Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

With the countdown to the Super Bowl continually winding down, the water cooler talk has picked up. From the die hard fans to the casual observers, everyone seems to have an opinion as to what’s going to happen come Super Bowl Sunday. Granted, some insight is a bit deeper than others. For the record, I do not think that the New Orleans Saints will come out on top because of a potential proposal from Reggie Bush to on-again, off-again girlfriend, Kim Kardaschian should they secure the win. But, hey it’s the Super Bowl and anything can happen. With that said, the Bruno Boys Staff shares with you our Super Bowl previews. And, we ask that you, Bruno Boys Nation, vote in our poll and share your predictions as well in the comment section below. Come the final whistle on Sunday, we’ll then see who was on the mark and who was way off.

Bruno Boy Whooley’s Super Bowl Prediction - Saints (27) – Colts (35)

The 62 total points may seem like a lot, but with the over / under currently sitting at 56.5, is it really that preposterous? Let’s not fool ourselves, these two teams are playing for the Lombardi Trophy not because of the smash mouth football they play, but because of the way they light up the scoreboard. In fact, in this post-season, both squads are averaging 25+ points per game, with the Colts posting 25 a contest and the Saints, a whopping 38.

With that said, I think it’s Peyton Manning and Co. that come out on top in this one. The Saints squeaked by in the NFC Championship Game despite giving up 475 total yards of offense to the Minnesota Vikings. The reason? The Vikings coughed the ball up a staggering five times. While it’s very likely the Colts near the Vikings’ 475 total yards, don’t expect them to bail out New Orleans with anything close to five turnovers. As such, Peyton will prove once again that he can win the big one.

Bruno Boy Cavigs’ Super Bowl Prediction: Saints (27) – Colts (34)

Before I start breaking down Super Bowl XLIV let’s talk about the quarterbacks taking center stage on Sunday. For those Super Bowl historians out there you’d have to date back to Super Bowl XXXII (Brett Favre vs. John Elway) to find an equivalent match-up at the quarterback position. During the regular season Peyton Manning and Drew Brees combined for 8.888 passing yards, 67 touchdowns and just 26 interceptions. Remarkably these two were sacked only 30 times in 1,085 passing attempts and I don’t see anything changing on Super Sunday. Both New Orleans and Indianapolis have top notch offensive lines and if you give Manning and Brees enough time in the pocket they will pick apart any defense.

When the Saints and Colts take the field in Miami on Sunday the millions of people watching should expect a game that resembles a track meet and features plenty of offense. These two teams combined to average 57.9 points per game during the regular season and with both Indianapolis and New Orleans peaking at the right time this game has a chance to be one of the highest scoring Super Bowl’s of all-time. Expect Manning and Brees to spend the majority of Super Bowl XLIV matching each other score for score but in the end it’s the experience and decision making of Manning that leads the Colts to their second Super Bowl in four seasons. Look for Manning to win his second Super Bowl MVP award while finishing with over 300 passing yards for the 11th time this season and for rookie wide receiver Austin Collie to make it three straight playoff games with 50+ receiving yards and a touchdown. 

Bruno Boy Cory’s Super Bowl Prediction - Saints (28) – Colts (42)

I get the sense that lot of people think this is going to be a high-scoring yet close Super Bowl. Well, count me as as one of those who believes it will be high-scoring, but I don’t see it being all too close. Both teams had fantastic seasons and I don’t think anybody can complain about who’s in Super Bowl XLIV this year because for the majority of the regular season both the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints were the two best teams in their respective conferences. Having said that, I believe the Colts have always been a better team than the Saints this season and will prove me right on Sunday.

A lot of people are working the experience angle - that the Colts have been here before and will know how to handle the pressure while the Saints are just happy to be here. Not me. I don’t believe in the slightest that New Orleans coach Sean Payton will have his team anything less than completely prepared for the Super Bowl. Once the Saints get past that initial shock of, “OH MY GOD we’re playing in the Super Bowl!” I believe they’ll give the Colts fits for the first half and perhaps the first part of third quarter. The problem when facing Indianapolis is how good the Colts are in the second half. During the regular season they outscored their opponents 172-105 in the second half of the games in which quarterback Peyton Manning played all four quarters. Add in the two playoff games for the Colts and that figure jumps to 192-105. That’s right, the Colts have yet to allow a second-half point in the playoffs. It is pretty clear to me who is going to win this game.

