Who will win Super Bowl 44? The answers to these five questions will help determine whether the Saints or Colts lift the Lombardi Trophy next Sunday night:

1. Which quarterback will feel more pressure?
This is the question of the week. There will be no stopping either Drew Brees or Peyton Manning in the Super Bowl. The best either defense can hope for is to cause them limited disruptions.

Both Brees and Manning have quick releases and use their feet well to step away from the rush and buy time. Combine that with talented receivers who don't need long to get open and consistent pass protection and producing a sack is like a minor miracle.

In the Super Bowl, pass-rush success will be measured by hurried throws, hits and rare knockdowns. The goal of that formula will be somehow getting Brees and Manning off the field after third down.

The Colts and Saints will have different approaches to applying pressure. Although Indianapolis has been more aggressive under defensive coordinator Larry Coyer, it still counts on ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis to use their speed and power to get to the quarterback.

"It will be interesting to see how the Saints handle Freeney," a scout for an AFC team said. "If they need to give (left tackle Jermon) Bushrod help, Mathis will get the better chances."

It won't be easy for Mathis, however, on the right side against two Pro Bowlers, tackle Jon Stinchcomb and guard Jahri Evans.

As for the Saints, their defense will be in constant attack mode, relentlessly sending players upfield after Manning.

Slideshow   Super storylines Gregg Rosenthal highlights storylines we'll enjoy and those we'll loathe leading up to the Super Bowl. NBCSports.com

"They blitz by volume more any team," ESPN analyst and former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski said. "That's the template (coordinator) Gregg Williams has in place."

Expect Williams to do what it takes to make Manning at least a little uncomfortable. Whether it's safeties or cornerbacks flying toward the backfield or overloads to create one-on-one matchups, Williams will challenge the Colts' offense, which must come prepared for anything.

2. Which running game will be more effective?
The Saints need to build on their regular-season success, when they ranked sixth in the NFL in rushing yards. They are willing to run the ball 45-50 percent of the time because balance is critical to Brees' success.

The Colts, however, won't be concerned if they get little from the ground game. ESPN analyst and former Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden thinks the semblance of not being one-dimensional is good enough for Indianapolis' offense.

"When they run, it's always to set up the play-action pass," Gruden said.

It's up to the Saints to stay dedicated to the run on offense and stay disciplined on defense so that they don't allow big pass plays off Manning's fakes.

3. How much will the Colts' Super Bowl experience help them?

In addition to the confidence that comes with already having won a Super Bowl, the Colts will benefit from having many players going through a familiar process after their successful trip to South Florida just three years ago.

"There are 25 guys that are on our team that have actually been through this before," coach Jim Caldwell said. "So that does indeed help, but it doesn't give you any guarantees."

4. Which team is more likely to score on defense or special teams?
The Saints pride themselves in racking up takeaways. They also excel at winning the field position battle with their punting, kicking and return games. Not only will New Orleans be in better position to get points from defense and special teams, doing so may be a necessity to outscore the Colts.

5. Which quarterback will have the ball in the final minute?
The last two Super Bowls ended in eerily similar fashion. Two years ago, the Giants' Eli Manning found Plaxico Burress for the game-winning touchdown with 35 seconds left. Last year, the Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger hit Santonio Holmes with the exact time remaining.

Considering how good Brees and Manning are, don't be surprised if Super Bowl 44 provides another heart-pounding finish.

SportingNews.com 49ers trade Balmer to Seahawks Texans rookie RB Ben Tate done for season Garrard ready to move on after lackluster opener Haley shocks Chiefs with a trip to the movies Norwood back on field _ now, can he stay there?