Super Bowl XLV: Power Ranking the MVP Odds for Top Packers and Steelers
The Super Bowl is quickly approaching us—this Sunday, February 6.
Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers will meet the Pittsburgh Steelers and two-time Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger.
The Packers and Steelers have been two of the hottest teams the past two months, so it is only fitting that they should meet in Super Bowl XLV.
With one game highlighting the day to culminate the 2010-2011 NFL season, many people will be placing bets on just about anything and everything that could possibly happen during the most popular sporting event in America.
Whichever teams wins and loses the game is easily the most important thing, with the runner-up being who wins the MVP award.
Who has the best chance to shine above the rest in Super Bowl XLV? Before you place your bets, check out our power rankings for the potential Super Bowl XLV MVP winner.
25. Field (Another Other Player) (+1000)
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So I’m supposed to believe that one of these following 19 players will be named MVP?
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown already had his moment in the AFC Divisional win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay recovered a fumble for a touchdown in the AFC Championship win over the New York Jets.
Ziggy Hood has potential as he has done a good job filling in for Aaron Smith. Stranger things have happened, but you won’t see this.
Safety Ryan Clark often sees himself back deep in the secondary with Troy Polamalu roaming up front. If he can get his hands on an Aaron Rodgers ball, all bets are off...
These are the guys I’d say have an outside shot. Is there potential for the field?
Yes, but I don’t see it happening.
24. Cullen Jenkins, Green Bay Packers DE (+4000)
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The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line is the weakest part of their offense. Over the years, they have been dominated, allowing Ben Roethlisberger to be hit early and often. This is the biggest long shot since Roethlisberger is so good at avoiding defensive lineman and Jenkins is really just trying to pave the way for Clay Matthews blitzing. Jenkins had seven sacks this season and half of one this postseason. It’s tough to expect another against Roethlisberger.
23. Brandon Jackson, Green Bay Packers RB (+3500)
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Jackson lost the starting job to rookie James Starks, who has shown far better power and speed than Jackson. The Packers rode Starks to the playoffs, which means Jackson’s only hope is breaking a long touchdown run on one of his limited carries or taking a third-down check-down to the house from Rodgers. Save your money.
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22. Sam Shields, Green Bay Packers CB (+3000)
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The rookie came up big this postseason. He’ll most likely have to cover Emmanuel Sanders or Antonio Brown when on the field. This is a fine match up for him as Ben Roethlisberger could look to exploit the matchup. I wouldn’t rule out an interception for Shields of Big Ben tries to go deep on him.
21. Emmanuel Sanders, Pittsburgh Steelers WR (+3000)
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Emmanuel Sanders has become an afterthought in the Steelers offense. The Packers have an excellent secondary, but perhaps Sanders could break free since he shouldn't receive much attention if at all.
I’d actually expect Antonio Brown to receive more looks than Sanders since coming up big in the AFC Divisional round.
20. Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers WR (+2500)
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Jordy Nelson will receive plenty of looks with the Pittsburgh defense locked in on Greg Jennings. I just don’t see Nelson as the big-play guy in this game for the Packers. Rodgers will use him as more of a possession receiver, which means he will be a far shot from being the MVP.
19. Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh Steelers LB (+2500)
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Timmons is a great talent but often overlooked as part of the fantastic Pittsburgh Steelers lienbacker corps. Usually, Timmons isn’t the one coming up with the huge game. Yet with the Super Bowl on the line, all eyes will be on Troy Polamalu, James Harrison and James Farrior. That means Lawrence Timmons could be the one to break loose for Pittsburgh and land a big hit on Aaron Rodgers for a big sack or fumble.
18. B.J. Raji, Green Bay Packers DT (+3000)
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Raji will go up against Pittsburgh’s backup center Doug Legursky unless starter Maurkice Pouncey makes a miraculous recovery by Sunday.
