NFL Playoff Predictions: 10 Reasons Green Bay Packers Will Not Win Super Bowl

An in-depth knowledge of football isn't required to predict the reasons why Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers will storm through the NFL playoffs. However, there are also a few that would explain why won't win the Super Bowl.

The Packers are wrapping up one of the best seasons in NFL history. The possibility of matching the 1972 Miami Dolphins has evaporated, but a ring is the only thing that matters anyway.

In addition, Rodgers has put on a clinic at the quarterback position this season, which is why you will not find the lack of a running game among the reasons listed here.

The Packers have the inside track to capturing another Lombardi Trophy. Yet, enlighten yourself as to why the games should still be played.

The Offensive Line Has Problems

As games against the Oakland Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs demonstrated, the offensive line can be beaten. The surest way to disrupt Aaron Rodgers and his highly efficient offense is to hit him early and often.

The line has generally done quite well despite suffering numerous injuries, including not having "three of their top four tackles." Yet, Rodgers' mobility, ability to read defenses and quick decision-making covered up their deficiencies.

The playoffs always feature numerous dominant pass-rushers, so the offensive line will need to get healthy and find their groove in short order.

Aaron Rodgers Is Actually Human

It's uncomfortable to project any actual physical harm on another human being, but if Aaron Rodgers does not stay healthy throughout the playoffs, the Green Bay Packers' phenomenal run will come to an end.

Considering the offensive line problems that were outlined in the last slide, this scenario is not outside the realm of possibility. Like most players, Rodgers has suffered at least one concussion, and likely more that are unknown.

Matt Flynn has been a capable backup in his limited appearances. Yet, the stakes will be much higher, and he can't be expected to keep pace with opposing offenses in the playoffs.

The Defense Has Difficulty Stopping the Run

To be fair, the Green Bay Packers rank towards the middle of the pack in terms of rushing yards allowed per game.

However, that rank is more of a reflection of their offense. Teams are constantly forced to throw the ball to keep pace with the high-powered Packers offense.

The Pack actually allows an average of 4.7 yards per rush, which ranks them towards the very bottom of the NFL. This stat is much more illustrative of their lack of a rushing defense since it shows the success that other teams have when they run the ball.

Somewhere, Frank Gore is salivating at the thought of running against this defense in the cold. 

The Green Bay Packers Secondary Doesn't Hold Up Well Against the Pass Either

A lazy analysis would point to the fact that the Green Bay Packers have given up the second-most yards through the air in the league. Yet, it needs to be remembered that these numbers trend high because teams are playing catch-up.

The more indicative stat is that the Packers allow 7.7 yards per attempt by opposing quarterbacks. This is the third-highest allowance by any defense.

It basically means that every time a team can get a pass off, they nearly have a first down already.

The secondary must regain its swagger from last postseason to protect the leads the offense will build.

The Pass Rush Is Lacking

Clay Matthews III finished last season as a close runner-up to Troy Polamalu in Defensive Player of the Year honors. This year hasn't been quite so kind to the explosive playmaker.

He still leads the team with six sacks, but has been provided with little help. Desmond Bishop has shown flashes in racking up five sacks. 

However, that is not enough for offenses to worry about. Any pass protection can be extremely effective when they only have to worry about one player.

The San Francisco 49ers Shouldn't Be Dismissed so Easily

As mentioned earlier, Frank Gore has to love the thought of being able to pound the ball against the Green Bay Packers defense.

The San Francisco 49ers would use the workhorse back to control the clock and try to keep Aaron Rodgers firmly planted on the sidelines. This might be the only effective strategy for keeping the Packers offense from putting up ridiculous sums of points.

Alex Smith cannot keep pace with the Pack if they're allowed to get rolling. Yet, he has generally been smart with the football as he has only thrown five interceptions.

If the 49ers unleash rookie sensation Aldon Smith and Patrick Willis, they could grind out a tough victory on the frozen tundra.

The Detroit Lions Are the 2010 Green Bay Packers-Lite

The Detroit Lions are gaining steam as "the team that no one wants to play in the playoffs." Just because analysts may be discussing this subject to death doesn't mean that there isn't credence to the theory.

The Lions have the type of defensive line that can cause problems for the Green Bay Packers. The secondary is better than advertised considering Detroit has only allowed 6.5 yards per attempt.

The offense is just as explosive as any in the NFL. Matthew Stafford only has to throw the ball up to Pro Bowler Calvin Johnson to get bailed out of difficult situations.

Don't forget that the Thanksgiving game was close until the infamous stomp by Ndamukong Suh. If the young Lions can keep their composure, they're a legitimate threat to the current NFC North kings.

The New Orleans Saints Can Score with Anyone

At this point, my grandmother probably knows that Drew Brees recently broke Dan Marino's single-passing yardage record. The New Orleans Saints don't just rack up yards though—they put the ball in the end zone.

The presumptive runner-up to Aaron Rodgers for the MVP has a vast array of weapons at his disposal. The offseason addition of Darren Sproles made an unpredictable offense that much more troublesome to defend.

How are you supposed to cover a stud tight end (Jimmy Graham), three above average receivers and a dynamic running back?

The two defenses will not put up much resistance, so neither side will be given that particular edge.

The season-opener won by the Green Bay Packers came down to the final minute. Any playoff clash between these two NFC titans will surely follow suit.

The Pittsburgh Steelers Are Always Dangerous

Last year's Super Bowl was not an uncontested blowout. The Pittsburgh Steelers battled the Green Bay Packers, and if not for a couple crucial turnovers, the game could have easily ended in a different result.

LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison are capable of causing any offensive line fits. In addition, cornerback Ike Taylor established that he is still an impact corner when he shut down the New England Patriots Wes Welker.

Ben Roethlisberger's late-game heroics are well-chronicled. The emergence of wide receivers Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown only serve to make the offense more dangerous, especially in crunch time.

If these two teams advance to the title game again, the odds will be equivalent to a coin flip.

Fortune Is Fickle

There are always a few plays that break a successful team's way by sheer luck of the draw. They sometimes come in the form of a fortunate turnover or a ball that bounces out of bounds.

Certainly, the more effort and skill that is put forth, the more often these plays go your way. However, some things cannot be explained. 

The Green Bay Packers have seen their share of helpful plays on their way to a Super Bowl title and during their flirtation with an undefeated season.

All that it takes is one inexplicable play to change a team's fortune. It's entirely possible that the Packers have exhausted their supply.