NFL: Steelers and Packers clash at the Super Bowl XLV
The moment all American Football have has been waiting for has arrived, as Pittsburgh Steelers face Green Bay Packers for the ultimate prize of the sport: the Super Bowl. This year’s edition will be held at Cowboys Stadium, in Arlington, Texas, bringing together two of the best-performing franchises of the season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers managed a record of 14 victories and only 2 losses, to finish second on the American Football Conference, surpassed only by the impressive New England Patriots, who were disappointingly eliminated by the Jets in the divisional finals. The Pennsylvanians roamed through the play-offs, first beating the Ravens 31-24, and then moving on to sweep the New York Jets 24-19 for the conference title.
On the other hand, the Packers had to wait until the last matchday of the regular season to secure their ticket to the post-season, earning the last National Football Conference wild card. Their run in the play-offs was impressive though, as they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 21-16, before crushing the Falkons 48-21 and gaining a spot in the Super Bowl after winning the NFC final against the Chicago Bears 21-14.
History is on the Steelers’ side, as they are the most successful franchise in modern NFL history, boasting a record six Super Bowl titles, the last one of them being just two years ago. On the contrary, in order to find the last Green Bay triumph, one has to travel back to the distant 1997, when at the Lousiana Superdome, the Packers beat the Patriots to lift the trophy for their first — and last to date — time.
Post-season stats draw another picture though, with Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay quarterback, being at the top of the passing yards list, with 720 yards, while the team also tops the rushing and receiving yards, as well as the interceptions categories. Their Sunday opponents have a strong presence in the defensive categories: linebacks Lawrence Timmons and James Harrison are on the top-5 of the tackles and sacks (tackling the QB before the pass) list.
SkyBet, in accordance with all U.S. bookmakers, offer the Green Bay Packers as favourites, at 5/7, with a 6/5 for the Steelers. Do not be afraid to bet on Pittsburgh, as this is going to be a close Super Bowl match and experience in such high level matters. In addition, if the granite Steelers defence can eliminate the lethal Aaron Rodgers, then their QB, Ben Roethlisberger, will have the opportunity to become the man of the season, even after a lackluster — if not dreadful — year. Four down, without risking too much for the interception, can be the key to a low score victory for Pittsburgh.
Green Bay will have to hit in the long pass and try to take an advantage early in the match. Dealing with the Steelers’ defence in the dying minutes, especially when trailing, can be extremely nerve breaking.
For the record, the Super Bowl is the most-watched program in American television, while tickets start from $1999 up to $277800. Not-surprisingly, all “cheap” tickets for this year’s event have been sold out since 2010.
