So around comes the Super Bowl for another magnificent year. Ready for it? We are – and we’re just two games out. This year the drama continues as the Broncos and Patriots clash in the AFC before Carolina or the Cardinals make their way through to this Golden Super Bowl. As the games edge closer across the pond, punting heats up here, and below we’ve got your guide to the teams, the players and the odds.
First we’ll look at the American Football Conference (AFC), where the Denver Broncos are set to take on the New England Patriots in what could be the last meeting of the giants Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.
Denver Broncos
Led by American Football legend Payton Manning in what could be his last game, the Broncos come in as underdogs. Despite this, it is no small camp who think they’ll triumph. Manning may not be in the form of his life, but he is still capable of pulling out a winning performance. That said, his numbers haven’t been great – this season he’s thrown more interceptions than touchdowns (17 and 9 respectively). He’s also having his worst year since rookie season in terms of yards per attempt at 6.8.
Regardless, if Manning’s form is cause for worry, the Broncos’ head coach Gary Kubiak’s history is cause for hope. He has faced Bill Belichick’s Patriots no less than a dozen times this century. In those games his men have scored 19 touchdowns and averaged over 28 carries from 122.4 yards. A decent return.
They’re still hurting no doubt from their spanking at the hands of the Seahawks in 2013’s Super Bowl, where they lost 43-8. It can be these sorts of memories that spur a team over the line in a tight finish, or immobilise them at critical points in a game.
New England Patriots
Whilst there are those who will maintain Manning’s record speaks for itself, most would find it hard to argue that Tom Brady has done anything but proven himself the best of the best. He holds the Patriots record for passing yards at almost 58,000 in his 15 seasons, and this year has been no exception – ranking fourth in quarterback scoring (102.2), he has completed the most touchdown passes in the league with 36. An incredible season that is hard to see ending.
Then again, it’s well documented that Brady’s individual record in Denver isn’t immaculate, losing six of his eight visits to Mile High Stadium. This is certainly one match where he’ll want to get that back on the right track.
All that said, Patriots enter this one as favourites, and it’s a brave punter that goes against them.
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed herein are that of the author and not necessarily those of Hello Punter, and should not be taken as betting advice. No bets are guaranteed, and you may lose more money than you get back. Please gamble responsibly.
