Super Bowl Predictions 2011: Ranking The 20 Most Likely Super Bowl Matchups

Predicting the Super Bowl is a very inexact science, if your team has been playing good football they have a shot. Even when the oddsmakers know who is in the Super Bowl they have only been able to predict the winner once in the last three years.  It's that uncertainty that makes NFL football so great.

The playoff field is almost set, so instead of speculating who will make the playoffs it's time to start projecting who will face-off in the 2011 Super Bowl.

Enlisting in the help of the good folks at Bodog, I've came up with some predictions for who will play who in Super Bowl XLV.

Don't be upset if you don't see the Jags, Seahawks, Rams, or Bucs in these Super Bowl matchups.  They have less than a 1 in 100 shot of taking the crown according to the experts and winning four straight in the playoffs is a tough task considering they haven't been able to do it in the regular season.

Let me know what game you think we will see.

Follow me on Twitter @JohnLorge.

20. New York Giants Vs. New York Jets

Andrew Burton/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 16: Victor Cruz #3 of the New York Giants breaks a tackle from Dwight Lowery #26 of the New York Jets during the preseason game at New Meadowlands Stadium on August 16, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 31

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Okay, so this isn't a very likely Super Bowl but I thought I'd include it for the New York/New Jersey readers. 

The Giants aren't even in the playoffs yet and there is a decent chance they won't make it.  Let's just save this for 2014.

Winner: Giants

19. Green Bay Packers Vs. Kansas City Chiefs

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A rematch of Super Bowl I. 

KC isn't getting much love nationally but they play the right brand for football to win in the playoffs. 

If they faced the Packers in the Super Bowl I would love to see Dwayne Bowe against Charles Woodson for four quarters.

Winner: Packers

18. Indianapolis Colts Vs. Chicago Bears

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 07: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts hands off the ball during their NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 7, 2008 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Bears defeated the Colts 29-1

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The Bears would be looking for revenge for Super Bowl XLI and they might have upgraded their roster enough to get it done.

Indy still needs to win in Week 17 but assuming they do, they will enter the Super Bowl on a seven game win-streak. 

Does experience win out against talent?

Winner: Bears

17. Indianapolis Colts Vs. New Orleans Saints

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints gets a first down in front of Kelvin Hayden #26 of the Indianapolis Colts during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Chri

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Another potential Super Bowl rematch, this time from a year ago.

NO has gained a lot of experience in the past two years and they are finally getting healthy.

It doesn't look like Peyton Manning would have enough mojo to will the Colts to a win here.

Winner: Saints

16. Baltimore Ravens Vs. New Orleans Saints

Larry French/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 19: Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by Tavares Gooden #56 of the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Saints 30-24. (Photo by Larry French

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We got a sneak-peak of this matchup in Week 15 when Baltimore hosted the Saints and treated them to defeat.

It would be interesting to see how each team's gameplan changes. If they go back to what worked or try to use prior success to setup their opponent.

Now that Baltimore's passing game is up to Super Bowl standards the team can beat you any way possible.

Winner: Ravens

15. Chicago Bears Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 20: Lance Briggs #55 of the Chicago Bears stares at Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers before the start of play on September 20, 2009 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Steelers 17-14. (Photo by

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The "Monsters of the Midway" versus "The Steel Curtain."

Both teams have electric receivers, elite defenders, and very hateable QBs.

Many NFL fans would be dumbfounded, not knowing who to root for.

Winner: Steelers

14. Green Bay Packers Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 20: Heath Miller #83 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts to break through a tackle by AJ Hawk #50 of the Green Bay Packers during the game on December 20, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Get

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Clay Matthews and James Harrison. Troy Polamalu and Charles Woodson.

If you like great defensive play this game would have it.

There would be some pretty good QBs too.

Winner: Packers

13. New York Jets Vs. Atlanta Falcons

Jim Luzzi/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 20: Quarterback Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets passes during an NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons at Giants Stadium on December 20, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim Luzzi/Getty Images)

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On the road again. It would be a long road for the Jets to make the Super Bowl but we've seen them play well in an underdog role.

The emergence of the Falcons rush D would prevent problems for the Jets and Mark Sanchez would have the ball in his hands which has been scary as of late.

On the other side of things Michael Turner has always struggled against good defenses and Roddy White was held to four catches for 33 yards on 10 targets last year against the Jets.

Upset special.

Winner: Jets

12. Indianapolis Colts Vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 07: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Philadelphia Eagles against Jacob Lacey #27 of the Indianapolis Colts on November 7, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Colts 26-24. (Photo by Jim Mc

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Two elite quarterbacks who couldn't be more different in style.

Michael Vick and the Falcons got the win in week nine but Peyton Manning has since adjusted to his new receivers.

It has the makings of a shoot-out but I think the Colts would make the necessary adjustments to get it done.

