If the big game prestige is not enough to draw you in, here are 47 reasons why you really need to watch Super Bowl XLVII:
I. Harbowl
What other way to begin than with this fun tidbit that’s way under the radar: two brothers are coaching against each other! They’re Jim and John and their last name Harbaugh lends itself to many Super Bowl puns.
II. Ray Lewis
If you also hadn’t heard, this will be the Ravens’ linebacker’s last game. Lewis likes dancing and making motivational speeches, so you can expect those if the Ravens are hoisting the trophy. He’s also involved in Super Bowl week’s weirdest storyline (so far).
III. Linebacking linchpins
There will indeed be other linebackers besides Lewis patrolling the field Sunday. A few are quite talented and fun to watch, in fact. Ravens teammate Terrell Suggs will work to contain the Niners’ option rushing attack. The Niners have a fearsome tackling tandem in the middle of the defense with Patrick Willis and Navorro Bowman.
IV. Lipsync or live?
All eyes and ears will be focused toward Beyonce when she performs the Super Bowl halftime show. Will she sing live after the inauguration backlash? (That's a mystery). Is this a prop bet in Vegas? (Not yet but there are others ). And will it be controversy-free? (Most likely not, judging by recent history ).
V. Kaepernicking
Because you haven’t made it as a sports star until your name becomes and -ing verb that can be trademarked for the purpose of tons of memorabilia. I’m kissing my non-existent bicep just thinking about it.
VI. Celebrity girlfriends
Katherine Webb became an Internet sensation after college football’s title game, so much so that she’s now covering the Super Bowl. Someone's galpal could be next though it definitely won't be Manti Te’o’s girlfriend (because we haven't heard enough lame jokes about that in the past couple weeks).
VII. O.J. Brigance
One story surrounding this Super Bowl you really should check out if you haven’t yet: Brigance was the Ravens' special-teams captain when they won their first title. Now the team’s senior advisor to player development, he has ALS. and speaks through a computer.
VII. Rice and Gore
Sounds like one for the political junkies but it’s really two ground grinders who can have game-changing impacts. Both teams are at their best when they remember running backs Ray Rice and Frank Gore set up big passing plays. Sometimes that seems to go by the wayside.
VIII. Commercials
Always a fun part of the watching experience, 2013's crops look to have some doozies.
IX. Gold rush
Aldon Smith’s 19 1/2 sacks left him three shy of the single-season record. The mark for most sacks in a Super Bowl? 3 by Reggie White in XXXI and Darnell Dockett in XLIII.
X. Milestones
History could be made as San Francisco goes for an NFL record-tying sixth Super Bowl victory. The Ravens are 1-0 in Super Bowls and will try to keep their mark unblemished.
XI. Flacco for real?
Winning a Super Bowl helps ascend quarterbacks to greatness. Flacco has faced a knock of inconsistency through his career but a title can change that notion - just ask Eli Manning.
XII. New Orleans
The Big Easy provides a backdrop full of character, hosting its first post-Katrina Super Bowl. NOLA loves throwing big parties and they’ll get another when Mardi Gras begins Wednesday.
XIII. Alex Smith
He’s the NFL version of Wally Pipp, the Yankee who missed a game, was replaced by Lou Gehrig and never got his job back. Smith suffered a concussion, had to sit and so began the Kaepernick era. It was by no fault of Smith's, who had resurrected his career and was having another strong year. He’ll watch from the sidelines Sunday.
XIV. Wings, pizza, drinks
Food is half the fun, especially if you don’t care who wins. There’s no better excuse for indulging on a work night than Super Bowl Sunday. Just make sure to put some Tums on the shopping list - and check out our list of Super Bowl deals .
XV. Shannon Sharpe
The former Ravens tight end and CBS analyst is not afraid to be honest, notably taking on Bill Belichick for being a sore loser after declining a postgame interview after the Patriots’ AFC Championship loss to the Ravens.
XVI. Big Apple references
Next year’s Super Bowl will be played outdoors at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, setting up the possibility for cold, wintry conditions. You’ll probably hear plenty about how problematic this could be, so naturally expect unseasonably warm temperatures.
XVII. It’s not the Pro Bowl
Enough said.
XVIII. David Akers
If you revel in the possibility of drama, Akers could be a good bet. The kicker who had been a model of consistency for years took a volatile turn in 2012. He could be the next Scott Norwood - or Adam Vinatieri. Glory or goat’s a common theme with kickers in the big game.
XIX. Redemption
Somewhere Lee Evans, Billy Cundiff and Kyle Williams will be watching and can feel a little better after their costly miscues factored in these two teams falling
one game short of Super Bowl
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