Following the NFC Championship on Sunday was the AFC Championship between the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. Much like Green Bay’s hot start, Pittsburgh scored 24 unanswered through much of the second quarter and held on to win 24-19.
Like Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger underperformed with only 133 yards passing, two interceptions and a rushing touchdown. Roethlisberger was bailed out by the run game and some opportune defense. Rashard Mendenhall rumbled for 121 yards rushing and a touchdown. He ran for more yards than anyone else and led the sports betting odds to do so along with Chicago’s Matt Forte. The Steelers covered as 4-point favorites and the combined score went over 38 points.
Mark Sanchez had a dreadful first half but got the Jets back on track in the second half. He finished with 233 yards passing and two touchdowns. They had a chance down by less than a touchdown with just over three minutes left, but the defense couldn’t stop the Steelers as they ran out the clock.
Pittsburgh is returning to the Super Bowl for the third time in six years. Roethlisberger is 2-0 and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is 1-0 in the game. The Steelers also have the most Super Bowl victories in NFL history with six. Green Bay has a rich history in the game as well. This is the fifth Super Bowl appearance for the Packers, who are 3-1 all-time. Their last appearance was a 1997 loss to the Denver Broncos.
Super Bowl XLV (Feb. 6)
Money Line (odds provided by Party Bets)
Pittsburgh: 6/5
Green Bay: 8/11
Point Spread: Green Bay -2.5
Over/Under: 45.5