Super Bowl XLV - Prediction

Green Bay -3 vs. Pittsburgh

This is what we have all been waiting for. All of the hype and anticipation is just about over. Two of the most storied franchises in the history of the NFL are about to meet in Super Bowl XLV. To the surprise of many Green Bay enters the game as a 3 point favorite. The Packers have staved off five consecutive weeks of possible elimination. While Pittsburgh has been playing your typical Steeler football. These teams match up very tightly. This one is bound to come down to the final seconds.

Green Bay enters the Super Bowl on one hell of a streak. For five consecutive weeks, they have won a must-win game. Can they do it once again? Aaron Rodgers will be running into his toughest test to date.  He will need to spread the ball around the field and throw for large chunks of yardage to join Brett Favre and Bart Starr in Packer lore. Rodgers needs to have an MVP-type game for the Packers to win. He is eager to break out of Favre's shadow once and for all and deliver another title to Titletown. He didn't play all that well in the NFC Championship and is trying to redeem himself. He has the chance to build his own legacy on Sunday.  Rodgers will also need a strong showing from his D. Green Bay's D has continued to improve all year and has become one of the league's best. Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson are the heart and soul, and are very capable of leading the Pack to victory.

This isn't the Steelers first rodeo. They have been here before and strut in with yet another dominant defense. Their defense, combined with a proven winner in Ben Roethlisberger makes Pittsburgh as formidable as ever. They are on the verge of joining the 70s Steel Curtain as another dynasty in Steelers history. Pittsburgh is in search of their third title in six years. Big Ben can join all-time greats Terry Bradsaw, Joe Montana, Troy Aikman, and Tom Brady as the only QBs ever to win 3 Super Bowls. This game doesn't fall on Ben's shoulders though. Pittsburgh will need their secondary to step up and guard against a lethal Green Bay passing game. Offensively, they will need to get solid play from a patchwork O-Line and control the clock with Rashard Mendenall.

There are plenty of reasons to pick either one of these teams. Ultimately, Green Bay may be more talented. But Pittsburgh has been here before and that counts for plenty. They have proven time and again that they have the mental fortitude to win on this type of stage. I have picked against Pittsburgh too many times to do it again. Green Bay is an up and coming team and will have to be reckoned with for years to come. The Steelers win this time around though. Give Pittsburgh their 3rd title in 6 years.

Prediction - Pittsburgh 24 Green Bay 16

Ringer's Playoff Record
ATS: 6-4
SU: 5-5