Super Bowl XLV Prediction

Super Bowl XLV between the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers should be a tightly contested game and has the potential to be a classic. The Steelers and Packers finished first and second overall in points allowed during the regular season. The Packers while playing three road games in the playoffs still managed to allow the least amount of points per game in the playoff at 17, while the Steelers are first in yards allowed at 207.

In December of 2009 these two teams met and Pittsburgh came out on top in a 37 to 36 shootout. Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers combined for six touchdowns and almost 900 yards through the air. I don't expect quiet that many fireworks today, but it is an indication of what both teams are capable of. Both quarterbacks had great years as they combined for 45 TDs while throwing only 16 interceptions. Big Ben will be going for his third Super Bowl victory while Aaron Rodgers will try to replace Brett Farve as the Packers legend.

Other than Green Bays lack of a power running game these teams are almost mirror images. This game like many in the NFL will come down to mistakes and execution. Who will turn over the ball more or get sacked more at crucial times. Both quarterbacks will be under siege as these two teams have combined for an amazing 95 sacks. Who will hold up under pressure for the entire sixty minutes?

I believe the first half will feature monster hits and great defense from both teams as they try to feel each other out the the defenses will dominate. I also believe there will be some big plays in this game because of the aggressive defensive play. Both Troy Polamalu and Charles Woodson will be down in the box making plays. The aggressiveness of both teams will give both Rodgers and Roethlisberger the ability to get one on one covered with their receivers. Green Bay will get big plays from Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and Jordy Nelson while Pittsburgh has the lightning fast Mike Wallace combined with the always big game star Hines Ward.

Not many people are talking about the tight ends in this game but I believe they will be a huge factor. For the quarterbacks to have enough time to execute the big play they will need great blocking. The Steelers without Maurkice Pouncey are already going to be in trouble with their blocking they will need a great game from Heath Miller. Miller will be the key to blocking the edge and at times sneaking out to give them a mismatch on coverage. The Packers are really going to miss a player like Jermichael Finley in this one. Finley could be a huge weapon against the Steelers secondary. Instead the Packers will rely on Donald Lee. Will Lee be able hold out players like James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley? Watch these battles early to see which line is able to hold their ground longer.

I can't wait to watch this game it is a classic matchup. This is a game where you could really flip a coin to predict the winner. I believe if they played 100 times the results would be close to 50/50. Aaron Rodgers will need to have a great game to win this one. I believe the New England Patriots have given out the blue print on how to beat the Steelers and that is to throw the ball. The Packers especially early in this game should throw every down. Keep the backs and tight ends in get the blocking and wing it down field. Pittsburgh already has two close Super Bowl wins in a row, I like Green Bay today.

What are your thoughts let us know on our St. Louis Rams Blog.

Super Bowl XLV Prediction below:

Green Bay Packers 24 - Pittsburgh Steelers 20

By Stlvinnie - http://www.stlouisramfan.com/