Could We Be Seeing an In-State Super Bowl This Season?

Amazingly in a span of about 43 years, there have only been 2 in-state Super Bowls, going all the way back to Super Bowl 1 in 1967.

Since then, only the Buffalo Bills vs. New York Giants in 1991 and the San Francisco 49ers vs San Diego Chargers in 1995 has happened.

There are currently 9 possible scenarios in which we could end up watching an in-state Super Bowl in 2011.

The question here is, of those, which one is the most likely to be a reality? I’ve calculated rosters, divisions, odds and surprise factors to come up with an answer.

First, in no particular order, here are all the possibilities:

1. Buffalo Bills  vs New York Giants 
2. Miami Dolphins vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers 
3. New York Jets vs New York Giants
4. Baltimore Ravens vs Washington Redskins 
5. PittsburghSteelers vs Philadelphia Eagles  
6. Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys 
7. Jacksonville Jaguars  vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
8. Oakland Raiders vs San Francisco 49ers 
9. San Diego Chargers vs San Francisco 49ers

I started with a prediction of what I think the playoff bracket would look like to start eliminating some of these possibilities right off the bat. My playoff picture is as follows:

AFC:

Bye weeks belong to, Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts followed by the Patriots, the Bengals, the Chargers and the New York Jets.

NFC:

Bye week belongs to the New Orleans Saints and the Dallas Cowboys, followed by the Packers, the 49ers the Redskins, and the Vikings.

As you can see this cuts down the list considerably. With that being said, let’s get into the countdown.

#5 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Yes -- I know, highly unlikely. But of the list of 9, these 2 teams have to be considered.

Possibilities 6 - 9 I haven't included because they involve Super Bowl scenarios such as, the Buccaneers vs. the Jaguars.

Both the Steelers and Eagles are having quarterback anxieties, so both teams are up in the air.

If they can get it together, however, this could be a reality. It's a long shot, yes, but that's why this is #5.

#4. Dallas Cowboys vs. Houston Texans

This is unlikely to happen also. But if Houston can get their passing game going, they could surprise a few.

Houston is my surprise team this year. They can be dangerous. If they don't have a good season, they will definitely play the role of spoiler.

It would be interesting just for the thought of it, that two Texas teams make the Super Bowl this year -- only because the game will be held in Texas this year too.

#3. New York Jets vs. New York Giants

This is not an in-state game, nor is it an in-city game either. The teams do, however, represent the same city. So in my book this is an instate game, since it affects fans that live in the same neighborhoods as each other.

The NFC East is a toss up. Any of the four teams could make the playoffs this year. If the Giants hit the hot streak and claim a spot in the playoffs, I think there is good chance they could meet the Jet's in the Superbowl.

With the key addition of LaDainian Tomlinson, I think the Jets give Indianapolis a run for their money this year, and if Mark Sanchez steps up his game, they could be a force to reckon with.

#2. San Francisco 49ers vs. San Diego Chargers

These are two solid teams going into this season. The Chargers more-so then the Niners. But, Of the list of nine, these two strike me as having the second highest chance of seeing each other in Dallas.

Philip Rivers is long overdue -- can this year be his time?

#1. Washington Redskins vs Baltimore Ravens

I think not only can this happen in this context, but overall, this could have high odds of happening. The Redskins have received a makeover this off-season from the sidelines to the on-field general.

They are looking to keep pace with an NFC East that is star-studded.

The Ravens on the other hand, are a solid, legit team, in which I expect to go deep into the playoffs. Despite who they play in the Super Bowl, I think the Ravens will be representing the AFC.

It's highly possible that their opponent will be out of the NFC East. So if the Redskins take control, with their new running game and quarterback, they can very well be treating us to a battle of the beltway in Super Bowl 45.

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