by Yaj Nitsuga

Created on: January 11, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Since I am writing this after Wild Card weekend, the task of predicting the combatants of Super Bowl XLI is a little easier. I did correctly predict all the winners of Wild Card weekend though. If you don't believe me, check out 1fansview.blogspot.com.

I'm going to try something a little different. In stead of the usual, this team will beat that team write up I'm going to list the teams, in my best guess-timation, in order of each team's chances of making the big show. I'll give reasons why they'll be in SB XLI and also reasons why they won't. After all, if I knew for sure who would be there I would be in Vegas instead of writing this article.

AFC
#1 Baltimore Ravens
They will play in SB XLI
What's not to like? Sprinkled throughout the roster is veteran leadership and players that have been there before. In Steve McNair they have a veteran QB that rarely makes mistakes and can make plays when they need him to. They have the #1 ranked defense in the league backed up by a hard nosed running game. They played three playoff teams during the year and beat them all, including #1 seed San Diego. The other two victories came on the road in Kansas City and New Orleans. To top it off, the coaching staff has taken a team to the Super Bowl before, so they know what it takes to win it all.

They won't make SB XLI
The defense disguises the fact the offense is only ranked 22nd in the league. The pitfall I see for this team is they may have to go to San Diego to duplicate a win they barely pulled out at home, 16-13.

#2 San Diego Chargers
They will play in SB XLI
A lot of people would put the Patriots here. I'm giving the edge to the Chargers. When you consider both sides of the ball, they are the most talented team in the playoffs. The defensive front seven matches up with anyone. They lead the league in sacks and are one of the toughest teams to run on. The offensive line has come together this year, helping RB LaDainian Tomlinson to the offensive player of the year and MVP honors. They are the #1 scoring team in the league. Chargers were undefeated at home this season and the #1 seed gives them the home field advantage in the playoffs.

They won't make SB XLI
Although the defensive front seven are all potential all-stars, they hide a secondary that is serviceable at best. Keep your QB on his feet and you can score on this team. Then there's the stigma of Martyball. It's amazing to think that a coach that is 200-126-1 in the regular season is only 5-12 in the playoffs. There's also the

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