John Eisenberg
Broncos 27, Seahawks 16
There's a lot of false advertising surrounding this Super Bowl. The cold-weather site and Snow Bowl possibility received a ton of attention, but it looks like things are going to be dry and relatively mild Sunday night. Yawn. Also, the event is being billed as a New York extravaganza, but the teams have stayed in New Jersey and the game is there, too. Whoops. Along those lines, the meeting of Peyton Manning and Seattle's defense is dominating the buildup, but I think the inverse matchup will decide the game. Denver's defense is coming on strong (ask Tom Brady) and Seattle's Russell Wilson isn't playing the kind of football that wins Super Bowls. Manning will put up enough points to outscore a Seattle offense that struggles.
Ryan Mink
Broncos 27, Seahawks 17
I loved Peyton Manning's response this week to Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, who said Manning throws "ducks." Said Peyton, "I do throw ducks. I've thrown a lot of yards and touchdown ducks, so I'm actually quite proud of it." Usually I'd support the Baltimore mantra that defense wins championships. But , but that ain't the trend anymore. Manning is too good right now, and has too many weapons for even Seattle's defense, which isn't quite as good as the Ravens' 2000 unit. Call the guys from "Duck Dynasty" because it's going to be reigning ducks in New York. Manning will throw at least one with Sherman in coverage. The Seahawks will try to limit Manning's possessions with Marshawn Lynch on the ground, a solid strategy. But Denver's run defense is actually pretty good – boss. Now if only Manning would pull a Ray Lewis and ride off into the sunset to make things easier on the rest of his AFC foes.
Garrett Downing
Broncos 31, Seahawks 27
Peyton Manning is going to get another Super Bowl ring. After the long road back from all the neck surgeries and questions about whether he'd ever play football again, Manning is locked in and ready to capitalize on this opportunity to add another Super Bowl to his name. He was unbelievable all year – he started the season with seven touchdowns against the Ravens and never slowed down – and I expect another stellar performance from him Sunday. This game is the classic battle of offense vs. defense, and the Seahawks do have the secondary that could cause some problems for Manning and the Broncos. I expect Seattle to keep it close by relying on Marshawn Lynch and the running game, but in the end Manning gets the job done.
Sarah Ellison
Broncos 30, Seahawks 24
Peyton Manning is on a mission and his only known kryptonite – freezing elements – shouldn't be a factor with a forecast of clear skies and a high of 49 degrees. It's Peyton's time. But hey, why listen to me when Eli the ape (no, not that Eli) is predicting a Seahawks victory? The Utah primate has gotten the Super Bowl winner correct six years in a row.
