Since Super Bowl XL is almost here, it's time to look at some scoring trends. The 'total' on this year's game is currently holding steady at 47.

While many playoff games turn out to be defensive battles, Super Bowl games have a tendency to be relatively high-scoring. Looking back at the recent games, we find that each Super Bowl this millennium has produced a minimum of 37 points. Those six games averaged a little more than 48 points per game. If we go back 30 years, we find that every single game since 1976 has produced a minimum of 36 points. Those 30 games averaged just shy of 51 points each. Of those 30 games, 15 finished with greater than 47 points and 13 finished with less than 47 points, The games in 1982 and 1984 landed right on 47.

Seattle

Including their two playoff games, the Seahawks saw the 'Over' go 11-7 this season. The 'Over' was 3-1 when Seattle was listed as an underdog and 5-4 when they played a game with a 'total' ranging from 42 1/2 to 49 points.

Pittsburgh

Including their three playoff games, the Steelers saw the 'Over' go 10-8-1 this season. The 'Over' was 9-4 when the Steelers were listed as a favorite but just 1-4 when they played a game with a 'total' ranging from 42 1/2 to 49 points.

Head-to-head history

The Steelers and Seahawks have faced each other just once this millennium. That game, at Seattle in November of 2003, resulted in a 23-16 victory for the Seahawks. The combined 39 points fell below the 'total' of 44 1/2. The teams faced each other 11 times throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Only the 1983 game finished with more than 47 points. The 12 games averaged a combined 33 points.

Ford Field facts

Obviously, the Detroit Lions won't be participating in Super Bowl XL. However, the game will be played at their home of Ford Field. Since opening for regular season play, on September 22, 2002, there have been 32 games played there. Sixteen games have finished above the number while 16 games have finished below the number, including a 4-4 mark this past season. Those 32 games ranged from a low of 16 points to a high of 74 points. The average is just slightly less than 42 points overall.

*Editor's Note:
Check out Ben's past Documented results from previous Super Bowls!
2005: EAGLES WINNER
2005: UNDER WINNER
2004: OVER WINNER
2003: OVER WINNER
2003: BUCS WINNER
2002: UNDER WINNER
2000: UNDER WINNER
1999: BRONCOS WINNER
*Note that Ben passed in 2001 as he had no opinion and didn't want to force a play.