Pallavi Reddy reckons that the Colts-Saints matchup will be one for the ages as the countdown continues to Super Bowl XLIV.

All signs point to an epic Super Bowl.

This Sunday the two number one seeds face-off in the final game of the NFL season-the first time since 1994.

The Indianapolis Colts are on the hunt for their second ring in four years, while the New Orleans Saints are hungry for their first.

The Colts are the clear-cut favourites by the experts, but the heart of the state of Louisiana lies in the Saints. Before you sit on your couch and grab a beer thinking that it'll be an easy win for the Colts, I ask you to think again.

In the end, this game will come down to the intangibles. My prediction? A close game from start to finish, but the Saints will go marching home with rings on their fingers.

The Not-So Secret Weapon: Peyton Manning

Colts' offence vs. Saints' defence: Two words that I don't really have to explain: Peyton Manning.  He is arguably the best player on the field.  During the regular season, Manning has led the Colts to seven fourth quarter comeback wins.  His precision may be too much for the Saints' defence to handle.  But the Colts' rarely run the ball until they're near the endzone.

The decision-maker for the Saints' defence is Darren Sharper.  In his first year with the Saints, Sharper has been vital in being the playmaker on their defensive line.  This season alone, he has intercepted nine passes, returning three for touchdowns. 

It's a breeze with Brees

Saints' offence vs. Colts' defence: Drew Brees is similar to Manning in his passing accuracy, but he has something that the Colts don't have: a running game. It's the slight edge that the Saints' offense has.  By the stats, he is the number one quarterback this season.  Let's not forget that the Saints outscore their opponents in the fourth quarter.

The Colts' defence has done well all season, but their secondary is young and could have a tough time with Brees' solid game.

Heart and Soul

The winner: The game decider is the intangibles. It is spirit and heart that is within the Saints and their fans that will put them on top.  After Hurricane Katrina, victims used the Superdome as a place of refuge.  The team that calls the Superdome home is the symbol of hope and rebirth. The city believes in the team, and the team doesn't want to let them down.  The Saints know that losing just is not an option.