Seattle Seahawks (+2.5) vs. Den – I’m not entirely sure how Denver is the favorite although the “Peyton Manning mania” set in immediately after Championship Sunday. The Seahawks opened up as favorites but then saw the betting line turn and now they’re underdogs.

Let’s look at the game which features the NFL’s best offense vs the NFL’s best D.

When the Broncos have the ball, look for Peyton Manning to run a spread offense and dink and dunk to his receivers. This will act as a rushing attack because Knowshon Moreno will not be able to get going against the Seahawks front.

However, the Broncos will not want or be able to abandon the run because Seattle’s attacking D will make Manning’s life miserable if it turns Denver one dimensional. The two wild cards will be WR Eric Decker and TE Julius Thomas.

While WR DeMaryius Thomas is a tremendous receiver, CB Richard Sherman should be able to contain him. Welker will be contained for the most part, too, as Seattle is excellent covering the middle of the field. Decker could make some plays on the outside as could Julius Thomas, but that will come when they move the TE outside on an island. Seattle’s safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas are the best duo in the game. Look for Denver to put up between 14-20 points on the day.

When Seattle has the ball, look for them to pound Marshawn Lynch mercilessly into Denver’s D. And look for him to have success. The Seahawks OL is big and matches up well with Denver’s front. This will set up the pass. QB Russell Wilson’s struggled lately, but he won’t be asked to put the offense on his shoulders.

When he throws the ball, it will come off play action and by moving him around, and he’ll find some success on the intermediate to deeper routes. Also, expect slant patterns mixed in to keep the chains moving. The Wild Card is Percy Harvin, but even 30-40 yards from him on a few plays will add another dimension to the Seahawks. All in all it’s not flashy, but this offensive unit is physical and efficient.

When the clock hits 0:00, look for Seattle to win by 4-10 points. Super Bowls tend to remain closer in our era of parity, but Seattle is the better and more complete team. And high flying passing games haven’t had much success in the big game facing dominant defenses.

The Seahawks are bullies and will wear this Denver team down late 24-17 or 27-17.

Seattle is solid on the money line (+115) too.

Cream of the crop

1. Calvin Johnson vs. Bal – The Ravens pass D has been vulnerable. Not that Megatron needed anymore help.

2. Demaryius Thomas vs. SD – Thomas killed SD last time and Welker is likely out.

3. AJ Green vs. Pit – The vaunted Steelers pass D is no more.

4. DeSean Jackson vs. Min – His speed will torch the Vikings.

Not far behind

Dez Bryant vs. GB  – He’ll get back on track with a monster effort vs. the Packers.

Josh Gordon vs. Chi – Gordon’s emerged as the top fantasy receiver over the past month by setting NFL records.

Andre Johnson vs. Ind – Look for Johnson’s torrid pace to continue this week.

Rounding things out

Jordy Nelson vs. Dal – If Rodgers is back, he rates even higher. Dallas’s pass D is horrible.

Keenan Allen vs. Den – The Chargers excellent rookie will torment the depleted Broncos secondary.

Brandon Marshall vs. Cle – Tough match-up facing CB Joe Haden but Marshall is tough on all CBs.

Alshon Jeffery vs. Cle – Haden can only cover one at a time.

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Ten – Fitzgerald will find the end zone once again.

Roddy White vs. Was – The Skins are going through the motions.

Dwayne Bowe vs. Oak – The Chiefs face a Raiders team whose secondary has regressed.

Pierre Garcon vs. Atl – He is one of the few Washington starters left worth starting.

Eric Decker vs. SD – Decker’s been on fire the past few weeks.

Julian Edleman vs. Mia – Look for him to pick up additional targets with Gronkowski out.

Michael Crabtree vs. TB – He’ll top 80 yards with a TD vs. the Bucs.

Torrey Smith vs. Det – The Lions feature one of the worst secondaries. Smith’s speed will translate to long gains.

Mike Wallace vs. NE – Expect the Fins to get Wallace involved early and he’ll find success against a less than stellar Pats D.

Harry Douglas vs. Was – Also worth starting.

Kendall Wright vs. Arz – The Cards pass D isn’t as good on the road.

Cordarrelle Patterson vs. Phi – The rookie is progressing each week and broke out against the Ravens.

Cecil Shorts vs. Buf – Shorts will top 80 yards with a score.

Potential Bust – Beware

Victor Cruz vs. Sea – The Seahawks D will overpower the Giants and shut Cruz down.

1. Calvin Johnson vs. Phi – Megatron is always No. 1.

2. Josh Gordon vs. NE – Roll with the hot hand. Gordon’s on an amazing two game stretch and faces a weak Pats secondary.

3. AJ Green vs. Ind – Green will torch the Colts to the tune of 125 yards and 1-2 TDs.

4. DeSean Jackson vs. Det – The Lions have no one in the secondary who can stay with Jackson.

Not far behind

Dez Bryant vs. Chi – Bryant will top 100 yards with a TD Monday Night.

Brandon Marshall vs. Dal – The Cowboys have not taken to Monte Kiffin’s cover 2 D.

Demaryius Thomas vs. Ten – This could be his week to go off in fantasy. Week 13 belonged to Eric Decker.

Rounding things out

Alshon Jeffery vs. Dal – There will be plenty of balls to go around on Monday.

Victor Cruz vs. SD – Cruz will top 100 yards on 9 catches against the Chargers.

Andre Johnson vs. Jax – Johnson’s been a constant fantasy threat since Keenum entered the lineup.

Roddy White vs. GB – White’s play in Week 13 left fantasy owners wondering about his lost season.

Vincent Jackson vs. Buf – There will be room for Glennon and Jackson to work against this secondary.

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Stl .- Look for Fitzgerald’s hot play to continue at home.

Eric Decker vs. Ten – When Thomas and Welker are doubled, it leaves Decker open for a monster day. He’ll notch 16-20 points in PPR leagues Sunday.

Torrey Smith vs. Min – Look for Smith to get deep against more than once against a vulnerable Vikings D.

Antonio Brown vs. Mia – Brown will top 100 yards and find the end zone.

Keenan Allen vs. NYG – The talented rookie will top 75 yards on 8 catches.

Pierre Garcon vs. KC – Garcon will continue his strong season in Week 14.

Mike Wallace vs. Pit – The former Steeler will get revenge in his home coming.

Julian Edleman vs. Cle – Edleman’s become Brady’s go-to guy in recent weeks.

Steve Smith vs. NO – Newton’s top target will have an old school Smith like game in New Orleans.

Cecil Shorts vs. Hou – He’s a solid No. 2 / flex play Thursday. They’ve begun looking his way more and more.

Kendall Wright vs. Den – They’ll likely be playing catch up all afternoon.

Denarius Moore vs. NYJ – 1^st round pick Dee Milliner is getting abused.

Santonio Holmes vs. Oak – Holmes becomes a solid flex if healthy enough to go. The Raiders secondary has had its share of issues lately.

Michael Floyd vs. Stl. – Look for Floyd to keep his hot streak alive vs. the Rams.

Jordy Nelson vs. Atl – His value goes way up if Aaron Rodgers can return.

Dwayne Bowe vs. Was – Covering WRs is not something Washington does well.

Potential Bust – Beware

Anquan Boldin vs. Sea – The Seahawks shut him down in their 1^st meeting. They’ll do so again.