12 Super Bowl facts that'll make you sound less clueless on Sunday - CNET

Denver looked awful for a lot of this year, especially Peyton Manning. But the defense has helped them win tons of games. Their 12-4 record, and their gritty playoff wins over Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots, have been about defense. Their defense was the best in the NFL, and is one of the best, statistically, of all time. So, watch for that.

4. Cam Newton's the big must-see superstar personality (and show-off)

In every way, Cam Newton's this year's Super Bowl star. He's a crazily athletic quarterback. He was drafted #1 overall in 2011. He runs for tons of touchdowns. He's gigantic. He was the league MVP. He's known for the wildest fashion since Joe Namath and over-the-top touchdown celebrations. He also has plenty of endorsement deals, and I bet you'll see him in tons of Super Bowl commercials. Some people get annoyed by all of this. Others think it's fun. Peyton Manning, SNL appearances aside, has a pretty boring in-game personality.

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5. Peyton Manning's the old legend who's taken a beating, going for one last shot

Peyton Manning is a legendary quarterback. He was the #1 pick in 1998. (This is the first Super Bowl between quarterbacks picked #1 overall in the draft, just in case you were curious.) But this season he was awful. He was pulled out mid-year with an injury, and backup QB Brock Osweiler won many of Denver's key November and December games. But Manning retued for the playoffs, winning both games. Will he do just enough to win? This is Peyton Manning's fourth Super Bowl, and he's won one, lost two. Oh, and he's also being investigated for HGH use allegations. Feel free to discuss over wings.

6. Denver's been to a lot of Super Bowls

Denver's tied for the most Super Bowl appearances ever, in fact. Others that are lucky enough to have been to 8: New England Patriots (4-4), Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2), Dallas Cowboys (5-3). Eight out of fifty is a lot. But they've only won 2, and lost 5 (so far). The two they won: back-to-back ones in 1998 and 1999, with John Elway at quarterback. John Elway, by the way, is now the general manager of the Broncos, and you'll see his face a lot during the game.

7. This is Carolina's second Super Bowl

Carolina only came into existence as an expansion team in 1995, but has been to two Super Bowls since then. The first was February 1, 2004, vs the New England Patriots. They lost. It was really close. Jake Delhomme played for the Panthers. Tom Brady, of course, played for the Patriots.

8. A big new rule change could make kicks a lot more interesting

The spot to kick extra points has been moved back this year, to the 15 yard line. What that means is that extra point after a touchdown that you used to not really think about is no longer entirely guaranteed. Ask New England. It also means a team might try to go for two points instead of one, just to see what happens.

9. Players to watch that aren't Cam Newton or Peyton Manning

Looking to follow folks who could change the game with a big play in a heartbeat? Keep an eye on:

• Von Miller, Denver: a sack machine who strips balls away from quarterbacks.
• Ted Ginn Jr., Carolina: super-fast receiver and punt retuer.
• Greg Olsen, Carolina: a tight end who's Cam Newton's biggest playmaking target.
• C.J. Anderson, Denver: a speedy running back who could suddenly break open for a score.
• Luke Kuechly, Carolina: all-star linebacker who can intercept balls and retu them for TDs.
• Aqib Talib, Denver: a coerback who has been known to make big interceptions.

10. This is the first Bay Area Super Bowl since January 20, 1985

It's been about 30 years since Northe Califoia had a Super Bowl celebration: Super Bowl XIX, in Palo Alto, at Stanford Stadium. The 49ers won with Joe Montana against the Miami Dolphins, 38-16. This year's Super Bowl is actually in Santa Clara, at the San Francisco 49ers' Levis Stadium, also in the heart of Silicon Valley. There's never been a Super Bowl in San Francisco proper.

11. You have time to go to the bathroom at halftime