Who Will Win Super Bowl XLV?

Well ladies and gentleman we are finally here!  The day we have waited for since Super Bowl XLIV has finally come as the defending champion New Orleans Saints take on the Minnesota Vikings tonight.  It's the time of year where every one believes their team has a chance.  Lion fans can't wait to see their new explosive offense.  The fans of the Raiders believe their franchise has turned a corner.  Even Rams fans have cause for excitement with the arrival of Sam Bradford.  However, in 17 weeks only 12 teams will remain.   Will the Saints repeat as champs, or will they not even get out of the AFC.  Are the Colts primed for yet another 12+ win season, or will injuries to their offensive line cause them to struggle? 

Also what team will come out of nowhere and surprise us all?  Recently, we saw the Saints in 2006,  Dolphins do it in 2008 and the Bengals last year.  Who is primed to be that team?  Here is who I feel will be playoff bound in 2010.

Who Just Misses in The Afc?

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FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 26: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots talks in the huddle in the first half against the St. Louis Rams on August 26, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

1)  New England Patriots:   An older team, a potentially disgruntled receiver in Randy Moss, the lack of a quality running game and an incredibly hard schedule equal a missed postseason for the Patriots.  I believe this season will be the end of this current run (2007-10) version of this team as you'll see an overhaul at several positions. Perhaps a star running back might be drafted for 2011?

2)  Pittsburgh Steelers:  The constant controversy involving Big Ben will hamper this team this year well past his suspension.  Such trivial things as the fact he was not voted captain are being made out to be huge stories, and every microscopic tidbit of news involving the quarterback will be dissected. Then you look at the fact they have no quality 2nd running back, something the past two Super Bowl Champion teams (Bettis/Parker and Parker/Mendenhal) had.  

3)  Tennessee Titans:  A true case of Jekyll and Hyde last year.  They started embarrassingly bad at 0-6 but then went 8-2 in its last ten games.  So which team will we see this year?  The good news is I think they're a ten win team.  The bad news is I think they'll be on the wrong end of some tie-breakers and be a hard luck loser on the playoff fight. 

6) Houston Texans

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HOUSTON - AUGUST 28: Wide receiver Jacoby Jones #12 of the Houston Texans celebrates his touchdown reception with Antoine Caldwell #62 and Andre Johnson #80 in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys in a preseason game at Reliant Stadium on August

This is the year Houston finally breaks through.   I see Houston and Tennessee tying at 10-6 records with the Texans getting in on a tiebreaker.  Their schedule is manageable and most of their skill pieces should be hitting their prime right now.  In order to get in through, Houston will need to do something they've never done before and that's succeed against their AFC South rivals.

5) Cincinnati Bengals

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GEORGETOWN, KY - JULY 31: Chad Ochocinco (left) #85 and Terrell Owens (right) #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals are pictured during the Bengals training camp at Georgetown College on July 31, 2010 in Georgetown, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

I'll be honest, two weeks ago, I was fairly down on the Bengals and had no belief they would make the playoffs.  I even wrote an article about how they'd be one of the bigger disappointments of 2010.  But after a fairly strong pre-season and re-evaluating the AFC (specifically the Steelers) I believe the Bengals can get back in. 

4) San Diego Chargers

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SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 17: Malcom Floyd #80, Vincent Jackson #83 and Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego Chargers walk on the field during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the New York Jets at Qualcomm Stadium on January 17, 2010 in San Diego, Califor

If San Diego were in any division other than the NFC West, I would say they were the 3rd (or even worst team) in that division.  With two star players holding out, an unproven running back, and an overrated defense, the Chargers are not the dominant team they looked like in past seasons.  However, the Chargers benefit from an easy schedule and a soft division.   I actually believe the Raiders will surprise many and put some pressure on the Lightning Bolts, but in the end San Diego goes on.

3) Baltimore Ravens

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BALTIMORE - AUGUST 28: Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball against the New York Giants at M&T Bank Stadium on August 28, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens lead the Giants 17-3. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

The Baltimore Ravens are an extremely solid team, but do have a pretty tough schedule with the Bengals and Steelers, Falcons, Saints, Jets and Patriots all on their schedule.  Still, they finally have an offense teams need to fear, especially with the addition of T.J. Houshmandzadah as a solid 2nd receiver.  An 11-5 record should carry the AFC North. 

2) New York Jets

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 27: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets in action against the Washington Redskins during their preseason game on August 27, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Imag

A lot of people are saying the Jets are overrated, and there is a chance they are right.  But with six extremely winnable games on their schedule, they just have to go 6-4 in their remaining ten to get themselves a likely bye week in the playoffs.  With a solid rushing attack and more receiving threats for 2nd year QB Mark Sanchez, the Jets should be right back in Super Bowl contention. 