Bruno Boy Larry’s Super Bowl Prediction - Saints (31) – Colts (41)

I want to start by saying I think this has the makings of one of best Super Bowl’s of all time. It may not be as close as last years game between the Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers, but I predict this game will be exciting from start to finish; especially if you like offense. Both the Colts and Saints have spectacular offenses who can put up points in bunches. They both run a fairly balanced attack, but are led by two of the best quarterbacks of this generation who seemingly can pass the ball down field at will.

Peyton Manning may be one of the smartest quarterbacks of all-time and a second Super Bowl title will cement his place as one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Drew Brees is also very good. He has compiled nearly 9,500 passing yards with 68 touchdown passes over the last two seasons, but Manning has been on this stage before and knows what it takes to win the big one. Plus, had the Minnesota Vikings not self destructed last week, this Saints team would be watching the game from the comfort of their own homes.

The game will be much closer than the 10 point deficit I am predicting, but I believe Indianapolis will score a late touchdown to clinch another Super Bowl victory. The playoff and Super Bowl experience the Colts have over the Saints will just be too much for New Orleans to overcome.

Bruno Boy Allie’s Super Bowl Prediction - Saints (37) – Colts (34)

I’ll be straight with you. I’m rooting for the Saints to win Super Bowl XLIV. This is a great matchup between the No. 1 quarterback in each conference in terms of touchdown passes and completion percentage and “big play” playmakers on both sides of the ball. Count me among the “high-scoring game/shoot out” bandwagon, though I differ from the majority who think that the Colts have victory all but locked up. Don’t get me wrong, I have tremendous respect for the Indianapolis Colts and especially for Peyton Manning and his leadership. And frankly, the thought of Manning having two weeks to prepare for the Saints is pretty darn scary. His work ethic, ability to capitalize on opportunities, read and dissect a defense as the game progresses, make adjustments and burn the opposition is second to none.

Having said that, I think Brees and the Saints have what it takes to pull off the “underdog” victory over the favorite like the Giants did against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. For New Orleans to win, they have to do two things: (1) maximize every scoring opportunity they get and not leave a lot of points on the field and (2) contain the Indianapolis offense enough to keep themselves in the game…especially in the second half when Manning and the Colts are most dangerous.

Like Manning, Drew Brees’ work ethic is well-documented. He is one of the best at releasing the ball quickly and he knows how to make the most of his teammates’ skills. The Saints know that they will have a far better shot at winning with some success in the return game. I think Reggie Bush could be an “X” factor in the Super Bowl, provided he plays like the guy who torched the Cardinals in the Divisional round and not the “non’ factor we saw against the Vikings in the NFC Championship. Look for Bush to be a key part of the Saints special teams and offensive game plans and if he either returns a punt for a touchdown or catches a swing pass and breaks loose downfield, one or both could very well make the difference in a close game.

I also see the Saints’ ability to cause and capitalize on turnovers (or takeaways as Greg Williams prefers to call them) as another “X” factor that could determine whether the team returns to New Orleans as the Super Bowl champion or the also ran. The New Orleans defense made significant contributions to the team’s league leading and franchise record-setting 510 points during the regular season and they’ll attempt to get in Manning’s face early and often, disrupt the rhythm between Manning and his receivers, and look to force fumbles, pick off passes, and block field goals, PATs, or punts - all with the goal of scoring or setting up short field advantage for Brees and the offense.

Predicting a New Orleans victory is likely to make me the “odd man out” with my Bruno Boys colleagues…but what the hell…I’m rolling with the Saints over the Colts in a close one.

Bruno Boy Greg’s Super Bowl Prediction - Saints (28) – Colts (31)

Two of the best and most fantasy friendly offenses in all of the NFL should put on quite a spectacle in Super Bowl XLIV. But, could it be the defenses that make a play late to win their team the game? There is no question both teams will score in bunches, with the Drew Brees and Peyton Manning likely throwing counter punches throughout the game. The key may end up being which team holds the ball in their hands last.

If there is any one quarterback you would want on your team with the game on the line, it’s Colts signal caller Peyton Manning. This game will secure Manning’s legacy and put him among the best at his position all time. With or without defensive end Dwight Freeney, the Colts will find a way to win as they have all season long while dealing with injuries (remember, they don’t have star safety Bob Sanders after missing nearly the entire year with injuries). New Orleans will score and Indianapolis will struggle to limit the Saints play makers. But it will be the Colts defense that comes up with a big stand late in this one, while Manning will make a significant drive down the field to win his team the game and Super Bowl XLIV.

