FoS Writers’ 2014 Super Bowl Predictions
Jan 31, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll (left) and Denver Broncos head coach John Fox address the media during a press conference at Rose Theater in advance of Super Bowl XLVIII. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
As we prepare for the biggest football game of the year, the one we are praying and hoping the Cleveland Browns get to play in sometime in the future, your writers here at FoS have made our 2014 Super Bowl predictions. Who do you agree with?
Seattle Seahawks 27 Denver Broncos 23: I’m going with the Seahawks. The Seahawks haven’t given up more than 20 points in their 10 games! They’ve silence Drew Brees and the 49ers each twice in that streak. The Seahawks just have too much talent on Defense to let Manning pick them apart. The key matchup here is obviously Sherman vs D. Thomas. If Sherman can contain Thomas, which I believe he will, it’ll put a lot of pressure on the offensive line to stop this ferocious pass rush (watch for Irvin to have a huge game) since it’ll force Manning to hold onto the ball longer. For the Broncos to win they’re going to need to turn this into a shoot-out. They’ll need Welker and J. Thomas to have big games, but that’s going to be hard with Earl Thomas up top and solid coverage all around from the Legion of Boom. I think they’ll find room for many catches just don’t see enough big plays for them to get the victory. Seattle is going to win with great D to hold the Broncos to more field goals than touchdowns with Lynch pounding the ball equating to great time of possession and smart QB play from Wilson with a solid run here and there for big 1st downs. I think late in the game you’ll see the Seahawks with a nice lead only for Manning make it interesting with a late surge but then Lynch will bust a big one to keep the lead intact, causing another Beastquake in Seattle. Final 27-23 — Chris McLafferty
Seattle Seahawks 21 Denver Broncos 17: In my eyes, this is the most exciting Super Bowl match-up in years. The media hype is crazy on both ends, and for good reason: Manning is flirting with the title of “Greatest Ever,” Seattle has spawned the most impressive NFL defense in years not led by Ray Lewis, and Russell Wilson is on the cusp of becoming the most inspiring children’s book character of all time. The Little QB That Could. Cheesy, but so be it. I hate making predictions when it comes to game outcomes, because that’s what Vegas is for, but I think Seattle rises to the occasion on both ends of the ball. . . and Manning goes back to the drawing board full of anger, with beer in hand. — Owen Coughlin
Denver Broncos 30 Seattle Seahawks 21: This Super Bowl has the making of a great game. The weather is cooperating. The best offense versus the best defense. Star quarterback, Peyton Manning, star running back Marshawn Lynch and star cornerback Richard Sherman. In New York (technically New Jersey). The biggest concern I have for the game is the possibility of the game being one sided before halftime and the delay caused by a long halftime show makes it difficult for the team behind to come back. This is especially true if the Broncos start the game off strong on offense. The Seahawks struggle offensively when unable to control the game through their great running attack. The Seahawks make the game close but Manning is able to get a late game field goal and run down most of the clock with his short passing game. Expect running backs and Wes Welker to get a ton of catches near the end of the game as the Broncos 4 minute offense does the trick. — Jared Mueller
Seattle Seahawks 38 Denver Broncos 28: Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos are going to get theirs and there will be moments when the Seattle Seahawks defense gets theirs. That is the strength on strength of this Super Bowl, but I think the Seahawks offense is ahead of the Broncos defense. The injury to Chris Harris depletes the Broncos and I believe “beast mode” will be in full effect in the second half. Controlling the clock and keeping Manning off the field is the key to beating Denver and I think the Seahawks offense is game planned perfectly to keep Manning on the sidelines. The Seahawks defense shows their hand before the snap and doesn’t disguise much, if at all. Will Manning be able to take advantage of that like he has all his career? I think he will be able to manage it, but the Seahawks linebackers are fast and a hard hitting defense. The key to this game is Julius Thomas. Seattle has essentially shut down opposing tight ends and that’ll be the key in Super Bowl 48. Seahawks win 38 to 28 as a late pick six stretches this game away from what was a great, tough and battle-tested games. — Bryan Ferrer
Whose prediction to you agree most with? What is your Super Bowl tradition? If/when the Browns make the big game what will you do?