Denver 35-31

It’s a battle between the best defense and the best offense in the league in possibly freezing temperatures. More specifically, the Super Bowl will be a battle between arguably the best QB in the league, Peyton Manning, and the dangerous secondary duo of Seahawks’ safeties Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor. Seattle’s running game is stronger than Denver’s, with the often unstoppable Marshawn Lynch. If Seattle can establish the running game, quarterback Russell Wilson could have some success throwing the ball. Even so, and even though the game honestly could go either way, the Broncos are likely to end up on top mostly because of Manning’s incredible talent as one of the greatest ever and the Broncos’ strong offensive line to protect him.

-Katie Mercogliano ‘14

Denver 30-27

The outcome largely will come down to whether or not the Seahawks can get pressure on quarterback Peyton Manning, who is virtually unstoppable when he has time in the pocket. Yes, the Seahawks secondary is really good, but Manning is bound to find a receiver when he has time and the Broncos’ receivers are great at breaking off routes to give Manning a chance to make plays. The fact of the matter is that the Seahawks won’t pressure Manning enough to stop the Broncos from scoring 30 or more points. Running back Marshawn Lynch will have a solid game and quarterback Russell Wilson is going to make some great plays, but he’s also going to make some costly mistakes. Ultimately, the Seahawks’ offense will not be able to make enough plays down the stretch.

-Mike Crooks ‘14

Seattle 28-17

There is an expected temperature below 30 degrees at kickoff, with the temperature dropping throughout the game. Due to the locations of both teams, the weather shouldn’t play a factor. Quarterback Russell Wilson’s passing consistency and Marshawn Lynch’s power running will wear down the Broncos. Denver’s passing defense is nothing short of awful this year which will give Wilson more freedom to pass the ball down field without hesitation. The Seahawks’ secondary will fiercely contest Peyton Manning’s passes, and cornerback Richard Sherman’s ball-hawk skills could very well seal a victory against the Broncos. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll will bring home Seattle’s first Super Bowl to the team’s famed “12th man.”

-Stephen Luckey ‘14

Seattle 27-24

Although the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos are essentially equals in their talent and performance through the regular season and playoffs, defense will be the deciding factor in Super Bowl XLVIII. The Seahawks have the superior defense in this matchup and will be able to do enough to staunch the Broncos’ high-powered offense. The Seahawks have a well-known, outspoken secondary known as the “Legion of Boom,” and while the Broncos have many great and strong receivers, the Seahawks’ safeties and corners will be up to the task of covering them and presenting Peyton Manning with fewer passing options.

-Will Van Gelder ‘16

Seattle 31-27

In the history of No. 1 defenses and No. 1 offenses matching up in the Super Bowl, the defense has a higher win percentage. This Super Bowl shouldn’t be too different, because Richard Sherman and the rest of the “Legion of Boom” are ready for Peyton Manning and his high-scoring receiving threats. Not only do the Seahawks have a top-ranked defense, quarterback Russell Wilson runs a solid and efficient offense that can put up points, especially against a Broncos defense that isn’t necessarily one to brag about. On top of this all, it should be a cold night in New York City, and Manning doesn’t tend to perform particularly well in cold, bad weather.

-Hunter Moore ‘15

Seattle 23-21

Super Bowl  XLVIII ought to be an interesting one, with Seattle boasting the league’s top defense and Denver sporting the most productive offense in NFL history. Seattle’s secondary, nicknamed the “Legion of Boom,”has held opposing quarterbacks to an average of 172 passing yards per game. Despite that stellar number, it will be tough to slow down Peyton Manning, who threw an NFL-record 55 touchdowns this season en route to what will likely be his 5th MVP Award. This game will ultimately come down to how Seattle’s secondary will stop Manning. Low temperatures are to be expected at game time. Cold weather is not good for passing, which will ultimately lead to a Seattle victory.

-Ryan Deal ‘16