The Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts meet this coming Sunday in Super Bowl XLI. The Bears, sporting a 15-3 record, bring an awesome defense and a serviceable quarterback, while the Colts (15-4) bring arguably the best quarterback in the game today with a somewhat leaky defense. Check out the stats on these two teams.
In order to win, the Bears will have to stop Peyton Manning by putting pressure on him, forcing him out of the pocket. Manning is no scrambler, but he has proven to be elusive, so the downfield coverage will be critical. The Bears have demonstrated that they have the ability to do this, which could make for a long night for Manning.
For the Colts, scoring as many points as possible is the only way to win. The O-line has done a good job, giving Manning time to throw and opening holes for the running backs. As the coach on the field, Manning’s play-calling will be put to the test. Watch the time of possession: the Colts offense needs to stay on the field in order to keep its less-than-stellar defense off.
I do think these teams are evenly matched, so I expect a close game, certainly within 7 points, likely within 3.
My pick: The Indianapolis Colts by 1. Peyton will find a way to win.
Disclaimer: Remember that I’m a CPA, not a professional oddsmaker. So, any money you lose on any bets you place as the result of my pick I am not responsible for 
But any winnings – well, you should share 
Points spread?
Posted by Scott | Monday, January 29, 2007, 9:32 amI don’t do points spreads because, honestly, I don’t know how
The best I can do is what I said above.
Posted by vjp | Monday, January 29, 2007, 9:35 amBears by 10. You heard it here first!
Posted by The Squeaky Wheel | Monday, January 29, 2007, 9:42 amWell, I can’t imagine that happening
Posted by vjp | Monday, January 29, 2007, 10:03 amFrankly, I’d just like to see Payton Manning win a Super Bowl.
Posted by Jack | Monday, January 29, 2007, 10:09 amBears by 1.
Posted by Jim Hoeft | Monday, January 29, 2007, 10:46 amOn a last-second, 56-yard field goal.
Posted by Jack | Monday, January 29, 2007, 11:00 amBears 37-14.
Posted by Virginia Voter | Monday, January 29, 2007, 11:20 amOK, so I updated my pick to include the points. Colts by 1.
Posted by vjp | Monday, January 29, 2007, 11:25 amOk. I say Colts by 7. They are going to shut Peyton down.
Posted by Scott | Monday, January 29, 2007, 12:04 pmI’m saying Colts by 3.
Posted by catzmaw | Monday, January 29, 2007, 1:18 pmPicking the Colts? Seems like most people are doing that (myself included).
Picking them by 1? Now that is bold.
Colts 34, Bears 20.
Posted by CR UVa | Monday, January 29, 2007, 2:10 pmScott – are you sure you didn’t mean to pick the Bears?
Posted by vjp | Monday, January 29, 2007, 2:25 pmVivian,
For what its worth I am rootin for the Colts. I think Dunggy got hit with a load of bricks last year and Payton is a class act.
BTW
1. are you going to reply to my last reply?
2. is there an email by which I may contact you?
Posted by J.A. | Monday, January 29, 2007, 7:20 pmJ.A. — It’s up on the left, where it says, “email me”.
Posted by Jack | Monday, January 29, 2007, 9:44 pm