Super Bowl QB Betting Odds – Manning has slight edge in Super Bowl quarterback matchup
The Super Bowl QB betting odds is one of the most important breakdowns in the big game. Everyone knows that you don’t cash in on a Super Bowl line – or even get to the Super Bowl – without a premier quarterback and both the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints are stocked with aces. But which team has the advantage? Read on for our breakdown of the two studs.
Super Bowl QB Betting Odds: Manning has the edge |
| Manning has a Super Bowl ring; more playoff experience |
| Manning was regular season MVP |
| Colts offensive line allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL |
Offensive Line: Super Bowl QB Betting Odds
NFL betting fans know that both teams have stellar offensive lines but when it comes to this category, you have to evaluate one number: sacks allowed. The Colts offensive line allowed just 13 sacks and three of those were in the final two weeks when Curtis Painter was subbing in for Manning. Not coincidentally, in 2006, when the Colts were Super Bowl Champions, they also led the league is sacks allowed. They get the slight edge here even though the Saints have a solid unit themselves.
Edge: Colts
Receiving Corps: Super Bowl QB Betting Odds
Part of the quarterback breakdown – like it or not – is who the quarterback is throwing to. As we’ve seen in the past, when a quarterback doesn’t have weapons, he forces the football, throws interceptions and the offense struggles (see: Jay Cutler).
When evaluating these two tandems of receivers, there is only one difference: healthy. Both teams have a steady trio of receivers to start with.
The Colts have Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie, while the Saints have Marques Colston, Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem. Based on talent alone, online betting sharps would lean slightly with the Colts.
Beyond that, both teams have quality tight ends in Dallas Clark and Jeremy Shockey.
But the Saints are banged up. Meachem is dealing with an ankle injury and Shockey is limited with a bad knee. We’ll see if the rest helps but until then, the Colts have the edge in this category as well.Edge: Colts
Accuracy: Super Bowl QB Betting Odds
If you’re looking to split hairs, this is the category for it. Here are their final numbers on the year:
Manning: 4500 passing yards, 68.8%, 33 TD, 16 INT, 99.9 QB Rating
Brees: 4388 passing yards, 70.6%, 34 TD, 11 INT, 109.6 QB Rating
Based on numbers alone, you would have to give Brees the slight edge but the postseason has been a different story. You can’t help but wonder how Brees was just 17-of-31 (54.8%) for 197 yards in the NFC Championship Game.
Edge: Even
Experience: Super Bowl QB Betting Odds
And leading from that last point, this is where the real difference is. Brees showed some nerves in the NFC Championship Game and while the Saints survived, they can’t afford to have him play like that in the Super Bowl.
Manning has played in many playoff games, he has been here before and he has a Super Bowl ring. That cannot be underestimated. Brees just doesn’t have that experience and that could affect his performance as it already has.
Edge: Manning
If this was a simple passing contest, these two might be identical but there is so much more to it. Sports betting cappers have to side with Manning in the quarterback comparison because of his offensive line, his weapons and his experience.
Pick: Manning


