Conference Championship Games and Superbowl XLIV

The Super Bowl approaches.

The focus and media attention will be on the likes of Drew Brees, Jeremy Shockey, Peyton Manning and the other usual suspects - but in these games and the Super Bowl game itself - the occasion can get to any of the top players. Just as 'ordinary' players can step up to win the game.

So who do we love this year.

Indianapolis Colts: odds range +100 to +120.

Everyone loves the Colts - who couldn't enjoy watching Manning throw the football. They come up against the defense minded New York Jets and defense is about all that they have in their locker. But at the prices as they stand the Colts are hardly attractive and we won't be having our football bet on the Colts.

New York Jets: odds range +700 to +800.

The New York Jets' defense 'is' the team - it is what it lives and breathes off.

The Jets are the big outsiders and they should go down against the Colts who will probably have too much in their locker for them - but at the prices we would take the Jets for the Bowl and maybe look to take the other finalist too after these games for a no lose situation.

New Orleans Saints: odds range +200.
The Saints crushed the Cardinals - everyone who saw it had to be impressed. But firstly it was the Cardinals and secondly New Orleans had come off a two week break as opposed to Arizona who had played a tough game against the Packers less than a week earlier.

Minnesota Vikings: odds range +450 to +500.
We would take the Vikings for the Bowl - but their road record is a worry. It could be a cruel day for them - remember, as an aside, their Super Bowl record in terms of appearance vs wins stands at 4-0. But who knows, Brett Favre might still have a say and take them to the big one.

Know this, had the Vikings been playing at home they might have been the shorter price of the two teams...such is their home record.

In summary, we would take the Saints before the Colts - but before we took the Saints we'd split stakes on the two outsiders Minnesota and New York - in the hope that we get at least one upset.

You can get odds on the games here - football match-ups