Alright folks, it’s time. Time for me to pick my Super Bowl XLIV winner. But before I do… I wanted to remind you to enter our Super Bowl Predictions contest where you have a chance to win $250 by correctly picking the winner and final score. You can enter the contest here. Now on to my prediction. This is definitely a hard game to pick. Both teams are so good… but when in doubt, always go with the team who has the better quarterback and in this case it’s the Indianapolis Colts.

I am picking the Colts to win Super Bowl XLIV by a final score of 31-24. Usually we don’t see high scoring Super Bowl games, but I think this year will be different. I see both teams attacking early on and throwing downfield. Don’t be surprised if we see a 14-10 score at the end of the first quarter.

I like the Colts not just because they have the better quarterback but because they have experience. The Colts just won the Super Bowl a few years ago, I think in 2005. The New Orleans Saints on the other hand have never been to the Super Bowl. It will be new to them and I’m not confident in their ability to handle the big stage.

The x-factor is Dwight Freeney. He’s the best pass rusher in the game and without him the Colts will have a hard time getting to Drew Brees. The Saints will be able to double team Mathis and protect Brees for a long time – and trust, me you don’t want to give him a lot of time in the pocket. Brees is one of the best in the business at picking defenses apart. If Freeney plays (which I think he will) that will be a huge lift for the Colts defense.

I think we’ll see a tie game 24-24 going into the last few minutes of the 4th quarter, but Peyton Manning will do what he always does – execute a game-winning drive to perfection. I can see the Colts marching down the field, just eating up clock and scoring the final touchdown with about 2 minutes left. The Saints will get the ball, but won’t be able to punch it in for a touchdown at the end.

How do you see the Super Bowl playing out? Post a comment and let me know.

And don’t forget, Football Fanatics will have Super Bowl XLIV Champs apparel for sale immediately following the game.