Super Bowl Predictions: Top 10 Most Likely Match-Ups

This season has been tough to predict. Between the Colts squeezing into the playoffs and the surprise of the Falcons' No. 1 seed, this season has been a great one.

We have the regulars of the postseason in the Patriots, Colts, Steelers, and Ravens. However some newbies are here to stir the pot.  Those are the Kansas City Chiefs, the Atlanta Falcons and the 7-9 Seattle Seahawks.

But who will win it all and hoist the Lombardi Trophy? There are always upsets and shockers. Can anyone make an Arizona Cardinals type of run?

Let’s take a look at the top 10 most likely Super Bowl matchups. 

10. Green Bay vs. New York

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 31: D'Brickashaw Ferguson #60 of the New York Jets in action against the Green Bay Packers on October 31, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Packers defeated the Jets 9-0. (Photo by Jim

The Jets have the toughest road to the Super Bowl. They didn’t win their division and lost to the Ravens, leaving them with the sixth seed in the AFC.

The Packers don’t have it all that easy either. They’ll have to get through the Eagles and Falcons then most likely the Bears or Saints.

But both teams have a chance and that’s what is exciting.

Green Bay solely relies on the arm of Aaron Rodgers. Their run game is pathetic and they’ll need Rodgers' A game, plus some.

The Jets will have to fight hard to make it all the way.  They’ve finished strong and have comeback to win in several games this year. Great comebacks will be needed if they wish to play in the Super Bowl.

9. Green Bay vs. Baltimore

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GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 07: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers tries to escape from Kelly Gregg #97 of the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field on December 7, 2009 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Ravens 27-17. (Photo by Jonathan Da

Baltimore has played well all season long. The chances of them playing in the Super Bowl depends on how well Joe Flacco does. We know the defense will be top notch. But can the third year quarterback make the plays when needed?

The Packers defense will need to stay healthy. They will probably be on the field a lot with the way Rodgers slings the ball around. I’m talking quick scores or turnovers here.

This would be an intriguing Super Bowl. Great defense vs. a stud quarterback. 

8. New Orleans vs. Indianapolis

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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

A rematch of last year. That would be really exciting. Will it happen? The possibility is there but the likelihood isn’t.

The Colts are not themselves this season. The loss of Austin Collie and especially Dallas Clark have thrown Peyton’s game off just a bit. But he’s still Peyton Manning so teams beware.

The Saints should easily beat the Seahawks. But then they’ll travel to Chicago. Can they pull out a win in the cold weather? Drew Brees will have to lead the way because the Bears defense will shut down the run game.

Both teams face tough challenges. But they have elite quarterbacks leading them, which is very dangerous in postseason football. 

7. Chicago vs. Kansas City

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 05: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Denver Broncos on December 5, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

I know what you’re thinking, “the Chiefs, are you crazy?” And maybe I am a bit crazy but it could happen. 

The Chiefs have an outstanding rushing attack. The duo of Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones baffles defensive coordinators. Not to mention Matt Cassel has been making some pretty good throws as of late. Mostly to Dwayne Bowe, but hey, you gotta work with what you’ve got.

Their run to the Super Bowl all depends on the play of their defense. Can they stop anyone? They didn’t do a good job last week against the Raiders but were they really trying all that hard? Who knows?

But know this, the Chiefs have a fighting chance. 

6. Chicago vs. Indianapolis

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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

A rematch of Super Bowl XLI. The chances of this happening look decent. After all, it is Peyton Manning and the Bears do have the first round bye. 

Chicago gets to the Super Bowl if they play mistake free football. This means Jay Cutler has to play smart and make good decisions. The defense can only bail him out so many times.

The Colts' first opponents in route to the Super Bowl are two the league's best defenses. If Peyton manages to beat Rex Ryan’s Jets, he’ll then travel to Pittsburgh to face Troy Polamalu, James Harrison and the stingy Pittsburgh defense.

This matchup is possible but both teams need to step up their level of play. 

5. Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh

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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

What a game this would be. The state of Pennsylvania would be in a frenzy. With the first round bye, the Steelers await their opponent.

