Super Bowl Predictions 2012: How the Packers' Road to a Repeat Will Play Out

They say defense wins championships. They're wrong this year.

The Green Bay Packers will defeat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI, 42-37, in what will be remembered as one of the most exciting Super Bowls in NFL history.

But how will we get there? Let's predict every game.

Wild Card Round

For an in-depth preview of Wild Card weekend, check out this article.

Bengals over the Texans, 17-13

Saints over the Lions, 35-31

Falcons over the Giants, 31-27

Steelers over the Broncos, 28-3

Divisional Round—Saturday, January 14th 

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers

Prediction: Saints win, 23-21

In a clash of styles, the Saints' spread-'em-out passing onslaught will squeak by the 49ers ground attack and stout defense.

While the Niners will largely keep the Saints out of the end zone, forcing them to kick three field goals, the Saints will attack Alex Smith in obvious passing downs and force him into multiple interceptions. Those turnovers will ultimately be the difference in the Saints victory.

Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots

Prediction: Patriots win, 34-21

The Bengals won't be able to keep up with Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski and a Patriots offense that finished the season ranked second in passing yards and scoring.

But after winning a playoff game, Andy Dalton and company will be pleased with their surprising success this season.

Divisional Round—Sunday, Jan. 15

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens

Prediction: Ravens win, 21-17

The Ravens will exorcise their demons and complete the three-game sweep of the Steelers this year.

The difference in this one? No Rashard Mendenhall, who is finished for the season after tearing his ACL last week. In his stead, Isaac Redman had 19 rushes for 92 yards and a touchdown.

Oh, and he lost two fumbles that didn't cost them against the Browns, but will if it happens against Baltimore.

Sorry, Steelers fans—no Mendenhall means a painful season sweep at the hands of the Ravens.

Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers

Prediction: Packers win, 37-28

In Week 5, the Packers defeated the Falcons 25-14.

That game featured far more defense than this one will, but the Packers will do what they've done for most of the season—win the shootout.

Conference Championships—Sunday, Jan. 22

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots

Prediction: Patriots win, 26-17

On one hand, the Ravens defense should keep this matchup close. The Ravens are tough against opposing tight ends and will find creative ways to get in Tom Brady's face.

On the other hand, can you really trust Joe Flacco to lead the Ravens to the Super Bowl? The Patriots were second in the NFL with 23 interceptions this year, and they added 11 fumble recoveries. They might have given up the second-most yards to opposing offenses in the NFL this season, but they also take the ball away.

If Flacco plays lights out and the Ravens run their offense through Ray Rice, they can outscore the Patriots given their defense. But I just can't see Flacco doing enough to lead the Ravens past Brady and the Pats.

New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers

Prediction: Packers win, 34-31

Here's the sneaky thing about the Packers this season—they've forced 38 turnovers, tied for the most in the NFL with the 49ers. And seeing as they've only turned the ball over 14 times, the Packers are +22 in turnover differential this season.

The Saints? Well, they come in at a paltry -4. In a game between such high-powered offenses, winning the turnover battle will be key.

Look for the Packers to win that battle and a close NFC Championship Game.

Super Bowl XLVI

New England Patriots vs. Green Bay Packers

Prediction: Packers win, 42-37

Here's how this prediction works: The team with the ball last will win. I predict that the Packers will have the ball last.

Seriously, how else can you predict a game like this? You're talking about two of the best offenses in football, two of the easiest defenses to move the ball against and two teams with excellent turnover differentials (+22 for the Packers, +14 for the Patriots).

You have two of the greatest quarterbacks in the NFL squaring off, Tom Brady versus Aaron Rodgers. You have excellent receivers all over the field for both teams.

So yeah, whoever has the ball last wins. In a season where we've seen several offensive records smashed, it only seems fitting that the Super Bowl would end as an offensive tribute.

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