Bruno Boy Kyle’s Super Bowl Prediction: Saints (24) – Colts (34)

When the career of Peyton Manning reaches its denouement, there will be legitimate arguments made that he was not only the best quarterback in NFL history, but also one of the league’s five best players ever. Winning his second Super Bowl title will be part of the argument.

The New Orleans’ defense was by no means world beaters this season, ranking in the 20’s against both the run and pass. If the Saints don’t create turnovers, they are in big trouble, regardless of the potency of their offense. Even if Dwight Freeney is limited, Manning will be the difference and will raise the Lombardi Trophy for Indy.

Bruno Boy Jimbo’s Super Bowl Prediction - Saints (24) – Colts (27)

A lot of people are predicting an offensive shootout in this game - and rightfully so. However, I have a gut feeling that in the first half, the defenses will play strong and keep the offenses in check. It won’t be until the second half when we see the defenses get tired, and the offenses begin to roll. Drew Brees will throw for three touchdowns and somewhere between 225-250 yards. Of course, the big question with the New Orleans Saints is always, who will he throw them to? Another intriguing matchup is how will Pierre Thomas do against a rush defense that will have, at best, a not 100 percent Dwight Freeney? Look for Thomas will get close to the century mark.

For the Colts, Peyton Manning will throw for two scores, one of which to Reggie Wayne, and Joseph Addai will rush for over 100 yards and score a TD. Adrian Peterson ripped the Saints’ defense to shreds. Addai won’t repeat that performance, but he’ll be strong.

Bruno Boy Jacob’s Super Bowl Prediction - Saints (31) – Colts (34)

This one’s going to be a high scoring game, and we all know it. But, I think that the Saints are too good to let this game get out of hand (note the 3 point game). However, while Drew Brees and his offense are stellar, I think the Colts are one step ahead. If I had to rank the defenses, I’d actually put the New Orleans Saints slightly ahead…but this game will not be decided by the defense.

Peyton Manning is too good to lose this game. Any player on the Colts offensive side can step up and make plays, and it seems like Joseph Addai may be back on track (he took a two year hiatus). The Saints, on the other hand, were extremely close to losing the NFC Championship game (perhaps lucky to win?), and, unless they can get a couple big plays out of Reggie Bush, are going to be on the losing side of this game.

Winning this game would cement Peyton Manning as one of the greatest QBs to ever play the game, and that is exactly what he will do.

Bruno Boy Matt’s Super Bowl Prediction - Saints (30) – Colts (38)

There’s actually a pretty good chance that this game turns into Green Packers v. Arizona Cardinals Part 2, meaning first team to score 50 points wins. Both offenses are incredible and both defenses are pretty overrated. The two teams seem to be mirror images of one another.

Upon inspection, however, the Colts are better at nearly every position. The key for New Orleans, believe it or not, is going to be their ability to run the football. If the Saints can run the football consistently and grind the clock (keeping Peyton Manning & Company on the sidelines), they could easily score the upset. If, however, New Orleans chooses to turn the game into an aerial shootout, they will probably be setting themselves up for defeat. Manning is the only player in the last two decades with the ability to DECIDE whether or not his team is going to win. Turn Peyton into a spectator and the Saints may have a shot. For entertainment purposes, the OVER is a lock.

Fighting Chance Fantasy’s Super Bowl Prediction – Saints (28) - Colts (38)

The person who said running the football and defense wins championships hasn’t watched the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints blast through the NFL this season.  They started a combined 27-0 before they both stopped trying in the season’s final weeks.  They both have highly potent passing games, and there is no reason to think that they both won’t be on display on Super Sunday. Offense should be the word of the day, and plenty of points should be scored.

I believe that experience will play a factor, as you can’t discount the fact that a lot of the Indianapolis players were here in the Super Bowl just a few years ago. It comes down to that and in the end I just can’t pick against Peyton Manning.  The guy is just a surgeon, cutting up defenses with rarely seen precision.  The Saints defense has been opportunistic with turnovers all season long, but unfortunately they play a guy who protects the football perhaps better than anyone.  I expect both quarterbacks to throw for over 300 yards, but I just see Manning and the Colts making the big plays when they need to be made and Indianapolis to come out on top.

Fantasy Football Librarian’s Super Bowl Prediction – Saints (31) - Colts (37)

This will be an amazing game between two high powered offenses that will lead to one of the higher scoring games in recent Super Bowl memory. Lots of emotion in this game for the New Orleans Saints, but the Indianapolis Colts pull out the win despite the potential lack of Dwight Freeney. Yes, Peyton Manning is just that good.