NFL: Battling for a place at the Super Bowl
The matches which will decide who goes to the Super Bowl this season are just around the corner. This Sunday, New York Jets clash with Pittsburgh Steelers, while Green Bay Packers fly to Chicago to face the Bears, for the AFC and NFC Conference Title respectively.
The Jets come out of a surprising victory at Gillette Stadium, against AFC-East division toppers and rivals New England Patriots, winning 28-21 to qualify to the American Football Conference Final. Having reached the Conference Finals again two years earlier, when they were eliminated by the Colts, the New Yorkers have to be on top form if they want to overcome the Steelers and advance to the big match. Their granite defence and running game against the Patriots was the key to success, but will they be able to disrupt a quarterback like Roethlisberger?
The home side will rely on its quarterback long throws, but what they must avoid mistakes on the pass at all costs. The Jets took advantage of the Patriots’ hasty throws, and managed some game-winning turnovers.
Numbers never lie, and on this occasion they prove the form of Jets quarteback Mark Sanchez, with 3291 yards of successful passes, surpassing even Ben Roethlisberger. It is imperative for the Steelers to bring him down, if they want to prove they are the favourite to win the Super Bowl for the first time after 2008. SkyBet offers 1/2 for Pittsburgh winning the Conference and a 13/8 for a Jets’ triumph.
On the National Football Conference Final, the Packers meet the Bears in Chicago, with the prize being a spot on February’s Super Bowl, in Dallas Texas. There is little difference between the two sides, with only a victory keeping them apart during the regular season, and it’s no surprise they meet again at the Final.
Aaron Rodgers is lethal when left with open space and if the Packers’ playbook works as planned, then it will definitely be extra yards for Green Bay. In order to repeat their regular season victory at home, the Bears needs to focus on containing Rodgers. If the throw is not made in the first place, then you don’t have to worry about the receivers.
It has been reported that the Packers interceptions will be the decisive factor of the game. In my opinion, they will need to try harder to force Giants’ quarterback Jay Butler into such big mistakes, as to produce a turnover. They will need to rely on solid defence most of all, and force their opponents to four downs, without risking for the interception.
This is the perfect match for bold players, as SkyBet offers a 13/8 for the Bears winning the conference, while the Packers are given a mere 1/2. Playing in front of their home crown and having done it again during the regular season, don’t be surprised if Chicago pulls if off again and reaches the Super Bowl XLV.
