Feeling a little out of the loop on Super Bowl Sunday, this holiest of unofficial American holidays? Reading this Super Bowl XLVIII cheat sheet will take less than five minutes and enable you to hold your own at any game-day party.
We'll run down some basic information about the two teams, summarize some intriguing storylines, briefly profile the game's biggest characters and even provide you with a few conversation-starting factoids.
The Denver Broncos come out of the AFC and are led by a living legend at quarterback in Peyton Manning, who is having unprecedented success for a 37-year-old at his position. The Broncos featured the NFL's most potent offense this season, rolling up averages of more than 450 yards and 37 points per game.
The Seattle Seahawks come out of the NFC and feature a fearsome defense complemented by a tough, solid offense generally regarded as the league's best. Seattle gave up fewer yards per game than any other team this season. Meanwhile, quarterback Russell Wilson and running back Marshawn Lynch lead an offense that, while not as explosive as Denver's, may be more balanced.
Peyton Manning's Legacy
Manning was awarded his fifth NFL MVP trophy on Saturday. That's a league record, and he's the oldest player to ever take home the award. He's a surefire Hall of Famer. Yet, fair or not, he's been shadowed by the dreaded "not clutch" label for much of his career after several postseason flameouts. A win on Sunday would give him his second Super Bowl ring, make him the second-oldest quarterback to ever win the big game and go a long way toward shifting the narrative about his one supposed career blemish.
Can Russell Wilson Make History?
The 25-year-old Wilson is, in some ways, Manning's direct opposite on the field. In his second season, he's just at the beginning of his career, while Manning is in the twilight of his. He's a dynamic, mobile quarterback who makes plays with his feet as much as his arm. His professional success has come as a surprise to most, while Manning was a quarterback prodigy from childhood. But Wilson also holds this distinction: He's the winningest quarterback in NFL history through two seasons. Capping that off with a Super Bowl win in just his second year would be amazing and elevate his young career to even greater heights.
The League's Best Units Go Head-to-Head
This one is simple, but beautiful: Denver has the NFL's best offense, while Seattle has its best defense. Now they match up head-to-head for all the marbles — just like it's meant to be. Big plays could come from anyone at any time during this game, but which of these units gets the better of the other could well decide the outcome.
Richard Sherman
Sherman has dominated the media the past two weeks since his interview went viral immediately following the Seahawks' Super Bowl-clinching win over the San Francisco 49ers. The Seattle cornerback has talent to match his brashness, however. After two weeks in the spotlight, it will be fascinating to see how he plays in the biggest game of his life.
Peyton Manning
From his advancing age, to his incredible 2013 season, to his unique ability to manipulate defenses at the line of scrimmage, Manning has long been one football's most fascinating players. Super Bowl XLVIII will likely further highlight his special place in the game.
Marshawn Lynch
Lynch, Seattle's star running back, guzzles Skittles after scores, spent most of this week giving delightfully weird media interviews and possesses game-changing ability with the ball. The Cal product, nicknamed "Beast Mode" for his rugged playing style, spent the first part of his career fighting a bad-boy label. Now he's found a home in Seattle, become a fan favorite and matured into one of the league's top backs, on top of his charismatic personality.
From the length of the national anthem, to whether any members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers will perform shirtless at halftime, you can make some seriously random bets on Super Bowl XLVIII. Here are 12 of the most bizarre.
Lynch, as mentioned above, has had a big sweet-tooth for Skittles ever since his mom fed them to him before childhood football games. But Lynch and Skittles took their relationship to a new level this week when it was announced that the Seattle star had signed an endorsement deal with the candy brand. There's even a limited-edition "Seattle Mix" on the market now.
The Super Bowl is an only-in-America spectacle on multiple levels. Trying to imagine how it all must look to a foreigner is an interesting exercise indeed.
Alright, now you're ready to banter with the best of them, dear reader. And Happy Football, America — we'll be covering the game here live all day long.
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