Colts favorites to win second Super Bowl in four years

Bookmakers have Indianapolis Colts as favorites to overcome New Orleans Saints on Sunday at the eagerly anticipated Super Bowl XLIV in Florida.

This year’s Super Bowl is the first time that two number-one seeds have come up against each other in the Super Bowl since the Buffalo Bills came up against the Dallas Cowboys in a thrilling encounter in 1992.

The Indianapolis Colts are contesting their second final in four years, and their experienced team could perhaps give them the edge. BBC analyst Neil Reynolds said: "I think the Colts are going to win by 10."

The Colts will be very wary of the highly impressive New Orleans quarter back Drew Brees. His stats show that he is the most accurate passer in the NFL this season. Allowing him time and space to dictate the play could be detrimental to the Colts’ Super Bowl aspirations.

The Saints have never won an NFL title and are taking part in their first Super Bowl in their 43-year history. Their coach Sean Payton said: “A lot of people expect this to be a high-scoring game. But the two defences that are here have been outstanding in the post-season,"

"Our defence has stepped up. It's hard to predict how the game will unfold."

Colts quarter back Peyton Manning expects a tough test against The Saints on Sunday night. “The biggest challenge for me is preparing to play an excellent New Orleans team. This is a team that is extremely tough to prepare for,"

Bet365 have the Indianapolis Colts hot favourites at 10/21. Boylesports and Betfred offer the best price on outsiders New Orleans Saints; they are rated at 9/5.

Reece Brown