10-Mar-2010 02:25am
 
RealTime Fantasy Sports
Super Bowl Preview

2010-02-02 15:41:57
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
RealTime Fantasy Sports

Brees leads Saints to big game

Alright, the big game is finally here. And we are going to break it down for you. Below is breakdown of the Super Bowl as well my prediction for the game. Let's just hope it plays out as well as it does on paper. It should be a great game.

Quarterback

Wow, you couldn't ask for a better matchup at quarterback, pitting arguably to top two quarterbacks in both conferences. Peyton Manning and Drew Brees had their usual huge seasons, throwing for 4,000-plus yards and 30 or more touchdowns. But Manning comes into the game a little hotter. He just picked apart the Jets, who had the best pass defense in all of football. Manning gets a Saints defense that is pretty good, but don't have the same secondary as the Jets. Manning should do his usual damage in this one.

Brees has three touchdowns in each of the Saints playoff games, but failed to throw for 200 yards his last time out. And Brees doesn't have a 300-yard game since Week 13 of the regular season. Manning has the experience and is playing slightly better, so he gets the edge in this one.

Edge: Colts.

Running Back

The Saints have been the better rushing team all season and that shouldn't change for the Super Bowl. They get a Colts team that could be without Dwight Freeney, which is a huge loss for their defense. The Saints have a more balanced attack offensively, so look for Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush to get their chances. The two backs have combined for five touchdowns in two playoff games. Meanwhile, Colts starter Joseph Addai hasn't scored yet in the playoffs and has just 103-rushing yards in two games.

Edge: Saints.

Receivers

Like the quarterback spot, this is a close one. Both teams have a lot of weapons in the passing game. And both quarterbacks do a great job of getting a lot of players involved. But it is tough to bet against the Colts right now. Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon are coming on strong, having big games in the AFC Championship game. Reggie Wayne has been a little more quiet of late, but remains on of the best in the game. He is due for a big game. And we can't overlook Dallas Clark, who might be the most reliable target for the Colts passing game.

The Saints aren't too shabby, either. Marques Colston is a solid No. 1. And Robert Meachem, Lance Moore, Devery Henderson and Jeremy Shockey are all capable of big games. But the concern is Meachem hasn't been 100 percent the last few weeks, which has led to down numbers for him. And Shockey has been battling injury as well, which is hurting his production. The Colts options are a little healthier and playing better right now.

Edge: Colts.

Defense

This game isn't setup to be much of a defensive effort. Both teams have more than suitable defenses, but offenses usually rule the day with these teams. The Super Bowl shouldn't be any different. The edge should go to the Saints, though, especially with Freeney hurting. This is a huge loss to the Colts defense.

The Saints defense has been doing a great job of getting after the quarterback and making plays - more so than the Colts right now. New Orleans will give up some points and yards, but their defense does a great job of making big plays, which is crucial if they hope to win a Super Bowl. Meanwhile, the Colts have to be somewhat concerned after giving up a 300-yard passing game to the Jets in AFC Championship and having an injured Freeney a question mark right now.

Edge: Saints.

Special Teams

The Saints have a few more playmakers on special teams, which give them the edge in this category. Reggie Bush is certain to return punts, and we all know what he can do when given the chance. And Courtney Roby has been very good returning kickoffs, averaging 27.5 yards per return. The Colts have been just average in both kick and punt returns. Chad Simpson and T.J. Rushing have been so-so in both categories for the Colts.

And we give another edge to the Saints kicking game. Garrett Hartley is more inexperienced, but he has a stronger leg and is coming off a game-winning kick on overtime. Matt Stover has a ton of experience and is normally rock solid, but he has a lot less left strength than Hartley at this stage of his career.

Edge: Saints.

Coaching

Neither coach has been in the game as a head coach, but Colts head coach Jim Caldwell did coach in the big game just a few years back. He should be a little more used to the situation, so he gets a very slight edge here. Sean Payton takes a few more chances than Caldwell, which could make or break the Saints in the Super Bowl.

Edge: Colts.

Overall

We really think this will be a close game. Both teams match up very well. For us, the Colts should squeak out a win because of Peyton Manning. He is playing at such a high level right now that we think he'll will the Colts to victory.

Edge: Colts 38, Saints 35.

If you have any questions or comments, please email Jeff Paur at jeff@rtsports.com


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