Super Bowl 2011: Packers vs. Steelers, Who Will Win and How They'll Win It

Super Bowl XLV pregame chatter has been, well, deadly dull at best.

These Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers have been simply going about their business to the dismay of those two creators of excitement—clash and controversy.

There's been no boisterous fellows from either of these teams willing to step up and call someone names or guarantee a win or anything else that would excite the media army that is laying in wait down there in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

There's simply not much to do but try and figure out which of these two storied and solid franchises will have another Lombardi Trophy to show off this time next week.

Football isn't rocket science and the winner of this game on Sunday night will simply have to do a few things well enough to score one more point than the other guys.

So let's get to it and review what will determine the outcome of this Drama In Dallas.

Who can run the football?

Tell us which team can have success on the ground and that will go a long way toward figuring out who the 2011 Super Bowl champion will be.

Pittsburgh will try and power the football with Rashard Mendenhall. Bank on it. With Maurkice Pouncey out of this game, how will B. J. Raji affect the Steeler's running game? Both teams run 3-4 defenses so they have practiced against the style and know its strengths and weaknesses.

With the Steelers' performance against the run this past season, the Packers may look to spread their offense, open with some passing to set up some runs.

The Packers will have to make the Steelers guess when they're going to run the ball, that is their best chance because they are not going to line up and overpower the Steelers on the ground.

Edge: Steelers.

Which quarterback can weather the pressure?

You have two proven, accomplished quarterbacks in this game. Big game experience is on Ben Roethlisberger's side but Aaron Rodgers has had a great playoff run.

With the pressure that both defenses can bring, the two quarterbacks will have to make plays under fire. They'll have to scramble a bit, they'll have to improvise in order to be successful.

Who has the momentum after a two-week layoff? Who gets the most help from their receivers?

Who gets sacked? Who converts key third down plays? Who can keep a drive alive?

Very slight edge: Steelers.

Which defense can create turnovers?

Two very exciting defenses, no mistaking that. The Packers defense has been a big-play bunch all season and they'll need to step up on Sunday. If Roethlisberger has time in the pocket, it will not go well for Green Bay.

There are a lot of play makers on the Packers side of the football and there is still the question about Troy Palomalu's health and effectiveness.

The Packers have really good corners and linebackers and that is their strength.

Edge: Packers.

Who wins the special teams battle?

Answer this one correctly and you'll probably have the game winner.

With both teams so evenly matched on both sides of the football, it will be a special teams play that can swing this thing one way or another.

You can write a book about the importance of special teams in any game at any level, but it is magnified on this stage.

Don't be surprised if a kickoff or punt return sets up the winning score, which could well be a field goal. It should be that close.

Edge: Packers.

Who wins the Mike vs. Mike preparation battle?

Mike Tomlin or Mike McCarthy? Which coach has their team best prepared for what they'll face in this game?

This one isn't too complicated. Have to give an edge to Tomlin based on the "been there, done that" factor.

Edge: Steelers.

So there sit the Packers, a 2 1/2 point favorite.

So who wins?

Gotta go back to "been there, done that" and these Steelers have been there and done just that.

Pittsburgh 26, Green Bay 21

But don't bet on it!