Today is the big day! Super Bowl XLIV! For those of you who have been following my NFL picks, I have a record of 5 for 6 (darn you Farve & Romo!!) in the playoffs. But there hasn’t been a pick yet that has been THIS tough. Here are a few of the tangibles and intangibles that will make the difference.

1. Manning. One of the all time greatest quarterbacks in the league. Not because of his throwing skills, but because of his ability to read the defense and call plays on the line that lead his team to victory.
2. Injury. The Colts defense are in a tough spot with the loss of Freeny. They are really going to have to step up their game because if they give Drew Brees 4 seconds in the pocket, the Saints will win.
3. Brees. One of the most under recognized quarter backs in the league. This guy is as accurate as they get! I think HE is the best QB in this game.
4. Experience. The Colts have been here before. The big game hype maybe already over for them, but this is the Saints 1st time in the Super Bowl. They are like kids in a candy store! Eyes wide open.
5. Heart. The edge here has to go to the Saints. These guys have played with tremendous heart all year and this game could boil down to the team that wants it the most and I think the Saints want this win more than the Colts.

I know there are more, like Reggie Bush - if he has a break out game, then it could be over early for the Colts because a two pronged attack (air and ground) would be too much for them or anyone else! And the Saints defense - if they don’t play their absolute best game, Saints’ fans will be wishing that the half time whistle was the end of the fourth quarter because Manning will throw all over them.

However, all of those factors seem to cancel each other out. So my NFL Super Bowl XLIV pick is based on the video posted above from Sports Science. Drew Brees is the most accurate quarterback in the league. His ability to complete passes that no one else can will carry them to victory. If the pressure of the “big game” gets to him, the saints don’t have any hope. A balanced attack will be important, but even with a “super bowl” defense from the Colts, Brees can pass around, over, and through them. So, I pick the New Orleans Saints to win XLIV!

Who do you think is going to win Super Bowl XLIV?