Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears: Why the NFC Champ Is a Lock to Win Super Bo

The showdown in Chicago next weekend is one that the football world has been waiting years to see. It’s the leagues oldest rivalry and two teams that have never been friendly.

Both young quarterbacks—Jay Cutler and Aaron Rodgers—are in the prime of their careers. And the game will be played in the elements, the way football was meant to be.

One thing is certain: no matter who wins this showdown, the winner is headed to Super Bowl XLV. And though it's bold to say, the AFC championship game will be a runners up contest.

Here are 10 reasons why the NFC championship game will feature the next Super Bowl champion:

10. There Is No Better Defense

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles tries to avoid the tackle of Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pe

Both the Bears and the Packers feature defensive units that can apply pressure on the quarterback and stuff the run. On the fast field in Dallas either one of these talented units will be too much for their AFC foe to handle.

9. Cutler Is Ready to Take the Next Step

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears celebrates his six-yard touchdown run with Devin Hester #23 against the Seattle Seahawks in the second quarter of the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16

If Sunday’s blowout win against the Seahawks taught us anything, it was that Jay Cutler is a play maker. He’s gotten comfortable in Mike Martz's offense and his play is putting him in an elite class of quarterbacks.

8. Both Have Beaten the Jets

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 31: Chad Clifton #76 of the Green Bay Packers in action against the New York Jets on October 31, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.The Packers defeated the Jets 9-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Ge

If the Jets win the AFC, the Packers and the Bears will be licking their chops. Both teams were impressive in different ways against the Jets: The Bears defeated the Jets with their vaunted defense, and the Packers shut down New York's suspect offense.

7. They Can Beat the AFC

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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

The Bears posted a 3-1 record against AFC teams this season. Their only loss came against the Patriots, who lost to the Jets in the AFC semifinals.

The Packers were 2-2 against AFC teams, but one of those losses was against the Patriots on a night that they didn't have Aaron Rodgers.

6. They Both Match Up Well Against the Steelers

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: James Jones #89 (R) and Greg Jennings #85 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate after Jones scored a 20-yard touchdown in the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome

The Packers' offense is ready for the Steelers. Their talented core of wide receivers will give the Steeler secondary fits.

The Bears balanced attack and the arrival of Julius Peppers on the  defensive line, will be tough for the Steelers to handle.

5. Aaron Rodgers Is Playing Better Than Anyone

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after he threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to James Jones #89 against the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlant

Ben Roethlisberger, Tom Brady, and even Jay Culter have had an impressive post season, but no one is playing better than Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers put on a clinic against a very good Atlanta defense. If he is on his game, he’ll be too much for either AFC team to handle.

4. The AFC Championship Game Will Be More Physical

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PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 19: Drew Coleman #30 of the New York Jets runs to make a tackle on Emmanuel Sanders #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game on December 19, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty

Both the Bears and the Packers have good defenses, but neither are overly physical. The Steelers and the Jets have very tough units. Chances are the AFC game is going to be a blood bath.

Whichever team has to face the NFC champion should be dealing with lots of bumps and bruises (if not more), and the NFC champion will take advantage.

3. They Take the Ball Away

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Braylon Edwards #17 of the New York Jets is tackled by Major Wright #27 and Charles Tillman #33 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38-34. (Photo by Jonath

Super Bowls are won because of the ability to make plays. The Packers and the Bears both ranked in the top 10 in takeaways this year.

At worst the Packers or Bears will negate the AFC champion's success by being just as good in the Super Bowl.

2. The Bears Have the Best Special Teams Play in the NFL

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears celebrates a touchdown catch against the New York Jets at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38-34. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

There is one category where no one can match the Chicago Bears: special teams play. Not only do they have one of the best field goal kickers in the NFL, but they have great kick off and punt return coverage.

And, oh yeah, they also have the most dangerous return man the game has ever seen.

1. The Packers Have Found a Running Game

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: James Starks #44 of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball against Curtis Lofton #50 of the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Gra

When Ryan Grant went out for the season, many thought their Super Bowl chances went out the window as well. But the Packers managed to make it to the playoffs and find themselves a running back.

James Starks has helped provide the balance the team needs. If the Packers win it all, they’ll be thanking him for it.

The only reason the Packers wouldn’t win it all is because the Bears did. There is no other option.