Super Matchup
Packers vs. Steelers
Vegas says … Money line for this matchup is +130
What’s to like:We’ll finally get to see just how great Aaron Rodgers is against the league’s second-best defense.
What’s to hate: Some fans want to see new blood in the Bowl. These two franchises have combined for nine titles.
Key matchup: Rodgers vs. Polamalu: Someone’s going to lose a gamble late in the game.
Reminds us of … Super Bowl XLII when the Giants’ physical defense upset the high-flying Patriots.
Who we’d take: Packers. Rodgers has thrown for an NFL-record 10 touchdowns in his first three career playoff games.
Strong Matchup
Packers vs. Jets
Vegas says … +250
What’s to like: Rex Ryan’s defense won’t just be playing one good quarterback like Manning or Brady, it will finally compete against a complete offense with dynamic playmakers on both sides of the ball.
What’s to hate: Everything if you’re a Jets fan. Green Bay’s receivers would run circles around the secondary.
Reminds us of … Super Bowl XLI when the high-powered Colts beat Rex Grossman and the boring Bears.
Who we’d take: Packers to win big.
So-so Matchup
Bears vs. Jets
Vegas says … +500
What’s to like: It might be the best collection of linebackers in Super Bowl history.
What’s to hate: A 60-minute battle for field position. Defense and special teams may score the only TDs.
Key matchup: Jay Cutler vs. Rex Ryan: A hot-head vs. a trash-talker. Imagine the fireworks before and during the game.
Reminds us of … Super Bowl XXXV when one average QB led to the Ravens to a 34-7 rout over another average QB and the Giants.
Who we’d take: Jets by a safety.
Simply Awful Matchup
Bears vs. Steelers
Vegas says … +275
What’s to like: James Harrison knocking out Cutler.
What’s to hate: Even though the Bears-Jets may be boring, it would still be a close game. This one would be a blowout from the get-go.
Key matchup: Mike Tomlin vs. Omar Epps:?After the game gets out of hand, fans will be left to figure out if these two are one in the same.
Reminds us of … Super Bowl XL when Ben Roethlisberger won his first Super Bowl over the Seahawks. This is essentially the same Pittsburgh team with a better defense.
Who we’d take: Steelers by three TDs.
