Eli Manning, the 44-year-old former quarterback, is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, having secured his place in NFL history with two Super Bowl wins over the Tom Brady-led New England Patriots—Super Bowl XLII and XLVI. The first victory was particularly iconic, as Manning and the New York Giants defeated the 18-0 Patriots, ending their bid for an undefeated season.
As Super Bowl LIX approaches in New Orleans, Louisiana, Manning is predicting an exciting matchup. While his beloved Giants won’t be competing in the big game, Manning believes the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills will make it to the Super Bowl. Both teams are vying for their first-ever Super Bowl victory, which adds extra weight to this year’s matchup.
Manning's Pick for the Super Bowl: Lions and Bills
"I just think both of them have the right combination and find ways to win games," Manning shared in an interaction with Forbes when asked about his Super Bowl pick. Initially, Manning was rooting for the Buffalo Bills, but he's since switched his prediction to the Detroit Lions. Detroit earned the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage after a crucial Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings, ending their nine-game winning streak.
“The Bills have kind of been my favorite team the last few years, and I was early on going with them, but I think I switched over to the Lions,” Manning said. “I just think they have that special something. They figure out ways to win games and seem to be playing their best football right now.”
Interview Credits- DJ Siddiqi (Forbes).
Chiefs: The Underdogs with a Chance for a Three-Peat
Though Manning has his sights set on the Lions and Bills, he also acknowledged the Kansas City Chiefs as a team to watch. The Chiefs finished with a league-best 15-1 record, despite resting most of their starters in a Week 18 loss to the Denver Broncos. With Patrick Mahomes leading the charge and coach Andy Reid at the helm, the Chiefs have been nearly unstoppable in close games, winning an NFL-record 11 one-possession games this season.
"I feel like for the first time, the team with the bye and the favorite who had the best season is the underdog in the Chiefs," Manning noted. "No one's expecting them to have a three-peat. I think they've played so many close games that I feel like everybody is underestimating them a little bit."
Manning added, “They have Patrick Mahomes who always seems to make plays at critical moments. That's why the playoffs are so exciting. You never know what’s going to happen, who’s going to win, who’s going to be the team, who’s going to get hot at the right time and just make a run."
Why Manning Is High on the Lions and Bills
Manning elaborated on why he is especially high on the Lions and Bills this year.
“Detroit, I think they just play great football,” Manning said. “They play aggressive. I think they trust in the system, everybody’s playing together.”
As for the Bills, Manning highlighted quarterback Josh Allen's resilience: “Josh Allen, his ability to make plays. He’s been close before over the years, so he’s going to be hungry.”
Super Bowl Fan Fest: A Unique Experience for Fans
While Manning is preparing for his potential NFL Hall of Fame induction at NFL Honors, just before Super Bowl LIX, fans can enjoy a special experience. Verizon is holding a Super Bowl Fan Fest in all 30 NFL cities, allowing fans to gather at each team’s stadium for a simultaneous Super Bowl party.
“On Super Bowl Sunday, Verizon is giving fans the opportunity to watch the Super Bowl from the stadiums, from the fields, or from a local iconic venue,” Manning said. “You’ll have food, beverage, entertainment, music, and some local NFL legends at the site, signing autographs, taking pictures. They’re basically creating the largest Super Bowl party ever, and the best part is it’s free for Verizon customers.”
NFL Legends at Fan Fests
Manning is partnering with Verizon to promote the fan fest, where notable NFL legends will make appearances at their respective team stadiums. Some of the legends attending include Tiki Barber at MetLife Stadium, Jason Witten at Cosm, Patrick Willis at Levi's Stadium, and Marshall Faulk at SoFi Stadium. Other legendary figures such as Santana Moss (Washington) and Jamal Lewis (Baltimore) will also join the celebrations.
“Great legends will be in each of their local city where they played football, signing autographs, taking pictures and getting to hang out with the fans and watch the Super Bowl with them,” Manning shared. "Neat experience for all the fans to get to go see them and take in the game."
As the Super Bowl approaches, Eli Manning's predictions and involvement in the Super Bowl Fan Fest promise to make this year's festivities even more exciting for fans across the country.