Winner: Colts

11. Indianapolis Colts Vs. Atlanta Falcons

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

ATLANTA - AUGUST 16: Wide receiver Reggie Wayne #87 of the Indianapolis Colts rushes upfield with a pass against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on August 16, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

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Against a defense like the Colts the Falcons can mechanically march the ball down the field.

Manning would keep the Colts in the game but in this matchup Matt Ryan would launch his legacy.

Winner: Falcons

10. New Orleans Saints Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Matthew Sharpe/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 31: Jeremy Shockey #88 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Louisiana Superdome on October 31, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Sharpe/Getty Images)

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In week eight the Steelers got the Saints to play Pittsburgh football but it didn't matter, Drew Brees remained cool under pressure and got the 20-10 win.

It was only Ben Roethlisberger's third game back but the Saints were without Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush.

Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.

Winner: Steelers

9. Baltimore Ravens Vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

BALTIMORE - NOVEMBER 23: LeRon McClain #33 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 23, 2008 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Eagles 36-7. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

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The Ravens have a great defense. They have size but their front seven isn't the fastest bunch which could lead to Vick running wild.

If the Ravens can keep Vick in the pocket it, or rattle him with blitzes, could be trouble for Philly. The picks are up in the second half of the season and Ed Reed is the best ball-hawk in the game.

Winner: Ravens

8. Baltimore Ravens Vs. Atlanta Falcons

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 11: Jason Snelling #44 of the Atlanta Falcons against Haloti Ngata #92 of the Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on November 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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The Falcons secured an epic victory over Baltimore in the final seconds of Week 10.

A neutral field should be enough to keep the game in the Ravens' grips.

Winner: Ravens

7. Pittsburgh Steelers Vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Chris Gardner/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Asante Samuel #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles tries to stop Nate Washington #85 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half on September 21, 2008 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Ga

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Civil War.

The battle for PA would be great from so many angles.

Mike Vick served his time and is now loved while Big Ben has quickly become the most hated man in the NFL.

In a nation of wussies, these two teams could show the world America still has some heart.

Winner: Steelers

6. Pittsburgh Steelers Vs. Atlanta Falcons

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 12: Michael Turner #33 of the Atlanta Falcons attempts to run through a tackle by James Farrior #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the NFL season opener game on September 12, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Ph

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Playing Pittsburgh and Baltimore this year was great for the Falcon's experience but its tough to play a potential Super Bowl opponent because you never want to show all of your cards.

Atlanta couldn't get it done 16 weeks ago against Dennis Dixon, so it doesn't look good with Big Ben taking snaps.

Winner: Steelers

5. Chicago Bears Vs. New England Patriots

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears runs after fielding a punt against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 36-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty

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I'd expect Chicago to keep it a little more respectable than 36-7 but it's hard to see them beating the Pats the way they were dismantled in Week 12.

We have seen the Pats lose the Super Bowl against a team they beat in the regular season, I'm just not going to predict it to happen here.

Winner: Patriots

4. Green Bay Packers Vs. New England Patriots

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19: Running back John Kuhn #30 of the Green Bay Packers is tackled by linebacker Tully Banta-Cain #95 and cornerback Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots during the first quarter of the game at Gillette Stadium on Decembe

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Not having Aaron Rodgers was obviously a disappointment for the Packers in their Week 15 loss to the Pats. It may also end up being their biggest advantage.

The Pats defense won't have experience against Rodgers while GB has seen plenty of Brady.

If Green Bay can control the clock again, catch easy interceptions, and stop a guard from almost housing a kick then adding Rodgers should be enough for an upset.

Winner: Packers

3. New Orleans Saints Vs. New England Patriots

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 12: Randall Gay # 20 of the New Orleans Saints collides with Aaron Hernandez # 85 of the New England Patriots during the preseason game at Gillette Stadium on August 12, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Image

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Clearly the Saints didn't get fat off their Super Bowl last year, they are still hungry.

That being said, Tom Brady is starving.

I don't love the Pats in every Super Bowl matchup but the Saints don't have an intimidating defense and if the Pats can force TOs like they have all year I like them in this one.

Winner: Patriots

2. Philadelphia Eagles Vs. New England Patriots

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - AUGUST 13: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles on August 13, 2009 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

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Does New England have the defenders to wrangle Vick?

Does Philly have enough experience in the secondary to take down Brady?

This is the toughest Super Bowl matchup for me to predict. With and extra week of rest for Vick, he will be fresh and furious.

Winner: Eagles

1. Atlanta Falcons Vs. New England Patriots

Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images

ATLANTA - AUGUST 19: Wide receiver Harry Douglas #83 of the Atlanta Falcons is tackled by safety Patrick Chung #25 of the New England Patriots during the preseason game at the Georgia Dome on August 19, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/

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There isn't a whole lot of razzle-dazzle in the Falcons' gameplan. They come straight at you and execute efficiently.

The Pats have been mystifying this season. You could get killed by one of two rookie tight ends, a midget, a law firm, or a hobbled veteran receiver.

While the Falcons are predictable the Pats keep you guessing, giving them the advantage.

Winner: Patriots