Green Bay Packers Odds to Win the Super Bowl
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
Many thought the Green Bay Packers were headed in the right direction after finishing the 2009-10 season 11-5, but I don’t know if they pictured this team going to the Super Bowl the very next season. Green Bay had to battle through a number of injuries this year, but were able to sneak into the postseason with record of 10-6. Green Bay had to win their final two games at home against the Giants and the Bears just to make the playoffs.
Green Bay has continued to ride that late season success all the way to the Super Bowl. The Packers shut down Michael Vick and the Eagles 21-16 in the opening round of the playoffs, went to Atlanta and crushed the Falcons 48-21, before ousting Chicago 21-14 in the NFC Championship game.
The Packers strong play has them favored by 2.5-points over the Steelers according to our Super Bowl odds, but many fans are wondering what exactly are the Packers chances of winning Super Bowl 45. Well here is look at some of the key reasons why Green Bay has a great shot at winning this game.
It all starts with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who outside of a tough game at Chicago, has played outstanding. Rodgers finished the regular season throwing for 634 yards with five touchdowns to just one interception in the final two games, and opened up the playoffs on an absolute tear, throwing for 180 yards and three touchdowns against the Eagles and then exploded for 366 yards and three touchdowns against the Falcons. Rodgers threw for 244 yards against the Bears, but didn’t throw a touchdown and had his first two interceptions of the postseason.
Why you have to give some credit to the Bears defense, I think the poor conditions of Soldier Field played a big role in that. I believe that because this game is being playing inside at Cowboys Stadium, it gives Rodgers and the Packers offense a huge advantage.
As good as Rodgers has been, the Packers wouldn’t have made it this far if it wasn’t for their defense. Green Bay allowed an average of just 15 points a game during the regular season, and have been outstanding in the postseason as well. If you remember back to last year in the Packers first round playoff game against the Cardinals. Rodgers threw for 423 yards with four touchdowns to just one interception, but Green Bay still lost the game 51-45 in overtime. That defense has completely turned it around this season, and if Rodgers has that kind of game this Sunday against the Steelers, its game over for Pittsburgh.
Going along with the Packers defense, I think Clay Matthews will play a huge role in deciding the outcome of this game. Matthews was one of the best sack artist in the NFL this season with 13.5 sacks, and how successful he is at not only getting to Ben Roethlisberger, but bringing him down could be the difference in winning and losing. Roethlisberger has an unbelievable ability of breaking away from hits and hitting defenses for big plays. If they can limit those plays and possibly create a turnover or two, their chances of winning are greatly increased.
Overall you have to like the Packers chances, but these two teams are so evenly matched, it’s hard telling what is going to happen this Sunday.
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