Super Bowl Predictions: Odds For Every Potential Super Bowl Matchup
The Wild Card Round of the 2011 NFL playoffs is underway, and already, we have seen both of last year's Super Bowl participants get knocked out in the opening two games of the playoffs.
While many felt that the Seahawks did not even deserve to be in the playoffs with a 7-9 losing record, Seattle shocked the football world on Saturday, taking out the defending Super Bowl champion Saints. In the following game, Rex Ryan finally defeated Peyton Manning in a playoff game as the No. 6 seeded Jets took out Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium.
With two games down, and both of which were upsets, it really is anyone's guess what could happen next in these 2011 playoffs.
Let's break down the playoffs Vegas style by taking a look at the odds for every potential Super Bowl matchup.
Seattle Seahawks vs. New York Jets
1 of 20
It's not that the Jets don't have a chance to make the Super Bowl, it's simply that the odds of Seattle getting there are not great, regardless of who they play.
Seattle had a great game against New Orleans, but are they going to be able to do that two more times? Chances are not in their favor.
Like I said, the Jets have a chance to make a run in the playoffs, but Mark Sanchez will have to play like he did in their final drive against Indianapolis for a complete game.
Odds: 500 to 1
Seattle Seahawks vs. Baltimore Ravens
2 of 20
Baltimore has the makings of a Super Bowl contender. They have a hard-hitting, aggressive defense, to go along with a solid offense, that has been able to establish the run as of late.
As of now, Baltimore should be the third favorite to come out of the AFC. But, on the other hand, Seattle is the least likely to come out of the NFC, which makes this one not so realistic after all.
Odds: 400 to 1
Seattle Seahawks vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
3 of 20
A potential rematch of the 2006 Super Bowl? Wouldn't that be cool to see?
Maybe if Shaun Alexander was still around. Unfortunately for the Seahawks, he's long gone, and so are their chances of making the Super Bowl.
Odds: 200 to 1
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Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots
4 of 20
This matchup has slightly better odds then the rest of Seattle's potential matchups, just because New England has a good chance of getting to the big game.
But the odds are still off the charts, just because it involves Seattle. Put it this way, if you put some big money down on the Seahawks to make it to the Super Bowl against New England, and that actually did happen. You would be one rich individual.
Odds: 100 to 1
Green Bay Packers vs. New York Jets
5 of 20
I think that now we are getting to some matchups that have a more realistic chance of happening. While the odds still might not be great, now that Seattle and Kansas City are gone, they are certainly better.
The key for the Jets will be the play of Mark Sanchez. They know that they have a great defense, but can their young signal caller put together a complete game and play error free?
We know Aaron Rodgers can do that, but can the Packers defense play a full game and play error free?
It's possible, but still, not so likely.
Odds: 75 to 1
Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Jets
6 of 20
Both of these teams would have plenty of inspirational stories if they made it to the big game.
Between Michael Vick, Andy Reid, LaDainian Tomlinson, Santonio Holmes and Jason Taylor, the storylines would be endless if this game were to happen. Only thing is, that the odds of these two teams making it are not great, and playing against each other, it just might not be in the cards this year.
Odds: 65 to 1
Green Bay Packers vs. Baltimore Ravens
7 of 20
These are two teams that have been on the verge of greatness the past couple of years, but the last time either of them made it to the big game was back in 2001 when the Ravens manhandled the Giants in Super Bowl XXXV.
It's possible we could see one of these teams get back there this year, but the odds of both of them being back are pretty slim. As good as Baltimore is, having to go through Pittsburgh and then New England or New York, is no easy test.
Odds: 60 to 1
New York Jets vs. Chicago Bears
8 of 20
Personally, I think that the Jets have just as good a chance, if not better, at making it to the Super Bowl than the Bears do.
But when you look at how top-heavy both of these divisions are, it will be very difficult for either of these teams to get there. They are both good football teams, but both Mark Sanchez and Jay Cutler will need a lot of help if they are going to be Super Bowl quarterbacks at this point in their careers.
Odds: 60 to 1
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens
9 of 20
Both of these teams are in similar positions in their respected divisions. They are the favorites in the wild card rounds, but if they do get by their first round matchups, they will have to face tough opponents to get to the the big game.
With Michael Vick, the Eagles are a legitimate contender. With Baltimore's defense, the Ravens are a legitimate contender. They could meet up in Dallas, but it would take superior runs from both teams.
Odds: 50 to 1
Chicago Bears vs. Baltimore Ravens
10 of 20
Both of these teams are defensive oriented teams that rely on a grind-it-out mentality to win football games.
