The New Orleans Saints will defeat the Indianapolis Colts 35-31 at Super Bowl XLIV, according to this year’s EA Sports prediction.
As in years past, the company loaded the team’s current rosters and player statistics into its most recent Madden-branded video game–in this case, Madden NFL 10–for the simulation.
These simulations have a surprisingly reliable track record, having correctly predicted five of the last six Super Bowl outcomes. And while 2008 was the odd year out–the Patriots were incorrectly prophesied to beat the Giants–the company boasts that last year’s simulation was spot on “down to the final score and individual player statistics.”
Furthermore, the company says earlier simulations for this year’s NFC and AFC Champions games were accurate down to “a margin of three points for each.”
Here’s how EA sees the big game going down come this Sunday, February 7:
The first three quarters display the offensive fireworks that both teams have become known for, with the Colts leading 24-21. A nail biting fourth quarter begins with a big play, courtesy of the Saints’ special teams, when Reggie Bush returns a punt for a 42-yard touchdown. However, with minutes left in the game the duo of Joseph Addai and Peyton Manning put the Colts back on top with a go-ahead touchdown pass. With the game hanging in the balance, Drew Brees hits David Thomas for an 11-yard touchdown and the game winning score. Drew Brees takes home MVP honors as the Saints earn their first Super Bowl Championship title in the franchise’s 46 year history.
And as for the lauded stats? You can find them just below.
Saints vs. Colts – Super Bowl Stadium
1 2 3 4 OT TOTAL NO 7 7 7 14 0 35 Ind 7 3 14 7 0 31 SCORING SUMMARY
Quarter 1
(Ind) D. Clark 17 YD Pass from P. Manning (Stover)
(NO) R. Bush 8 YD Pass from D. Brees (Hartley)Quarter 2
(NO) P. Thomas 21 YD Run (Hartley)
(Ind) M. Stover 38 YD FGQuarter 3
(NO) R. Meachum 22 YD Pass from D. Brees (Hartley)
(Ind) J. Addai 5 YD Run (Stover)
(Ind) P. Garcon 32 YD Pass from P. Manning (Stover)Quarter 4
(NO) R. Bush 46 YD Punt Return (Hartley)
(Ind) J. Addai 10 YD Pass from P. Manning (Stover)
(NO) D. Thomas 11 YD Pass from D. Brees (Hartley)PLAYER STATS
QB
NO D. Brees 25 for 37, 299 Yards, 3 TD, 1 Int
Ind P. Manning 28 for 39, 322 Yards, 3 TD, 1 IntRB
NO
P. Thomas 14 for 74 Yards, 1 TD
R. Bush 8 for 41 YardsInd
J. Addai 16 for 79 Yards, 1 TD
D. Brown 6 for 24 YardsWR
NO
M. Colston 6 for 74 yards
R. Meachem 4 for 62 yards, 1 TD
J. Shockey 1 for 9 yards
D. Henderson 4 for 41 yards
R. Bush 4 for 37 Yards, 1 TD
P. Thomas 3 for 24 Yards
D. Thomas 3 for 52 Yards, 1 TDInd
D. Clark 7 for 81 Yards, 1 TD
R. Wayne 5 for 67 Yards
P. Garcon 6 for 48 Yards, 1 TD
J. Addai 3 for 46 Yards, 1 TD
A. Collie 5 for 63 Yards
D. Brown 2 for 17 YardsKicking
NO G. Hartley 0/1 FG, 5/5 XP
Ind M. Stover 1/1 FG, 4/4 XP
