NFL Predictions: San Francisco 49ers Will Face San Diego Chargers in Super Bowl

The majority of NFL teams are still vying for a playoff berth as we approach Week 8, but there is reason to believe that the San Francisco 49ers (5-1) and San Diego Chargers (4-2) will meet in Super Bowl XLVI.

Both franchises are in sole possession of first place in their respective divisions. They have excelled—or at least shown the potential to excel—in the most important facets of football.

However, neither made it to the postseason in 2010.

Allow me to convince you that this year will be very different.

For the 49ers, the key is simply to maintain their level of play from the first six games of the season. They have been outstanding.

Meanwhile, the Chargers have underachieved but ooze talent. They are equipped with enough of it to make a championship run in 2011.

49ers: A Safe Quarterback

It took a few years, but Alex Smith is finally a solid quarterback in the National Football League.

Early in his pro career, Smith was plagued by inaccuracy, indecisiveness, personal injuries and a weak receiving corps. None of those things are characteristic of his 2011 season.

His completion percentage is thus far a career high. The only San Francisco passing plays that haven't originated from his arm were courtesy of Colin Kaepernick in a 48-3 rout of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Most importantly, Smith is helping the team dominate opponents in turnover margin.

He has thrown a mere two interceptions in 158 pass attempts. Only MVP front-runner Aaron Rodgers has a better ratio among full-time starters.

Smith hasn't made many mistakes.

Chargers: An Awesome Quarterback

Rivers' play this season has been far sloppier than usual. His numbers are significantly worse than those he posted in his three prior campaigns.

His ugliest statistic? Nine interceptions, which is as many as he threw in all of 2009.

Despite this, I believe that there is nothing wrong with Rivers.

For those of you who are critical of his throwing motion, know that he has always thrived with that ugly delivery.

If his fourth quarter performance concerns you, note that aside from last week's struggles against a fearsome Jets defense, he has played his best in the final 15 minutes.

Rivers is still adjusting to life without his "lightning bug" Darren Sproles. Second-year running back Ryan Mathews—albeit with a different body type—can replicate or even exceed Sproles' production when healthy. If the two develop some chemistry in short passing situations, the Chargers offense will become less predictable and more productive like it has been throughout the Rivers Era.

49ers and Chargers: Talented Receivers

Both passers are blessed with numerous weapons.

Smith has his choice between elite tight end Vernon Davis, wideouts Michael Crabtree and Braylon Edwards, and running back Frank Gore. They are all in the prime of their careers.

Rivers' receivers are comparatively larger. Most notably, he has Mathews, Malcolm Floyd, Vincent Jackson and perennial Pro Bowler Antonio Gates running routes.

The triple threat of size, athleticism and experience is common to both rosters.

49ers: Run Stopping

The 49ers have the second best scoring defense in the league (16.2 points per game allowed), mainly because of their ability to shut down their opponents' ground game. They haven't surrendered a single rushing touchdown all season.

With Patrick Willis in the middle, nobody can have a productive day against them.

Looking at their opponents' success on third down—or lack thereof—is the best indication of the effects of run stopping.

San Francisco denies its opponents on 69 percent of all third down conversion attempts because the defense forces predictable play calling. The 49ers frustrate offenses into throwing, which is easy to defend when made inevitable. 

Chargers: Pass Stopping

On the other hand, San Diego forces opposing quarterbacks to settle for less.

The Chargers have allowed the third-fewest passing yards in 2011 because they focus on preventing the big play.

They have given up 10 passing scores, but that total is skewed. Philip Rivers and the rest of the offense have put opponents in great field position with their frequent turnovers. The defense is at a huge disadvantage when opposing drives begin on San Diego's half of the field.

While the Chargers aren't particularly effective at stopping third-down conversions, they have allowed fewer total yards than the 49ers.

Like San Francisco, San Diego makes its opponents play one-dimensional.

49ers and Chargers: Time of Possession

The greatest defense is a consistent offense and both of these teams have the weapons to drain the game clock. This is essential for elite teams that find themselves in the lead as the fourth quarter winds down.

Winning NFL organizations are those that finish their opponents, and that is best done by playing a game of keep-away once the score is in their favor.

You'll see more of this from the Chargers when Rivers gets straightened out and from the 49ers as soon as Braylon Edwards makes it back on the field. Their attacks aren't yet firing on all cylinders.

49ers: Controlling Field Position

San Francisco has one of pro football's top special teams units.

Punter Andy Lee and the punt coverage team are terrific. Lee leads the NFC in average yards per punt as well as net yardage.

The signing of veteran placekicker David Akers is paying dividends, too. Akers is 13-for-15 on field goals in 2011 including 3-for-3 from outside of 50 yards.

Ted Ginn has done well in punt and kick returning. Ginn's average yardage per return places him among the league leaders. Through six games, he has two return touchdowns.

As a result of their special teams, the 49ers force their opponents to work with longer fields while starting their own drives in favorable field position.

Chargers: Experience

San Diego has been the weaker link of this potential Super Bowl pair, but the Chargers have been through this before.

This organization has notoriously started slow under head coach Norv Turner, yet the Bolts always get in a groove. Actually, 2011 is a bit different from years past because despite their sloppiness, the Chargers have a winning record.

San Diego has a veteran-laden roster. The Chargers compliment Rivers, Jackson and Gates with the defensive experience of end Luis Castillo, tackle Tommie Harris and linebacker Takeo Spikes.

Their key players have tried and failed in the playoffs before, and nothing fuels a team like past disappointment.

The Chargers will not be complacent. I expect to see their incredible talent take over before the season is through. Ultimately, it will culminate in a meeting with San Francisco in Indianapolis this February.