The Super Bowl odds for Sunday’s showdown between Indianapolis and New Orleans are no doubt formed with the two quarterbacks in mind, the Colts’ Peyton Manning and the Saints’ Drew Brees. It’s no surprise to see their names at the top of the list of players to watch on Sunday. Who else makes the cut?

INDIANAPOLIS

Peyton Manning: The sportsbook favorite for the Super Bowl MVP award (which he won in 2006), Manning controls every aspect of the Indy offense. If the Saints don’t get to Manning, they’re in trouble.

Pierre Garcon: The Jets tried to take Reggie Wayne away in the AFC championship game, and Garcon responded to his single coverage with a record 11 catches for 151 yards and a score. Garcon will need a similar performance if the Saints double-cover Wayne.

Austin Collie: It’s pretty much the same situation with Collie, who benefitted from the attention Dallas Clark received. Collie earned Manning’s trust last weekend, and he should expect to see a few more balls this weekend.

Robert Mathis: Mathis’ role is even more important if Dwight Freeney, who has reported torn ligaments in his ankle, can’t go. Mathis doesn’t have a sack in the postseason, but he always seems to be in the backfield, and he’ll be aiming for Drew Brees.

Kelvin Hayden: The Colts’ secondary has been battered by injuries this year, and Hayden hasn’t escaped. However, he’s recovered to rank second on the team in postseason tackles, and he’s the best corner Indy has. He’ll be tested this week.

NEW ORLEANS

Drew Brees: Brees finished second to Manning in the regular-season MVP, and while he hasn’t put up huge numbers, Brees hasn’t been picked off in the postseason. Not making mistakes increases your Super Bowl odds.

Reggie Bush: Another player who could raise the Saints’ NFL betting odds is Bush, who tore apart Arizona. Bush didn’t have the same impact against Minnesota, but with his big-play ability, he’ll have a lot of attention paid to him.

Jeremy Shockey: The Saints are a vertical passing team, and they can stretch a defense. But they’re much more potent when the injured Shockey can catch passes over the middle.

Darren Sharper: The veteran safety will be front and center if the Saints are going to stop Manning, as he led the league in picks with nine during the regular season. He then recovered a fumble against Arizona, and was in Brett Favre’s face all day against Minnesota.

Will Smith: Smith forced a fumble against the Vikings, and he led them in sacks with 13 sacks. Manning was sacked just 10 times during the regular season, and Smith has to get into the Indy backfield and throw Manning’s timing off.

Posted on March 10th, 2010 by admin
Filed under: NFL football betting