Obviously, the hot topic for the weekend is Super Bowl XLIV.

Unfortunately for me, the Kansas City Chiefs didn't even get near the chance of playing in the National Football League's main event, so I have no other choice but watch two teams that I didn't root for this season play for the Lombardi Trophy.Yes people, I am still a Chiefs fan, regardless of the last three years of horrific football the team has put me through.I guess I have been spoiled so much by the Philadelphia Phillies the last two years that I feel like my favorite NFL team should be playing in the championship game too.At least I can say that I had the chance to watch the game that may have saved me from humiliation this season from my friends and family when the Chiefs stunned the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were last year's Super Bowl champs.Of course, a few weeks before that, KC forced me to get teased by my surrounding Eagles fans a bit after watching that embarrassing loss on my birthday.This year's main event though consists of two teams who I believe deserved to be there all along.Both Indianapolis and New Orleans proved so by nearly rattling off perfect regular seasons.Manning has guided the Colts back to the promise land with the intent of doing what they did three years ago. The Colts picked a part the defensive minded Chicago Bears for a 29-17 in Super Bowl XLI.The Saints meanwhile are playing in their first-ever Super Bowl since the franchise established in 1967.Kansas City has even played in more Super Bowls than New Orleans, but I shouldn't really speak about that since the two appearances were before I was born.The Colts and Saints have undoubtedly two of the best quarterbacks in the game right now Peyton Manning and Drew Brees.Manning, a Tennessee graduate, and Brees, who I got to watch first-hand during his collegiate when Purdue visited Happy Valley to play Penn State, have totally impressed me throughout the season.Believe it or not, I think the Saints have a bit of an edge in this year's showdown in Miami. Yes, Peyton is a bit more experienced in this type of atmosphere, but I feel Drew is going to have an MVP of a day and be the difference in the outcome.As far as my pick goes, I am going with New Orleans.It's definitely going to be a fight to the finish. Brees is going to hit Reggie Bush on a screen for a 25-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter. So, the Saints march off ... (a quick drum roll inserted) ... with a 31-27 victory.I have asked my colleagues here at the TIMES NEWS to throw out their predications as well. And, here they are …EMMETT MCCALL This could be one of the highest scoring Super Bowls ever. Peyton Manning and Drew Brees are the two best quarterbacks in the league, and both teams have dangerous receivers and talented running backs. It could come down to who has the ball last ... Colts 38, Saints 35ROD HECKMAN Game will be close in the first half, but Colts will pull away after the break. Peyton Manning will win his second MVP award, throwing for 300-plus yards and three touchdowns ... Colts 41, Saints 24.JOE PLASKO This one could come down to which team has the ball last. While my heart says "Geaux Saints", the outcome will be ironic when a Manning denies the Big Easy its first Lombardi Trophy ... Colts 31, Saints 24.ED HEDES Peyton Manning is playing so perfect right now, but the Saints just have too much firepower to get blown out. They'll keep the game close ... Colts 35, Saints 31.MIKE HAINES A less-than healthy Dwight Freeney means Saints running backs don't have to help as much, which could allow their offense to match scores with the Colts. But Peyton Manning, who might be at the peak of his career, will make sure his team pulls it out. It's going to be the third straight Super Bowl decided by four points or less ... Colts 35, Saints 31.BOB FORD I have no feelings either way for either team in this year's championship game, but I predict that the New Orleans Saints will win the Super Bowl. More importantly, I predict that many viewers, myself included, will be more interested in the TV commercials than the outcome of the game ... Saints 35, Colts 30.SHAWN MCFARLAND I've been to Nawlins and would like to see the Saints win, but I find it impossible to go against Peyton Manning. He's in the same class with MJ, Kobe and Tiger. You'd be dumb to bet against any of them ... Colts 31, Saints 27.JASON BORIS Mark it down ... the team with the prolific passing attack and top quarterback that plays its home games in a dome will win! But in all seriousness, think about this for a minute ... has a Super Bowl team ever had to go through three first ballot Hall of Fame quarterbacks to win it all? Warner and Favre down, Manning to go. Who Dat Say Dey Gonna Beat Dem Saints? ... Saints 31, Colts 27