We are almost done with all the hype, and now it is time to play ball. Super Bowl XLVIII matches up the best defense in the National Football League, property of the Seattle Seahawks, against an offensive contingent that produced more points (606) than any other in league annals (the Denver Broncos). It pits a young upstart quarterback in Russell Wilson, who has made it in the league despite not having ideal size or arm strength, against someone with all the pedigree in the world, who was seemingly born to be a superstar (Peyton Manning). And it is one of those games where the less appreciated units on the field (Seattle’s offense, Denver’s defense) just could wind up making all the difference.
So as we analyze this game for the sake of NFL betting, we know that there are some questions that are going to have to be answered. And we assume that if you are making your football handicapping pick, you are asking those very same questions.
In the Super Bowl betting odds that have been placed on this game at BetAnySports, the Broncos are slight favorites:
Super Bowl betting odds Courtesy of BetAnySports
Denver Broncos -2.5
Seattle Seahawks +2.5
Over 47.5 points -110
Under 47.5 points -110
So what has to be answered?
(1) Will Manning have time to throw against the Seattle pass rush? This one could take a while to answer, but we’ll say this – the Seahawks better not wait too long for the answer, because Manning could have a couple of touchdowns on the board by the time that happens. He has been sacked only 18 times in 18 games this season, and better pass rushes have not laid a glove on him.
(2) Can the Broncos slow down Seattle’s running game with Marshawn Lynch? Lynch, in addition to gaining 1257 yards in the regular season, added 259 yards in the playoffs. But you know, Denver hasn’t been too bad stopping the run this season (3.9 yards per carry) and did an excellent job against the Chargers and Patriots in there two post-season games.
(3) Will Denver be able to put together some ball-control drives to chew up the clock and give Manning more favorable options? We don’t know the answer to that, but we do know that Seattle was also pretty good against the run, allowing just 3.9 yards a carry, just like Denver. So Super Bowl bettors may want to consider that ball control might be difficult for the Broncos.
(4) Will Seattle have enough downfield threats in its receiver group to truly threaten the Denver secondary? Golden Tate is more than a serviceable receiver (64 catches, 898 yards), but no one else scares anyone. BetAnySports patrons should know that if Percy Harvin gets into the game and can have an impact, that makes the Seahawks much more dynamic.
(5) Can Seattle control Denver in the red zone? You know, the Broncos were the most effective team in the NFL when they got inside the opponents 20-yard line, converting 76% of those chances into touchdowns. Seattle was double-tough on defense in the red zone, giving up just 39.5% touchdowns. The Seahawks have to make sure they limit those seven-point opportunities to three-point opportunities in order to stay in the game. There is NO question that the best place to do your Super Bowl betting this year is at BetAnySports, where they have more odds and props and you could possibly imagine.