Raji should be able to dominate Legursky but those taking the outside chance on Raji should be warned he just had his spot in the sunshine in the NFC Championship, when he intercepted Caleb Hanie for a touchdown.
Let’s just say if you’re going to bet Raji for MVP of the big game, keep your money in your pocket. Or better yet, send it my way, I’ll give you my address…
17. Tramon Williams, Green Bay Packers CB (+2000)
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Charles Woodson is one of the most complete cornerbacks in the league. That means quarterbacks tend to stray from his side of the field, leaving Tramon Williams open to plenty of targets. This could help or hurt Williams. This season, it has greatly helped him. This postseason, he has turned into a star, making big play after big play leading up to the Super Bowl.
16. Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers TE (+1000)
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Heath Miller is usually a safety valve for Ben Roethlisberger. He is often looked at for first downs and touchdowns. For that, he has an outside shot.
Even if he was to score or come up big for a first down, who do you think would receive the accolades? Miller or Roethlisberger?
15. AJ Hawk, Green Bay Packers LB (+3000)
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Hawk was a great prospect out of Ohio State but has underachieved for the most part in the NFL. I wouldn’t expect Hawk to come up too big in the big game.
He has a lot of talent and won’t receive the same attention from the offensive line that Clay Matthews will.
Still, I wouldn’t place my money on Hawk coming through.
14. Donald Driver, Green Bay Packers WR (+2000)
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Driver has been surpassed in the offense this season. He aged rapidly this offseason and his knees must be bothering him once again.
Driver is a reliable possession receiver but that’s about it at this point in his career. He’ll want to come up big in his first Super Bowl appearance, but it won’t happen.
13. James Farrior, Pittsburgh Steelers LB (+2000)
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The veteran linebacker leads the Steelers' incredible linebacking core, but most likely he just isn’t going to make the big play in this one.
He’ll simply be asked to stop the run.
Unless he manages to shadow himself in the middle of the field, I don’t expect him to make an interception. I'd say his best bet at the MVP is a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
12. James Jones, Green Bay Packers WR (+2500)
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James Jones has turned into the big play receiver for the Packers, but he is far more than that. Jones has had issues dropping a few passes, but rest assured—he has great hands.
Jones emerged for the Packers this season and will show up in the Super Bowl.
He has very good speed but what I like most about James Jones is that he’s a tough receiver that can take a lick. He can also dish it out.
He won’t go down on the first hit so expect the Packers to try to get it in Jones’ hands to let him make something happen.
11. James Starks, Green Bay Packers RB (+1200)
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Rookie running back James Starks emerged this postseason as the go-to back for the Packers. Green Bay struggled all season running the football after Ryan Grant was injured Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Starks has shown great power and speed, but against the Pittsburgh Steelers, this could very well be negated.
Starks is going to take a punishment and it will be interesting to see if his body can hold up as he has yet to take this type of punishment in his career.
10. Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers WR (+1200)
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Wallace emerged this season as the big play threat. He is almost a lock to catch at least one bomb per game. He could very well be this Super Bowl’s Santonio Holmes for Pittsburgh.
Wallace has blazing speed and body control. He has good hands and foot work. Expect Ben Roethlisberger to involve “60 Minutes” early and often.
Wallace has caught multiple touchdowns this season and could very well win the MVP if he can get behind the Green Bay Packers’ fantastic secondary.
9. Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers WR (+1200)
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Aside from Aaron Rodgers, Jennings is the best playmaker on the Packers’ offense. He has the best hands, speed, agility and body control of Green Bay's offensive threats. Jennings has dropped passes this year but I expect him to come up big against the Steelers.
None of the Steelers corners can handle Jennings.
Troy Polamalu will have to help double-team him but when he’s not on him; watch Rodgers and Jennings make Pittsburgh pay for the lack of coverage.
8. Hines Ward, Pittsburgh Steelers WR (+1500)
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Ward somehow always comes up big in the big game.
He is the veteran of the Pittsburgh offense and will do whatever it takes for the team.