1) Indianapolis Colts

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GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 26: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts drops back to pass against the Green Bay Packers during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Colts 59-24. (Photo by

There are so many that ask when will be the year the Colts reign of regular season dominance will finally cease.  Ironically the one year they didn't get a bye seed, they won the Super Bowl.  There are concerns for the Colts who for the first time in possibly over a decade, they enter the 2010 season with a shake offensive line.  Their division is also very solid.  Yet until I'm proven wrong, I just can't see this team winning fewer than 12 games. 

And The Afc Champion Is?

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INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens is rushed by Dwight Freeney #93 of the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Lucas Oli Stadium on January 16, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jonath

Here is how I see the AFC playoffs breaking down.

Wild Card: 

6)  Houston vs. 3)  Baltimore:   It's a matter of who has the better defense and while Houston's is much improved, Baltimore's is still better and will contain Andre Johnson.

5)  Cincinnati vs. 4)  San Diego:  The Bengals made the playoffs two times in the past four years and were favored in both, but came up short.  This time though, they'll go on the road to San Diego and take out the overrated Chargers.

Divisional 

3)  Baltimore vs. 2)  New york Jets:  Boy, can you picture the hype for this one?  Rex Ryan's former team against the Jets?!  This will be a fun, hard nosed playoff match-up, the kind of game that epitomizes why people love the NFL.   The Ravens will win a close game won in the last five minutes to advance to the AFC Championship.   

5)  Cincinnati vs. 1)  Indianapolis:  The Bengals should feel good about getting to this point, because their experience in Indianapolis will not be pleasant.  The Bengals go down to the Colts strong offense, but at least T.O. and Ochocinco can go back to their reality shows! 

AFC Championship 

3)  Baltimore vs. 1) Indianapolis:   A re-match of their '09 Divisional match-up.  If people remember, the Ravens were in that game but Joe Flacco looked a bit over his head and Baltimore eventually fell to the Colts.  It won't happen this time though.  With a more balanced offense, and with a more mature Flacco, the Ravens stun the Colts and go on to the Super Bowl. 

Who Just Misses in The NFC?

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MIAMI - AUGUST 27: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 (L) and wide reciever Roddy White #84 (C) of the Atlanta Falcons celebrate a touchdown catch by White against the Miami Dolphins during their preseason game at Sun Life Stadium on August 27, 2010 in Miami, Flo

New York Giants:  The G-men will do a bit better than last year after their defense had an epic collapse.  However, they will just miss out finishing 9-7 and 2nd place in the NFC.

Atlanta Falcons:  This may surprise some, as a lot of people believe the Falcons are in for a rebound year.  And in fact I believe they will rebound...but not enough.  The Falcons to me are a team that are a few pieces away from being a true Super Bowl contender.  I also believe they would win either the AFC of NFC West.  But sadly they reside in the NFC South and they also have to play against the AFC North.  If I am wrong and Atlanta gets in though, they'll be a team no one wants to play.

6) Seattle Seahawks

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SEATTLE - AUGUST 21: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks looks downfield during the preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Qwest Field on August 21, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

So this is the team I see coming out of nowhere.  I'm sure you will enjoy commenting on how I am insane to pick a team that went 4-12, has a new coach, and made one of the worst trades in recent history when they acquired Charlie Whitehurst to make the playoffs. 

But consider two things.  Matt Hasselbeck is now healthy and if he can play up to his previous form, he is still a top ten quarterback. 

However, the other thing to consider is how unbelievably easy their schedule looks.  Seattle has only four games against '09 playoff teams, two of those against the Arizona Cardinals who will be starting a quarterback many other teams would have as their 3rd guy on the depth chart.

Consider that these are some of the teams Seattle will be playing...

@Denver, @St. Louis, @Chicago, @Oakland, Kansas City, @Tampa Bay, St. Louis.   Those are seven very winnable games right there.

All they would need to do is win three of these remaining nine games...  San Francisco, San Diego, Arizona, New York Giants, @ Arizona,  @ New Orleans, Carolina, @ San Francisco, and Atlanta.

If they can split with the Cardinals and 49'ers, they would need to win just ONE more game to get to ten wins.  

Is Seattle the most talented team?  Not in the least!  In fact I think it is likely they would finish last in several divisions.  But sometimes a team can get a break with an easy schedule, and I believe the Seahawks will benefit from theirs and finish with a record possibly as high as 11-5. 

5) Minnesota Vikings

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SAN FRANCISCO - AUGUST 22: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball during their preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on August 22, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

You know for everyone that loves all the drama of the Hard Knocks series in New York, I really wish it could have been shot in Minnesota this year.  Every day seems to have new drama going on there.  Between Favre's annual indecision, injuries to Sidney Rice, and the migraines of Percy Harvin, the Vikings have been anything but boring. 