As for the Eagles, they have a rematch of week one against the Packers. But this time there’s no confusion at quarterback.

The Eagles' chances depend on the play of Michael Vick. Can he be all that and more? Philly needs him to be. If he stays healthy and makes plays with his arm and his feet, they’ve got a good chance. 

The Steelers are the complete team right now. We know their defense is top notch and their offense is really hitting its stride. They’re a hot team at the moment.

Does the first round by hurt them? Possibly so, but I believe that’s doubtful.

Resting their best players will be key to their run. A healthy Polamalu and Ben Roethlisberger are vital to the Steelers' success. 

4. Atlanta vs. Pittsburgh

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PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 12: Rashard Mendenhall #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs past Erik Coleman #26 of the Atlanta Falcons for a 50-yard game winning touchdown in overtime during the NFL season opener game on September 12, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pitt

A rematch of week one. The Steelers managed to squeak out a victory without Big Ben. Atlanta was still finding themselves on their quest of rising up.

And rise up they have. 

The Falcons won the NFC South and obtained their first No. 1 seed in franchise history. A tough loss at home against the Saints gave fans a scare but rest assured ATLiens, the Falcons will be ready.

In the NFC, the road to Dallas comes through Atlanta. The Falcons are unstoppable at home. Matt Ryan is 20-2 in the Georgia Dome. The Dirty Birds will enjoy their first round bye by getting much needed rest.

There is a good chance of this rematch occurring. The Falcons defense will need to rise up to new heights to make it to the Super Bowl. 

3. New Orleans vs. New England

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FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 12: Julian Edelman # 11 of the New England Patriots gains yards against the defense of Jabari Greer # 33 of the New Orlean Saints during the preseason at Gillette Stadium on August 12, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rog

The Saints are a very dangerous team. They are the sixth seed but they might as well trade places with Seattle and become the true fourth seed.

Sean Peyton and company got the taste of a Super Bowl victory last year. They’ll be doing all they can to make sure they can do it again.

The Patriots have the best record in the NFL. Sitting at 14-2 and having a first round bye, Bill Belichick has done a tremendous job coaching this team into first place. The defense has vastly improved from week one, and Tom Brady is on fire in his last 11 games, throwing 26 touchdowns and zero interceptions.

The Patriots know how to win. However, can their young defense get them all the way there? We know Brady is capable of leading a comeback, but can this defense stop one should there be a close game?

We will have to wait and see. I wouldn’t say the road is easy for the Patriots but it sure looks good. The Saints' on the other hand is very difficult. But they have what it takes to defend their title.

2. Atlanta vs. New England

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ATLANTA - AUGUST 19: Safety Eric Brock #42 of the Atlanta Falcons and running back Thomas Clayton #35 of the New England Patriots grab helmets during a special teams play in the preseason game at the Georgia Dome on August 19, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Shocker! The two No. 1 seeds aren’t the most likely Super Bowl matchup. The playoffs call for crazy times. And because of that, I don’t believe this to be the No. 1 match up.

Both teams have been doing fantastic all season. And this matchup could very well occur. After all, they don’t have to travel anywhere in the playoffs, except Dallas if they make it that far.

But strange things always occur and either one of these teams could start out slow and just forget how to play football for a week.

And the playoffs are not a time when you want to do that. 

1. Chicago vs. Pittsburgh

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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

Defense wins championships. And these two teams are loaded with defensive talent.

It was very difficult for me not to pick the Patriots as a sure lock for the Super Bowl. It’s hard to see any team beating them at Foxboro. But it all came back to defense for me. And the Patriots lack the experience the Steelers have.

If Troy Polamalu remains healthy for these playoffs, the Steelers will stop everyone. He is the quarterback of that defense. They are a completely different team when he is not there.

The Bears have veterans Brian Urlacher and Julius Peppers to anchor their defense. Jay Cutler must make good decisions when throwing the ball, and I believe he has that ability.  His defense will bail him out by forcing lots of turnovers and giving him more chances to put points on the board.

As for a Super Bowl winner? Well I’ll let you guys and gals decide. Who do you have in the Super Bowl?