The biggest weekend in sports is set to go down, and there is only one question you need ask yourself: Do I have the correct hot sauce to ranch ratio?

The two teams heading bettors are evaluating on the Super Bowl 2010 odds couldn’t be more different – the Colts come into this game off a which saw not only Peyton Manning but the entire team rise to the occasion on a consistent basis. The Saints on the other hand are a remarkable comeback story – one which parallels that of the city they represent. While the Saints may be the sentimental favorite, it is certainly not that way with the bookmakers, as Indianapolis is coming in as a -5.5 favorite.

Because the Colts aren’t known for running the ball, expect New Orleans to focus on the pass – something that should work to the underdogs’ advantage. While its obvious the Saints are going to have to pressure Peyton Manning, they’re going to have to get physical to do it – no easy feat given the Colts’ offensive line. The Saints are also going to have to constantly be on the lookout for every opportunity. You have to believe Gregg Williams will continue his emphasis on exploiting any opportunity to turn the play around.

Indianapolis, however, has to stop the Saints offence –
New Orleans has dangerous accuracy when it comes to throwing the ball, and the
Colts can’t give them an inch. Making sure that Brees doesn’t have the physical
space to get his throws off is critical and will ensure the Colts stave off the
upset.

The bottom line? Without a serious defense to stop him, Peyton Manning will run game on the New Orleans Saints, capturing himself and the Colts another championship title. Look for Indianapolis to slowly pull away from a close contest in the first half of the game to put a stamp on things in the 3^rd and particularly 4^th quarters.

While most people are only looking at the Super Bowl odds, there is plenty of other NFL news being released that is flying under the radar.

LaDainian Tomlinson Likely Done In San Diego

A contrite LaDainian Tomlinson spoke to the media once again after the NFL season and it looks like he has come to terms with the facts. Tomlinson, no longer the player he once was, is likely to be released soon. For the first time, we heard Tomlinson talk about expecting his release, which should come within a month. His agent is talking to the team to expedite the process.

Donte Stallworth To Be Reinstated

Donte Stallworth is about to be reinstated in the NFL this Sunday. Stallworth had been suspended indefinitely after killing a pedestrian in the offseason, will get his chance to get his life back in order and join an NFL roster next year. It’s very likely that the Browns will cut him shortly as the new season starts at the end of the month. They have no plans to keep him.

Michael Irvin Charged With Rape In Civil Suit

It seems like Michael Irvin just can’t keep his nose clean. On Friday, he was charged with rape in a civil suit by a woman who claims she was sexually assaulted by him.

Irvin was fired from his cushy gig at ESPN for a drug charge and now he might be on the hot seat at the NFL Network after his latest incident.

Super Bowl MVP odds are out for Sunday’s big game between Indianapolis and New Orleans, and even though the focus will be on Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning and his Saints’ counterpart Drew Brees, each team has to have a secondary player step up if they want to win. Here’s the best choices for each team.

Austin Collie, Indianapolis (+1800)

Collie, from Hamilton, Ontario, was a fourth-round pick out of BYU last year, and he was worked into the offense, ending the regular season with 60 catches for 676 yards and seven touchdowns. However, his coming-out party came in the AFC championship game, catching seven passes for 123 yards and a touchdown as the Jets tried to take away Dallas Clark, the Colts’ slot receiver/tight end. Collie could still fly under the radar on Sunday.

Darren Sharper, New Orleans (+2500)

The Saints’ defense will have a big problem trying to stop Manning and the Colts, but Sharper will have a hand in trying. Sharper came to New Orleans this year and was tied for the league lead in picks, returning three for touchdowns. Then in the playoffs, he recovered a fumble in the Saints’ rout of Arizona, and he was in Brett Favre’s face all day against Minnesota in the NFC championship game, along with a team-high 11 tackles. Sharper will have the same role against Manning that he did against Favre. He has to play his free-safety position to help the New Orleans cornerbacks on the Colts’ receivers, but he’ll also have to blitz because the Saints know they can’t let Manning just sit back there and pick them apart.

The Super Bowl line is up and while the story of the day will be the offenses, the defense that plays best will truly be the key. Here is a breakdown of the defensive matchups:

Defensive Line:

While the Indianapolis Colts would normally have the edge, there is an opening for the New Orleans Saints to match up a little more evenly if Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney is unable to play.

There is some concern about a sprained left ankle, which could limit him. If he’s healthy, the Colts have the edge. For now, that’s an unknown so this is an even matchup.

Advantage: Even

Linebacking Corps:

The linebacking matchup is an even one and another one that is tough to pick.

The Saints have the best player of the bunch with Pro Bowler Jonathan Vilma, and he’s flanked by a couple of steady players in Scott Fujita and Scott Shanle.

Meanwhile, the Colts have more balance and Clint Session and Gary Brackett are very good players overall and Philip Wheeler is also up-and-coming.

This is close, but we’ll give the edge to the Saints.

Advantage: Saints

Secondary:

While the first two areas are tight, the secondary is a much different story. The Saints have two Pro Bowl safeties in Darren Sharper and Roman Harper while the Colts have just one. Also, the Saints have far more experience at cornerback as the Colts starters Jacob Lacey and Jerrod Powers are rookies.

Advantage: Saints