Super Bowl XLV: Green Bay Packers (13-6) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (14-4)

Date: Sunday, February 6th, 2011

Location: Arlington, Texas (Dallas Cowboys Stadium)

Time: 6:30 p.m. EST

With Super Bowl XLV less than a week away, it’s time to break down the game with what to expect for your sports betting. The action is split pretty much down the middle right now, which is no surprise since these are two evenly matched teams. Neither team had an easy road to get here, but you could say the Green Bay had a tougher one with all away games. They have proven themselves this postseason and the odds suggest they will do so again on Sunday.

The retractable roof of the stadium will be closed for the Super Bowl and it should help the Packers more. They have a faster offense and more weapons at the receiver position than Pittsburgh. However, the Steelers have much more experience at this stage. If you were questioning Aaron Rodgers at the beginning of the playoffs, you have surely put those uncertainties to rest by now.

He has been the best quarterback statistically throughout the playoffs by far, and he did it all on the road. Playing in Texas won’t be a problem and expect him to continue to spread the ball around. His top targets at receiver have been Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and Jordy Nelson. The Steelers’ pass defense has been spotty all season, so expect Rodgers to take advantage of their secondary.

James Starks hinted at what he can do for Green Bay to close the season. He has broken out in the playoffs in a big way by averaging four rushing yards per carry against some quality defenses. Pittsburgh is dangerous on the ground. Rashard Mendenhall has been somewhat inconsistent in the playoffs, but he carries the team when he’s on. Green Bay’s run defense was in the bottom half of the NFL this season, so if Ben Roethlisberger stretches the defense with the Pittsburgh’s passing game, the Packers won’t stand a chance against the run.

My Pick: Rodgers has shown more poise than anyone in the postseason. As long as Green Bay’s run defense holds up, I’m backing the Packers to win 27-21.

Money Line (odds provided by Eurobet)

Green Bay: 4/6

Pittsburgh: 6/5

Point Spread: Green Bay -2.5

Over/Under: 44