Five Ways to Sound Smart About Super Bowl XLVIII

1. TALK NEBRASKA

Ex–NFL QB Kurt Warner says Peyton Manning’s frequent presnap screams of “Omaha” are a signal to his teammates: Focus–the play is about to start.

2. SPOT SHERM

Seattle’s top cornerback and carnival barker Richard Sherman–No. 25–lines up on the left side of the field. Ask aloud: Will Manning throw in his direction?

3. RUB IT IN

Watch for Denver to employ rub routes, in which two receivers cross each other. One usually makes contact with the other’s defender, creating an opening.

4. PLAY FOOTSIE

Advice from ex–NFL player Ross Tucker: Watch Russell Wilson’s feet. If he’s scrambling, the Seattle QB might be struggling to pick up the defense.

5. KNOW THE TEMP

This will be the first Super Bowl played outdoors in a cold-weather city. Previous low for the big game: 39°F, at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, for SB VI.

–SEAN GREGORY