Super Bowl XLV Preview

Super Bowl XLV

GREEN BAY PACKERS VS. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Line: Packers -2.5
O/U: 44.5

This should be a classic Super Bowl. Two of the most storied programs in Super Bowl history, two fantastic young quarterbacks, and two of the league's best, most hard-hitting defenses - Can we really ask for anything more? It's actually difficult to pick a winner! It will all depend on how the Packers handle the Super Bowl atmosphere; Most of the Steelers have been through Super Bowl Week before.

The Packers were an early-season pick to win it all, but ended up as the NFC's #6 seed after injuries took their toll. Pittsburgh wasn't in that same "Super Bowl" discussion before the year started, but was mentioned as a team that "could" make a Super Bowl run.

Now that the participants have been decided, I see both as fitting, deserving representatives of their conferences. The NFC was very odd this year - A 7-9 playoff team, a front-runner (Dallas) finishing 6-10 - so it's only proper for the NFC's 6-seed to be in the Super Bowl (and to be favored to win!). The AFC was top-heavy, with the Pats, Steelers, Ravens, and Jets all having very good years. The AFC West was very shaky all year and Indy had injury issues, so you had to figure the Super Bowl participant would be one of the "big four". The fact that the so-named "big four" all made the divisional round further proves my point. Pittsburgh fought through Baltimore and New York to get to Dallas...so they're clearly deserving.

Big Ben knows how to win Super Bowls, and that's why I'm going to pick the Steelers. He's not as flashy as Rodgers, and likely won't set any of the records that Rodgers will in his career - But the one record Roethlisberger may break is Bradshaw's record of 4 Super Bowl victories. I'll bet any player in the NFL would gladly trade all of his individual awards in favor of that one accomplishment. Big Ben may not go down as the nicest, smartest guy in NFL history; But if he wins another Super Bowl or two, he'll always be remembered as a winner.

My Pick: Steelers +2.5. Pittsburgh hoists the Lombardi Trophy after a 21-17 triumph!