That’s what I like about Ward.
He is the best blocking wide receiver in the game. He has great, reliable hands and is the best safety net for Roethlisberger.
Ward could quickly rack up receptions and will be looked at heavily in the red zone as he has the surest hands and best footwork of any receiver on Pittsburgh.
7. James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers LB (+2500)
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James Harrison is a beast. Simple as that.
He was a superstar in the Steelers’ Super Bowl win two years ago when he intercepted Kurt Warner for a 100-yard touchdown. Not only was the interception a beauty, the run back was even better.
Harrison has remarkable vision, speed and power at the linebacker position. He is arguably the hardest hitting player in the league and will be a treat for fans to watch on the big stage once again.
Harrison is also one of the best blitzers in the game, and will be all over Aaron Rodgers this Sunday.
6. Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers LB (+1500)
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Matthews lost Defensive Player of the Year by a hair. Matthews was arguably the very best blitzer this entire year. Matthews has awesome speed, power and quickness from the linebacker position.
Green Bay will unleash Matthews on Ben Roethlisberger early and often.
Matthews is the only one of Green Bay's defenders who could possibly contain Roethlisberger.
5. Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers CB (+1800)
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In my opinion, the most important player on the Packers’ defense.
Woodson does everything the Packers possibly need.
He can shutdown receivers.
He can blitz. He can tackle.
He has a high IQ, solid hands and vision and very good speed.
Woodson is a complete player and will put that on display for the world to see February 6. Woodson’s fantastic play this postseason allowed other players in the secondary, like Tramon Williams, to become household names.
Watch out for Woodson.
4. Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers RB (+600)
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Rashard Mendenhall emerged this postseason as one of the better backs in the game. Mendenhall has great power, vision, speed and foot work. He is a solid pass blocker as well.
He will be relied upon heavily against the Packers, as Green Bay is weaker up front than in the secondary.
Mendenhall will be the work horse for Pittsburgh and will receive carry after carry to wear down the Packers.
Expect a big game from him.
3. Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers S (+900)
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Arguably the best defensive player in the game, Polamalu makes the Pittsburgh Steelers defense special. The Defensive Player of the Year has a remarkably high IQ.
In essence, he is the quarterback of the Steelers defense. He has amazing speed, vision, quickness, strength and agility.
Polamalu can do everything required of an NFL safety, and does it exceptionally—he can blitz, tackle and pass defend with the very best in the league.
Polamalu is the true MVP of the Steelers and will continue to make big play after big play.
2. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers QB (+200)
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Roethlisberger always comes up big.
He is arguably the most clutch quarterback in the game. Big Ben has great size and strength but also fantastic scrambling ability.
He is accurate with a big arm so he can make the throw down-field, on the run or by the sidelines.
If he doesn’t like what he sees from the defensive coverage he has no problem tucking the ball and running, and extends plays with his big body and great foot work.
Roethlisberger is simply-put a fantastic quarterback and one of the very best with the game on the line.
For that, he has to be a top MVP candidate for this game.
1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers QB (+150)
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Arguably the best pure passer in the game, all eyes are on Aaron Rodgers in this game. This is his time to shine.
I said Rodgers would be the No. 1 player to breakout this postseason and he has not disappointed.
Rodgers is one of the best scrambling quarterbacks in the league and he can throw on the run. Morevoer he is not afraid of taking a hit, which I always admire.
Rodgers has one of the strongest and most accurate arms in the league, and he will hit any receiver anywhere on the field.
Rodgers has fantastic vision. He has been in the zone since returning from the big hit suffered against the Lions late in the season and has the Packers on a five-game win streak.
Green Bay sent Brett Favre packing for Rodgers three years ago, and in that time Rodgers has shown that they made the right decision to move forward, but a Championship will put him over the top in Green Bay.
Rodgers’ time is now. If the Packers win, it will be because Rodgers led the way past the Steelers’ vicious blitzing defense.
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