The Vikings need to be very careful this year as they have one of if not the hardest schedule in the NFL this year.  I still believe Minnesota is good enough to make the playoffs, however I don't believe they'll be nearly as dominant as last year. 

4) Dallas Cowboys

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SAN DIEGO - AUGUST 21: Line backer DeMarcus Ware #94 of the Dallas Cowboys in action against tight end Randy McMichael #81 of the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on August 21, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Image

The Cowboys in my opinion are a very talented team, however the NFC East is going to be beating each other up this season.  It's a division where I could see the Cowboys finishing 10-6 with the Eagles finishing last at 8-8.  Because of this, I see the Cowboys only finishing 4th in the NFC.  This would set-up one heck of a game against the Vikings. 

3) New Orleans Saints

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NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 27: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints in action against the San Diego Chargers at the Louisiana Superdome on August 27, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

I will again probably get chided for picking the Saints to finish this low.  But when you have a target on your back it becomes very hard to have two very dominant seasons.  And with the Falcons rebounding, the Carolina Panthers being an every dangerous team, and other hard contests against the likes of the Vikings, Cowboys, Ravens, Steelers and Bengals, I see the Saints having a bit of a slip.  However, they should still win the NFC South and march on into the playoffs again.

2) San Francisco 49'ers

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OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 28: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after stopping Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders for a loss during an NFL preseason game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 28, 2010 in Oakland, Californi

Much of the reasoning behind my selection of the Seahawks rings true with the 49'ers.  They have a very easy schedule and are primed for a breakthrough season.  The 49'ers lost numerous games last season by less than a touchdown.  Between the schedule and turning a few of those type of games in their favor, I can see the 49'ers winning 11 or 12 games and securing a bye into the playoffs.  If Alex Smith can continue his solid play, this team could be a dark horse Super Bowl contender. 

1) Green Bay Packers

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GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 26: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers drops back to look for a receiver as teammate Daryn Colledge #73 looks to block against the Indianapolis Colts during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 26, 2010 in Green Bay,

I am extremely high on this team.  Aaron Rodgers looks like he is about to become the next big thing in the NFL, their offensive line has been slightly repaired and the Dom Capers 3-4 defense will now have had a season for the players to get used to.  Put all of that together and you have a recipe for success. 

And The NFC Champion Is?

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Wide receiver Greg Jennings #85 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals with quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 during the third quarter of the 2010 NFC wild-card playoff game at University of P

Here is a look at how I feel the NFC Playoffs break down.

Wild Card

6) Seattle vs 3)  New Orleans:  The surprise story of the Seahawks comes to a sudden hault, as the Saints put a beat down on them.  I would expect this to be the biggest blow out of the playoffs.

5)  Minnesota vs. 4)  Dallas:  A lot of people would have expected this game to happen later in the playoffs.  I expect this to be the last game for Wade Phillips at Dallas as Jerry Jones will see his team go down to the Vikings and thus end his dream of having his Cowboys be the first team to host a Super Bowl.

Divisional

3)  New Orleans at 2)  San Francisco:  This is a great game of strengths.  The Saints offense against the 49'ers aggressive defense.   In the end though, I believe the Saints defense would do enough in stopping the 49'ers to allow Drew Brees to find a few holes and deliver another win for the defending champions.

5)  Minnesota at 1)  Green Bay:  This could be the most hyped playoff game....ever.   Brett Favre returning to Green Bay in the playoffs.  Could a football fan ask for anything more?  This is where Aaron Rodgers puts a stamp on becoming an elite quarterback and Packer fans will be able to reach closure with the ghost of Favre.  Wouldn't this be an amazing way for Favre to end his career....FINALLY?

NFC Championship

3)  New Orleans at 1)  Green Bay:  Another excellent match-up.  For this one, I look back to 2006 when everyone expected the Saints high powered offense to walk all over the Chicago Bears in their encounter.  But it appeared those people forgot to realize one very important fact; the game was outdoors!  The Saints offense was stopped by a strong Bears defense, but also 20 degree temperatures and snow fall.  I should know how cold it was as I attended the game.  

I would envision something similar happening in this game, with Brees unable to engineer the same rhythm he enjoys at his lovely domed stadium.  The Packers win, fairly convincingly. 

Super Bowl XVL

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GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 26: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers jokes with teammate Donald Driver #80 on the sidelines during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field on August 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packer defeated the

So who wins the big game?   To me, this is the year of the Packers. In a battle of strong 3-4 defenses, I believe the game will come down to the quarterbacks.  And while Joe Flacco will emerge to be a top ten quarterback, Aaron Rodgers will be too much for the Ravens.   In the end, the Lombardi Trophy will return home to Green Bay.

So there you have it.  Who do you think has bee slighted, and who do you feel will end up disappointing on this list?  What bottom feeder team from 2009 do you feel can shock us all?