As we approach Super Bowl XLVIII, there is the ever constant speculation about which team will emerge as the new NFL champion.  This year, the Seattle Seahawks take on the Denver Broncos with the hope of taking home the trophy and the title of “World Champions.”   This Super Bowl is especially interesting as it pins the league’s best offense (Broncos) against the best defense (Seahawks). The Vegas oddsmakers have favored Denver by three points; however, there is a large amount of opposition from fans and sports writers.

The main problem for the Broncos’ offense is the weather conditions.   As you might or might not know, the United States is having a very cold winter.  Thanks to Mother Nature, New Jersey is forecasted to have high winds the day of the big game.  The Seahawks can defend just as well in the bitter cold as they can in the sweltering heat, as evidenced by their successful performances in any conditions all season long.  Even though the Broncos have a decent running game, the ruthless wind would limit the offense to running more than they’d like to.

The Seahawks’ big plays are what have elevated the team to the Super Bowl twice in the past eight years.  While some people criticize their offensive game, RB Marshawn Lynch has lit up the playoffs by getting the yards inside. Though the Seahawks occasionally struggle to keep Russell Wilson safe, the Broncos’ defense isn’t deep enough or as physical enough to cause much trouble without Von Miller, who tore his ACL in December during the Broncos vs. Texans game.

The game truly comes down to both how well the Broncos’ ground attacks hold against the Seahawks’ defense, and whether or not the Seahawks’ offense is up to par. Either way, it’ll be a chaotic ride, with plenty of big plays and big fails, and slippery footballs, thanks to the weather.