Super Bowl Predictions 2012: Contenders with Clear Path to Indianapolis

Home-field advantage isn't what it used to be.

There are those who thrive in certain atmospheres but flounder in others—i.e. the Atlanta Falcons outside their dome—and there are those who can simply win anywhere.

The two No. 1 seeds this postseason do hold a bit of home-field advantage against certain opponents.

Both New England and Green Bay are mighty cold this time of year and should they welcome teams like the Houston Texans or New Orleans Saints, weather conditions may become more of a factor.

However, that won't be the case against teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers or New York Giants. These teams are built to win in any atmosphere.

So, which contenders legitimately have a clear path to Indianapolis?

It certainly isn't the Texans, Broncos, Saints or Giants. All four teams are on the road this week and will likely be on the road again next week should they win.

The only way that doesn't happen is if all four of them win their respective games. Houston would then host Denver and New Orleans would host New York. It is possible—much more so in the NFC—but it is unlikely.

Neither No. 1 nor No. 2 seeds hold a clear path either.

The Patriots haven't won a home playoff game since the 2007 AFC Championship Game—including a home loss to a very similar Baltimore team—and the Ravens' four losses this season have all come on the road.  

Baltimore actually has a clearer path if they can take care of business and have the Broncos upset the Patriots.

Meanwhile, the Packers host a Giants team that doesn't care if it is playing on gravel, let alone the "Frozen Tundra." Big Blue has played this part before and Green Bay better not be caught sleeping against this streaking Giants team.

If they do win, they'll host either the Saints or 49ers. The two are drastically different, yet difficult opponents. However, neither poses as much of a threat as the Giants will this week.

The red hot Saints are not the same team outside the dome as they are inside. According to ESPN blogger Mike Sando, "the Saints averaged only 23.8 points in their four most recent outdoor games (Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Carolina and Jacksonville). They averaged 41.1 points at home during the regular season and nearly as much in all their 11 indoor games."

Needless to say, the 49ers have a much better defense than those teams and the Packers have an offense that's three-times better than those teams.

There simply isn't a "clear" path to Indianapolis for any of these teams.

Some certainly have it easier than others, but all the contenders this year have strengths and weaknesses that can be exposed by solid game plans, good execution and a little bit of luck.

Don't be surprised if the Packers play the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI, but don't be surprised if it's something entirely different with No. 3 and/or No. 4 seeds involved either.