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In what is fast becoming the biggest event in virtual sports, EA Sports has released their Madden simulation for Super Bowl XLVIII. It was a snow-covered affair for the Seahawks and the Broncos, but in the end there could be only one winner…well, at least one virtual winner.

Using Madden NFL 25 on the Xbox One, EA Sports ran a full simulation of Super Bowl 48, and ultimately it was the Denver Broncos who came away with the Lombardi Trophy. It wasn't an easy win for the Broncos, though; in fact, if the Madden simulation is anything like the real game, viewers will be in for a real treat.

As you can see in the video above, the first half of Super Bowl 48 was an unexpected defensive struggle capped by Richard Sherman's interception returned for a touchdown. In the second half, however, the Broncos and quarterback Peyton Manning turns things on and jump out to a 21-10 lead.

Although the Broncos jump out to that early lead, the Seahawks come marching back and end up tying the game via two-point conversion in the final minute and forcing overtime. Unfortunately, the Seahawks' luck soon runs out as the Broncos force a quick three-and-out in overtime and Matt Prater hits an easy field goal to seal the game. Although, according to the simulation, Peyton Manning comes away with the Super Bowl MVP — thanks to a 3 TD performance — it is once again a kicker who ends up winning the game.

Madden Super Bowl 48 Prediction

While gamblers, Seahawks fans, and Broncos fans alike are rubbing sticks together, staring at tea leaves, and consulting psychics in the hopes of getting a Super Bowl win, they are busy ignoring one of the best predictors for that ever-important game. Granted, the simulations, like the actual point spread, tend to favor the team with better "stats," but that shouldn't overshadow Madden's success rate when it comes to Super Bowl games.

Since 2004, Madden has correctly predicted the Super Bowl winner 8 out of 10 times, including a few upsets like the Giants over the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI. In fact, last year's simulation between the 49ers and the Ravens was eerily similar to the final game, save for the 30-minute long blackout, of course.

That said, the winner of Super Bowl 48 won't truly be decided until the Seahawaks and Broncos face-off in Met Life Stadium, which they will do (for real) on Sunday February 2nd. And if we're lucky, the real game will be as exciting as the virtual one.

How accurate do you think Madden's Super Bowl prediction will be? Who do you want to win the Super Bowl?

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Source: EA Sports

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