Super Bowl XLIV Preview: Fearless Forecast

It all comes down to this. One game, one champion, and one team headed back home unhappy. The 2010 Super Bowl will feature two high-powered offenses led by two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

Peyton Manning has won a Super Bowl, and funny thing; do you know where he won it? Three years ago in Miami, the same place he is trying to win another one. He will be hungry for more, and there's nobody else I'd rather have on my side than No. 18.

However, just as hungry as Manning is, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is trying to place himself into legendary status, and a Super Bowl victory for the city of New Orleans would definitely do that. This is a Saints team that has overcome a lot, and city deserves a title. After having their city ripped apart from Hurricane Katrina, the Saints aren't just playing for themselves, but also for the entire city of New Orleans.

Quarterback Matchup

So far in these playoffs, Drew Brees has had to battle quarterback legends in Kurt Warner and Brett Favre, and it doesn't get any easier with Peyton Manning next up.

For the second straight season, Manning has won the NFL MVP, and he wants to complete his extraordinary season with his second career Super Bowl title, which would be the third for the Manning family.

This will be the best quarterback matchup we've seen all season, and as much as I like Brees, I can't pick against No. 18.

Advantage: Peyton Manning

Running Back Matchup:

The Indianapolis Colts rushing attack is led by Joseph Addai and newcomer Donald Brown. Neither of these runners has been too explosive this season, but Brown could be a difference-maker in this one.

On the Saints side, they have a three-headed monster consisting of Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush, and Mike Bell, all of whom are capable of breaking out any day. If Bush can do to the Colts what he did to the Arizona Cardinals in the divisional playoffs, he might not only give the Saints to their first Super Bowl title, but also gain a wife in Kim Kardashian.

Advantage: Saints

Wide Receiver Matchup:

It doesn't seem to matter who is at wide receiver for the Colts, because as long as you're open, Peyton Manning will find you. This season, the Colts wide receiver core has been impressive. After losing both Marvin Harrison and Anthony Gonzalez, this core seemed to be in trouble. However, speedy Pierre Garcon stepped in, as did Austin Collie, and they have become weapons, along with Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark.

However, if you are open, Drew Brees will find you just like with Manning. Brees has spread the wealth quite nicely this season. Jeremy Shockey regrouped after a disappointing season a year ago and Marques Colston has been a huge target, as well as touchdown machine Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson. I like the Saints wide receivers in this one.

Advantage: Saints

Defense Matchup:

The biggest question mark for the Saints going into the season was the play of their defense and if it could do enough to help the New Orleans reach the playoffs. They did more than enough as they led the league in turnovers. The addition of Darren Sharper helped to change the culture of the Saints defense.

The Colts defense has been tremendous, as well, giving up just three points to the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional playoffs and then shutting down the New York Jets rushing attack in the AFC Championship. Both teams have issues with stopping the run, but all in all, the defenses have been stout.

Advantage: Colts

Final Score:  27-24, Saints.