Blake Lanham

The Broncos and the Seahawks had the best record in their conference and are deservingly facing each other in the Super Bowl XLVIII on Feb. 2.

Both teams are very different from each other and that’s what makes this game so attractive. They both belong to states that have recently legalized marijuana, Washington and Colorado.

On one side, you have the most prolific offense in the NFL with the Denver Broncos. They averaged 457.3 yards per game and scored 606 through 18 games, more than any other team in history.

Quarterback Peyton Manning leads the Broncos. The 37 year old also broke the single season record for touchdown passes with 55 and will take part in his third Super Bowl. His last two Super Bowl appearances were with the Indianapolis Colts. Manning won the first against the Chicago Bears and four years later fell to Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. Manning could become the first quarterback in history to win the Super Bowl with two different teams.

He will surely be one of best quarterbacks to have ever played in the NFL and it would be fitting that he gets the opportunity to write history. I would really like to see him retire with at least two rings.

On the other side, you have a quarterback who is just in his second season in the NFL. Russell Wilson might not put up the insane numbers that Manning does, but he has grown to become a good passer. Although, he doesn’t necessarily has to be one because of the team’s defense.

The Seahawks are the on the opposite side of the spectrum. The Seahawks have the best defense in the country, only allowing 273.6 yards per game to their opponents and they have only allowed 233 points in 18 games.

Leading the Seahawks’ defense is Richard Sherman, who batted down Colin Kaepernick’s pass to Michael Crabtree in the end zone, a potential game-winning touchdown for the 49ers. Much has been said about Sherman’s post-game rant about Crabtree and the 49ers, but putting that aside, the Seattle secondary is the best the Broncos have faced all season long.

The Seahawks rely on their defense to win games, but can get things done on offense too. Running back Marshawn Lynch is one of the very best backs, and his explosiveness brought new life to the team in the NFC championship game when it looked like the 49ers where going to a Super Bowl for a second straight year. They also have great receivers such as Percy Harvin, Golden Tate and Doug Baldwin.

The MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. will host the Super Bowl. Very cold temperatures are expected during the game—we could see the first Super Bowl with snow. I really expect to see a great show even though the game itself might be a low-scoring one.

Usually when a dominant defense faces a dominant offense, the defense has the upper hand for the most part, but one thing is for sure, there will be plenty of excitement in this year’s Super Bowl.

My prediction: 23-20, Broncos.

Edwin Delgado may be reached at [email protected]