The Denver Broncos have already made history this year on offense, putting up 606 points the most in a single season in NFL history.
2014 Super Bowl: 5 reasons to bet on Broncos
Denver is a slight Super Bowl favorite over Seattle, and there are plenty of reasons why bettors are backing Peyton Manning and the Broncos.
Doug Pensinger
But none of that will matter if they can't put the finishing touches on this impressive season with a Super Bowl victory. Here are five reasons why the Broncos will be crowned Super Bowl champions and why Bronco bettors will collect from the payout window.
The last time Peyton Manning went up against the No. 1 defense in the NFL in the Super Bowl was when his Colts defeated the Chicago Bears, 29-17. Manning will without question be the best player on the field on Super Bowl Sunday, and he gives his team the edge.
He is the top choice in Super Bowl MVP odds and a solid bet to say “Omaha” more than 27.5 times, according to one sportsbook.
2. Too Many Weapons Offensively
But it isn't just Manning that makes the Broncos the most dangerous offense in the NFL. Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Wes Welker and Julius Thomas are all big threats in the passing game, and Knowshon Moreno has enjoyed a resurgence in the running game this year, as well.
Denver might have too many options for Seattle to contain, No. 1 defense or not. And that may imperil UNDER wagers on Feb. 2.
3. Improved Play on Defense
Denver’s defense was a liability during the regular season, but it has completely shut down both San Diego and New England this postseason. John Fox and Jack Del Rio are great defensive-minded coaches who are finally getting the most out of their defense at the right time.
With an extra week to prepare for the Super Bowl, Denver should be ready for another big performance on defense. Historically, Denver has been dominant with an extra week to prepare, which their 11-2 ATS mark in 13 NFL regular seasons proves.
4. Russell Wilson Struggling
Over his last six games, Russell Wilson has not been effective at all, averaging just 167.2 passing yards per game while throwing only five touchdown passes with three interceptions.
Even if Seattle’s defense can slow down Peyton Manning, Wilson’s current form won’t be enough to get Seattle over the top. All things being equal, would you bet on the record-setting league MVP and future Hall of Famer or a struggling second-year player (regardless of how good that young players is)?
5. Denver is Dominant as a Favorite
In their last 11 games as the betting favorite, the Broncos are 9-2 SU and 8-3 ATS. Historically the Broncos have had great success against the Seahawks, as well, with a 12-3 SU and 9-6 ATS record in 15 games since 1996.
The dangerous flipside to this trend is the 17-3-1 ATS run by the Seahawks as underdogs since 2011. The line was sitting at -2.5 and 47.5 recently at 5Dimes.eu.
