For people who don't have time to learn all 44 starters plus the specialists, there's a shortcut: Often, the quarterbacks are key.

Phil Simms, who will do color commentary during the game (with Jim Nantz doing play-by-play) knows that firsthand. In 1987, he was perhaps the most efficient quarterback in Super Bowl history. He completed 22 of 25 passes (including 10 in a row) for 268 yards, three touchdowns and led a 39-20 New York Giants win over Denver.

Boomer Esiason, who will do pregame commentary, knows that from the other side. "I was one of the lesser-known (quarterbacks), because I played against Joe Montana," he said.

That was in the 1989 Super Bowl. Esiason took the Cincinnati Bengals to a 16-13 lead over the San Francisco 49ers, with three minutes, 25 seconds left. Montana followed with a 92-yard touchdown drive to win.

So the focus often stays on quarterbacks. That brings a contrast:

There's an imbalance there, which explains why oddsmakers quickly made the AFC champion Colts a one-touchdown favorite over the NFC champ Bears. "The AFC really dominated the NFC this year," said Shannon Sharpe, who has three Super Bowl rings and will do pregame commentary. "The AFC, I think, has more talent."

But the Bears have a solid running attack with Thomas Jones, a fierce defense with linebacker Brian Urlacher and an all-pro kicker, Robbie Gould. They kept surprising people and have a 15-3 record (the Colts are 15-4); they want one more surprise.

Whatever happens will be seen in detail.

A playoff game has 18 to 20 cameras, Petitti said; the Super Bowl has 40 or more. "All of those cameras will be recorded, so in any one sequence, we could have as many as 40 replays to choose from."

That will be enough to satisfy the zealous fan. Others can wait for the next commercial or Prince, or "Criminal Minds."