NFL Czar: Battle in the deep south

It's finally time football fans! The Super Bowl is upon us. In just one week, the Indianapolis Colts will take on the New Orleans Saints in Miami, Florida, for the right to be the best team in the National Football League. Does it get any better than this matchup? All year long the Colts and Saints were the best two teams in the game, and now we get to see who is really the best team.

Drew BreesDespite tough matchups in their respective conference championships, both teams will be rested and ready when the big game comes around. Both teams have already removed a combined 14 players from Sunday's Pro Bowl game, and will spend the majority of this next week doing countless interviews and TV spots. However, the fun officially begins next Sunday at 6:25 p.m.

Now it's time to delve deep into this matchup, and get ready for the big game.

Key Matchups

1. Peyton Manning vs. Drew Brees: Manning has been here before, beating the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI. After leading the Saints to their first ever Super Bowl appearance, this is new for Brees. He can finally put his name among the top three in NFL quarterbacks, with Manning and Tom Brady, and bring a Super Bowl to the Bayou. Both QBs should have great games, as both teams have problems covering the pass.

2. Robert Mathis/Dwight Freeney vs. Jermon Bushrod/Jon Stinchcomb: The Colts stellar pass rushing duo will have to get pressure on Brees, but in order to do this, they will have to beat the Saints equally-good offensive line. Despite his struggles this year, Bushrod has really come on in the playoffs. The Saints only allowed one sack against the Vikings, who boast one of the best defensive lines in football.

3. Jim Caldwell vs. Sean Payton: The coaching duel should be equally interesting. Caldwell comes in as a rookie head coach, and will he be able to stop the attack of the offensive mastermind, Payton? Of course each coach will have great players at their disposal, and this has the makings of an epic Super Bowl.

Interesting Super Bowl Facts

- The Super Bowl has never had a scoreless first half...and don't expect one this year.

- There has never been a shut out in the Super Bowl...again...highly unlikely.

- There has never been overtime in a Super Bowl...that would be exciting.

- This is the fourth Super Bowl appearance for the Colts, all of which have been played in Miami.

- Colts kicker Matt Stover will be the oldest player ever to play in the Super Bowl (42 years).

Gracing us during half time this year will be The Who, yet another ancient band with no danger of a “wardrobe malfunction.” Hopefully Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake are happy that they have forever ruined halftime for anyone under 50.

But, back to the game. This one is incredibly hard to predict for a number of reasons:

A. Both teams have incredible offences and shoddy defences.

B. Neither team runs the ball that well, but they sure like to try.

C. The Colts are 1-2 in the Super Bowl, while the Saints have never been.

The Rundown

Now, for my final prediction of the year. After looking over the game over and over, I believe that the Colts will win. My gut wants to root for the Saints, but I feel that Manning and company will be more ready for the spotlight and pressure of the Super Bowl. However, this game should be very entertaining, and there will be a lot of points put up in Miami. Give me the Colts, by a score of 42 — 34.

Next week I will be taking a look back on the top 10 moments of the season.

For more from the NFL Czar, check out his blog at jvzsblog.blogspot.com