Expert sports journalists from across the country think the Denver Broncos will beat the Seattle Seahawks to win Super Bowl XLVIII, but it appears they believe the teams are pretty evenly matched.
Super Bowl XLVIII predictions from 37 journalists from ESPN, CBS, NFL.com and SI.com reveal that 19 pundits picked Denver while 18 stumped for Seattle to triumph in the NFL championship game on Feb. 2 at Met-Life Stadium.
Jim Trotter, of SI.com, has picked Denver to win by a field goal, 27-24. Trotter's prediction may hold the most weight, as Pundittracker.com rates him as "the best preseason prognosticator of the group." It's no surprise that Trotter's preseason Super Bowl picks were Denver and Seattle. Trotter predicts Seattle's defense will succumb to Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning.
"Seattle's defense plays a lot of single high safety and press coverage on the outside. It works because the unit has a stable of pass rushers that's as deep as it is talented. Still, that type of scheme is susceptible to big pass plays if an offense can block it up right, and I believe Denver will do just that for several game-altering plays, one of which will lift the Broncos to victory. Peyton Manning will rope-a-dope the Seahawks with quick passes, then strike deep once, twice and, finally, a third time."
Another SI.com staffer, Austin Murphy, has picked the same score line as Trotter but for a Seattle victory. Murphy was also spot-on with his preseason picks for the Super Bowl teams, but believes Seattle is the team to beat because the Seahawks running game can neutralize Manning.
"With Marshawn Lynch effective early, Seattle will be able to sustain drives, keeping Peyton Manning off the field. When the Broncos come up to stop Beast Mode, Russell Wilson will hurt them with play action. On defense, the Legion of Boom can remain uncharacteristically patient, keeping Denver's receivers in front of them, keeping its cool when Manning does hit them for inevitable chunk plays. The Seahawks can get heat on the 37-year-old Manning like no other team this season. The game will turn on a fourth quarter turnover -- in Seattle's favor."
The betting line in Las Vegas for Super Bowl XLVIII (as of January 30) has Seattle as a 2 ½ point favorite, indicating the wise guys think this game will be close. In the end, the experts have made their predictions, but this Super Bowl might be a coin-flip call for even the most expert picker.
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