For only the fifth time in the Super Bowl era, the top-rated defense will play the top-rated offense in the big game.

Peyton Manning threw for a record 5,477 yards, 55 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions this season for the Broncos. While the best defense usually beats the best offense, Seattle only has three elites in the secondary. Manning will expose their defense with their fourth and fifth man. Denver simply has too many weapons at its disposal for Seattle’s defense to handle.

With Denver’s passing game being so efficient, its running game has also been able to pound away all season. The offense is perhaps one of the most balanced in the history of the NFL. While the “Legion of Boom” is indeed an excellent defense, it can’t even hope to compare to the Broncos historically good offense. When the lack of the “12th Man” is factored in, I just don’t see Seattle’s defense being effective against Manning and company.

Denver also has an advantage on the other side of the ball. The Seahawks started the season with one of the most explosive offenses in the league; however, after losing wide receiver Sidney Rice and never fully getting wide receiver Percy Harvin back, the Hawks have slumped lately. Currently, the Hawks host one of the most mediocre receiving corps in the NFL. Their running game has also slumped lately, and Denver’s solid defensive line will help seal any hole for Marshawn Lynch to run through.

Russell Wilson’s ability to run out of the pocket will be able to keep Denver’s defense guessing, but Manning will keep this game out of reach. My prediction is that Denver will beat Seattle 31-23.