Super Bowl 2014 Point Spread: Last-Minute Advice Before Seahawks vs. Broncos

OK, so you're a gambling man (or woman). You should never just bet blindly on the big game. If you're going to put the big bucks on the line, you better know the ins and outs of the action.

If Super Bowl boxes or other traditional betting methods aren't your game, then you'll need to look at the spread. That's where you'll make the most money—if you're smart.

Sure, betting the point spread and winning some cash also takes a decent amount of luck. The saying "that's why they play the games" holds true almost 100 percent of the time. There's only so much you can see on paper.

So, before you bet on the game, check out the following information. It will be to your benefit.

But, before doing that, here's all the game information you'll need to keep track of Super Bowl XLVIII.

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

When: Sunday, Feb. 2, at 6:30 p.m. EST

Watch: Fox

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Spread: Denver (-3) according to Bovada

Check the Weather

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Chances are you won't need to check the weather if you're watching the game at home—that is, of course, unless you're tailgating in your driveway.

You really should check the weather right before the betting closes, though, because Peyton Manning might not be the most reliable quarterback if the temperatures are frigid. Via accuweather.com, ESPN's John Clayton had this to say: "On a neutral field, in a dome, Denver would have a better chance, but the weather conditions, I do think, are going to affect them."

He continued:

"

If it is going to be anywhere between 19 and 25 degrees, the colder it gets, the tougher it gets because gripping the football can become a problem. If it's going to be sleety or rainy, that's going to be a problem that he (Manning) is going to have and that will definitely have an impact on the game.

"

Despite playing his home games in the less-than-tropical city of Denver, Colorado, Manning has always had difficulties adjusting to the colder weather. Accuweather currently predicts a high of 51 degrees and a low of 27 degrees for Feb. 2, but temperatures should drop near 40 by the time of kickoff.

Monitor this closely leading up to the game.

Review the Matchups

Knowing the in-game matchups will go a long way in helping you make your decision about which team to bet on.

The first (and most obvious) matchup to monitor is between the Seattle Seahawks secondary and the Denver Broncos wide receivers. The Legion of Boom is the most overpowering unit in the NFL, and the group of Denver wideouts is arguably the most explosive. Something's gotta give in this instance.

That's not the only compelling matchup.

Marshawn Lynch might have a rough go of things against the No. 1 rushing defense in the NFL. Yes, he rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown against a similarly tough San Francisco 49ers unit, but the Broncos were No. 1 in rush defense by nearly 24 yards per game. They were nearly 50 yards better (per game) than the Niners.

If Lynch can't get going on the ground, then it will be extraordinarily difficult for the Seahawks to win. Russell Wilson cannot hang with Peyton Manning if this one becomes a shootout.

In the End, Go with Your Gut

Ted S. Warren/Associated Press

It seems like a cop-out, but you always want to go with your gut when betting on the big game. Analyze the stats, check the weather and consult with friends all you want. If you're confident in your decision, then by all means do it.

But, if you still aren't convinced by what the stats and other things are telling you, then go with your gut. If you don't, you might regret it in the end.

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Choosing a winner for this Super Bowl will be difficult. The No. 1 defense (Seattle) will be taking on the No. 1 offense (Denver). Supporters of low-scoring games will surely go defense. Supporters of quick drives and high scores will go offense.

If you waver in the middle, go with your gut. It might end up being the best decision you could have made.