Super Bowl 2014 Predictions: Projecting Stats for Key Role Players in Big Game

The Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos are set to compete in Super Bowl XLVIII, and both teams will need an all-hands-on-deck effort to win what's likely going to be a closely contested battle.

Oddsmakers have Denver as a three-point favorite to win the big game, via Bovada.com. But it's hard to find anyone who would give either team a big edge who isn't involved with the two teams directly as a player, coach or fan.

These two teams both finished with identical 13-3 records during the regular season to claim top seeds in their respective conferences. The biggest difference between them is how they win, with Seattle coming in as the top-ranked scoring defense in the league and Denver with it's No. 1-ranked scoring offense.

Superstars always need to shine brightly to secure victory, but it's often role players who end up making the biggest impact when the chips are down. With that in mind, here's an examination of a few such players, along with predictions for how they'll perform. 

But first, here's a look at when and where you can catch the championship game, along with betting information for those inclined to wager.

When: Sunday, Feb. 2, at 6:30 p.m. ET

Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.

TV: FOX

Live Stream: FoxSports.com

John Moore/Getty Images

Betting Info (via Bovada)

Spread: Broncos (-3)

Money Line: Seattle (+115), Denver (-135)

Over/Under: 47

Projecting Stats for Key Role Players

Doug Baldwin, WR, Seattle Seahawks

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Seattle's offense revolves around Marshawn Lynch pounding the ball between the tackles, and the return of Percy Harvin to the lineup will be discussed ad nauseam until the game begins.

Both players are worth the hype, but receiver Doug Baldwin could be the biggest player on the field for the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII, notes B/R's Tyson Langland:

"

Even though the numbers suggest otherwise, he is one of the most gifted and complete wide receivers in the NFL. Shoot, in my eyes, Baldwin will be the unsung X-factor for the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII.

"

Baldwin finished the regular season as the second-leading receiver for Seattle behind Golden Tate, hauling in 50 passes for 778 yards and five touchdowns. With Harvin back in the lineup, he's the team's third receiver on passing plays.

He showed up huge for Seattle in both playoff games.

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His two receptions against New Orleans don't look like much on the stat sheet, but his 24-yard acrobatic catch down the left sideline late in the fourth quarter was a signature moment in the game. Baldwin followed that up with a six-catch, 106-yard performance against the San Francisco 49ers. 

Going up against a battered Denver secondary that will have its hands full trying to corral Harvin, Baldwin could have another big game.

Projected Stats: Five catches, 80 yards.

Montee Ball, RB, Denver Broncos

It's hard to make a name for yourself as the second running back on the league's best passing team, but Montee Ball has done well for himself nonetheless.

In his rookie year out of Wisconsin, Ball racked up 559 yards and four touchdowns on 120 carries. He also showed versatility as the season progressed, catching 20 passes for 145 yards as he was trusted more in passing situations. 

Much of Ball's production in the running game came in the latter half of the season as well, a fact Ball noted with some amount of satisfaction, as relayed by Chris Burke of SI.com: “I’m glad that I finally started doing some great things at the end. That’s why they drafted me — for that last final push, the playoffs.”

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The young back showed up well in both of Denver's playoff games as well, rushing for 95 yards on 22 carries and catching three passes for 13 yards.

The Broncos would be smart to utilize Knowshon Moreno and Ball in the running game on a regular basis as a way to keep Seattle's linebackers and safeties honest. The Seahawks feature the league's top-ranked passing defense (172 yards per game), and the team racked up 44 sacks during the regular season. 

Balance is key, and Ball is a key player to helping Denver achieve it. 

Projected Stats: 60 total yards, one touchdown.

Zach Miller, TE, Seattle Seahawks

Zach Miller isn't a prototypical pass-catching NFL tight end.

The Seahawks use him primarily as a run-blocking tight end, and he's certainly done a nice job in that capacity. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) rated him the No. 4-ranked run-blocking tight end in the league for the 2013 regular season.

Miller has only been targeted four times during Seattle's postseason run thus far, but he caught all four passes for 36 yards.

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The underrated tight end has been known for minor explosions of production from time to time, however, catching five touchdown passes in 2013, including two in one game. 

Still, it's likely Miller will post a pedestrian stat line in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Projected Stats: Two catches, 30 yards.

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