the best in the league. With Peyton Manning at the helm, the Broncos scored 606 points this season, crushing the old record (589) for most points in a season set in 2007 by the Patriots. Peyton set a new record for most touchdowns in a season, throwing 55 in the 2013 season. If you want to put your money where the points are, the Broncos are your team.
Best Defense
The Seattle Seahawks closed the 2013 season with the best defense in the league, and it’s that defensive prowess that really earned them their Super Bowl spot. Richard Sherman, the self-proclaimed ”Best Corner in the Game,” tipped away the 49ers last-ditch touchdown pass attempt, shutting down their offense and any glimmer of Super Bowl hope immediately. Hint: He’ll be back on the field Sunday.
Snowy, Frigid Conditions
Is it going to snow during the game? I’d bet that Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson would like to know that even more than you would. Because Denver regularly sees 50+ inches of snowfall a year, the frigid conditions in Jersey seem right up the Broncos’ alley. But, although the Seahawks hail from a more temperate climate, nasty conditions might actually work in Seattle’s favor. If the temperatures really drop and things get icy — or worse, snowy — it would have the biggest effect on the quarterbacks. And remember, the Broncos’ strong suit is their offense, aka Mr. Peyton Manning himself.
Super Bowl Veterans
Super Bowl XLVIII will be the seventh Super Bowl appearance for the Denver Broncos. Veteran QB Peyton Manning already has one diamond-encrusted Super Bowl ring from his win with the Colts in 2007. This will only be the Seahawks second Super Bowl appearance ever. And they did lose last time against the Steelers in 2006. But you could blame that more on the refs than their football game if you need justification.
The Odds
Vegas is favoring the Denver Broncos by three points, meaning that the Seahawks will be given a three point advantage in the game. If you think the big game will come down to one field goal or less, this is the bet to take. But just remember, Vegas really, really knows what they’re doing and this game will be close.
Image: Roadside Pictures/Flickr; Odds via Bovada
Size Matters
Denver’s No. 1 receiver Wes Welker might be a small dude, but Peyton also has 6’3”, 214 lb. Eric Decker to aim for. And let’s not forget about tight end Julius Thomas who comes in at 6’5” and 250 lbs. Both, in terms of size, will be good match-ups for Seattle’s No. 1 defense. Seattle’s running game relies on one man and his nickname is Beast Mode(!!!). Marshawn Lynch stands 5’11” and weighs in at a solid 215 lbs.
The Ape Said...
Really can’t make a decision? Come on, even an ape can do it. A 13-year-old primate named Eli from Utah has predicted the winner of the Super Bowl correctly for the past 6 years. That’s better than Vegas. And this year, his money (or bananas or something?) is on… Ha! I’m not going to be the one responsible for all that potential money you just lost. So if you really want to know, click here.
