Sporting News’ panel of experts has looked ahead, boldly assuming that
next NFL season will actually take place. We evaluated the contenders,
and separated the two best from the rest. Our Super Bowl XLVI pick: Green Bay Packers over the New England Patriots.
Why the Packers will win the NFC
Championship continuity — Championship teams are
often broken up by defections among the players and coaching staff. Not
these Packers. The nucleus remains intact, led by quarterback Aaron
Rodgers, linebacker Clay Matthews, cornerback Charles Woodson, safety
Nick Collins, left tackle Chad Clifton, nose tackle B.J. Raji and
cornerback Tramon Williams. Coach Mike McCarthy is a brilliant
play-caller, and his simpatico with Rodgers grows stronger every year.
Dom Capers is one of the game’s top defensive coordinators.
Rodgers rules — Rodgers has made the leap from excellent quarterback to great quarterback, and he should get even better.
"I’m pretty confident we’re going to be a hungry team," Rodgers said after winning Super Bowl XLV.
Talent talks — General manager Ted Thompson has
assembled a deep roster. With injured players returning like tight end
Jermichael Finley, running back Ryan Grant and offensive tackle Mark
Tauscher, the Packers will be better next season.
Why the Patriots will win the AFC
The brilliant Bs — Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.
The coach and the quarterback have already combined to win three Super
Bowls. Neither has lost his fastball and both are driven to get back to
the top.
Offensive firepower — The Patriots led the NFL in
scoring last season, averaging 32.4 points per game. Brady has an array
of targets like wide receivers Wes Welker
and Deion Branch, and tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.
The addition of rookie running backs Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen
could make the offense even more potent.
Rising talent — Linebacker Jerod Mayo, cornerback
Devin McCourty, and safeties Brandon Meriweather and Patrick Chung are
all young, smart, and improving. The Patriots’ defense will make more
big plays.
Super Bowl edge
It’s hard to repeat, but it’s easier when you’re as good as the
Packers. Rodgers and company will be too much for the Patriots.