Both offensives units are strong for very different reasons. The Giants stretch the field with three extremely capable receivers in Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, and Mario Manningham. Throw in an improved running game and Manning has all the weapons he needs to orchestrate a solid Super Bowl performance. Unlike the 2007 season the Patriots do not stretch the field vertically but rather attack you over the middle with TE’s Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez and WR Wes Welker. Brady is very efficient but if the injury to Gronkowski allows the defense to play single coverage on him the Patriot’s offense will be handicapped.

The key to this game is the New York Giants pass-rush. If they can put pressure on Tom Brady, thereby limiting New England’s time of possession, Manning and the Giants offense will be able to keep the game close. Ultimately I expect the Giants to win this game 31-27.

Besides the game, I’m looking forward to the half time show. The Black Eyed Peas will be performing with other guests, such as Eminem, expected to make an appearance. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy older performers, such as ‘The Who’ last year, but I think a more modern band such as the BEP will appeal to a much larger audience.

Overall, I am very excited for the matchup. I love spending time with family and friends huddled around the TV cheering for touchdowns and screaming at penalties. I hope you enjoy the game as much as I will.

Now, February 7th, two squads are ready to duke it out for the uniquely crafted Lombardi Trophy. The Indianapolis Colts, winners of Super Bowl XLII lead by four time league MVP Peyton Manning, vs The New Orleans Saints lead by Drew Brees and their high octane offense. Both teams are pretty equal featuring underrated defenses, streaky running games, and solid passing offenses.

Super Bowl XLIV is set to be a high scoring affair and I couldn’t be more excited. Both teams were clearly the best in their respected conference throughout the season and both played well in their previous postseason games. But which team has the edge to become world champions?

I consider both defenses pretty balanced so that side of the ball is a wash. On offense, the Colts were last in the league in 2009 rushing the ball while the Saints reached 6th in the regular season. Each team employs a running back by committee approach keeping their runners fresh, but I’d give the edge to the Saints.

The Colts get the edge at wide receiver. Reggie Wayne, a perennial pro-bowler, leads the group also including the young, yet productive Austin Collie and Pierre Garçon. The Saints do have Marques Colston and receiving tight end Jeremy Shockey among a group of overachieving receivers, but from what I’ve seen, the Colts receivers have been playing better.

When it comes down to it, Super Bowl XLIV is truly Manning vs. Brees. Both are in the upper echelon of QB’s and are both able to deliver accurate passes anywhere on the field. Brees, who was only a few yards away from the most passing yards in a season last year, has a chance to bring the first championship to New Orleans but he does have an Achilles heal, his height. At a short 6′ tall, Brees may have issues seeing over his line. While Manning is able to effortlessly sling the ball down field, it may be more difficult for Brees to pass under pressure. Manning gets the nod.

But Brees’ height hasn’t stopped him from being an incredibly successful QB. Brees and Manning are each great players and comparing the two is extremely difficult. Super Bowl XLIV is going to be extremely close with a talent-wise comparison favoring the Colts. Personally, I would love to see the city of New Orleans win a championship and am pulling for a Saints victory today at 6:00 PM, EST.