But, the Bears have not been in this position that often as of late. They could very well see Philadelphia in their opening playoff matchup, which will not be an easy task by any means.
Baltimore will have to go up against Pittsburgh at Hines Field in mid-January, which could be an even more difficult task.
It could happen that these two teams meet, but chances are not in their favor.
Odds: 50 to 1
Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
11 of 20
Pittsburgh has been there before; in fact, twice in the past five years.
Green Bay has been on the verge of making that next step. It will be interesting to see if Aaron Rodgers can led the Packers to the big dance and cement his own legacy in Packers history.
These two teams both have a legitimate shot at getting there and both dream of making it. It will be tough, however, to make that dream become a reality.
Odds: 30 to 1
New York Jets vs. Atlanta Falcons
12 of 20
The Falcons were the best team in the NFC this year and are rightfully a favorite to make it to the Super Bowl.
The Jets are the No. 6 seed in the AFC, but every team has a descent shot at making a run for a Super Bowl title. Rex Ryan's club is good, but the chances of them beating New England and then possibly Pittsburgh, both games of which would be on the road, are not great.
Odds: 30 to 1
Green Bay Packers vs. New England Patriots
13 of 20
We just saw these two teams play each other less than a month ago, with New England edging out Green Bay in a close one.
However, remember that the Packers were without Aaron Rodgers for that game and it was still that close. Now with their star quarterback back at full health, the Packers very well could be one of the surprise teams in the playoffs.
These playoff scenarios from here on out, all have the best chances of happening. But still, this isn't the most likely of the bunch.
Odds: 25 to 1
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
14 of 20
Wow, would this ever be a fun Super Bowl to watch.
You have two of the top quarterbacks in the game in Michael Vick and Ben Roethlisberger, and arguably two of the fastest receivers in the game in DeSean Jackson and Mike Wallace, both of whom can snap off a 70-yard touchdown grab at any time.
I think that the Steelers have a better shot at getting there than Philly, especially with home field advantage up until the AFC championship. But it is possible that we could see this game happen.
Odds: 25 to 1
Baltimore Ravens vs. Atlanta Falcons
15 of 20
The Falcons have a good shot. The Ravens have a shot, but it would take some gutsy road wins to get there.
This was a great regular season game this year, and with the potential to see two up-and-coming quarterbacks, and two solid in-your-face defenses. That would get the public's attention.
Odds: 25 to 1
Chicago Bears vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
16 of 20
The matchup of the No. 2 seeds in this year's NFL playoffs. The Steelers are a better football team than the Bears, but the Bears will have better matchups then the Steelers.
Both of these teams have been there before in the past five years. It could happen, but there are certainly other matchups that would be more likely to happen.
Odds: 22 to 1
Chicago Bears vs. New England Patriots
17 of 20
Well, one would have to assume and hope that if these two teams met up in this year's Super Bowl, it would be a better game than the Week 14, 36-7 blowout victory by the Patriots.
Good news for the Bears if this game did happen would be that it wouldn't be played outside at Foxboro.
I know that the Bears are the NFC No. 2 seed, but I just don't see them making it to this point. It's possible, but Jay Cutler would have to play the best football of his career if it is going to happen.
Odds: 16 to 1
Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots
18 of 20
The two top quarterbacks in the NFL this year, Michael Vick vs. Tom Brady. Two explosive offenses, and two bend-but-not-break defenses.
This would be an exciting Super Bowl matchup between two of the winningest franchises over the past decade. The storylines would be great, and the game itself might be ever better.
Odds: 12 to 1
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons
19 of 20
Both of these teams have improved so much from when they met each other in the opening week of the regular season.
Since then, these have been two of the best teams in the NFL this year. Both have explosive offenses and hard-nosed defenses that are capable of making big plays when needed.
Matt Ryan is ready to take that next step as a Super Bowl quarterback. Ben Roethlisberger has already been there twice, and won there twice. Now, can he make it 3-for-3?
This would be an outstanding game between two outstanding teams. The only thing standing in the way of making this the most likely Super Bowl matchup is those guys from New England.
Odds: 7 to 1
Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots
20 of 20
Here it is.
This is the Super Bowl matchup that everyone wants to see, that every expects to see, and that everyone very well could see.
The best team in the AFC vs. the best team in the NFC. The up-and-coming quarterback that is trying to make it to his first Super Bowl vs. the Hall of Fame veteran quarterback who is trying to get back to his fifth Super Bowl in the past 10 years.
Both of these teams seem destined for Dallas. You really couldn't ask for a much better Super Bowl matchup, and as far as odds go, fans very well could get this much anticipated matchup. Get your popcorn ready folks, it's going to be a good one.
Odds: 4 to 1
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