Picking the Steelers:
Russell Baxter, NFL research specialist: 26-21: “Much has been made about the defenses and rightfully so thanks to the bevy of stars and playmakers. But regardless of who’s up front for Pittsburgh, a big day for running back Rashard Mendenhall will pave the way for the Steelers’ third title in six years.”
Cris Carter, Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown analyst: 28-27: “In the end, the Steelers defense will cause too many turnovers.”
Mike Greenberg, co-host of ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike in the Morning and SportsCenter anchor: 28-27: “I’ve seen Roethlisberger win too many times to pick against him.”
Jay Harris, SportsCenter anchor and former news anchor/reporter for WPGH-TV in Pittsburgh: 35-31: “I think this should be a very entertaining game with two great defenses and two great young quarterbacks. While I love everything Aaron Rodgers brings to the table, I think Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers are destined to get another ring, and as they’re saying back in Pittsburgh, ‘6 is good, but 7 is better.'”
Merril Hoge, NFL Live, NFL Matchup and NFL PrimeTime analyst: 28-24: “Both defenses are outstanding but the Steeler defense is more seasoned and has more flexibility within pressures and coverage. The running game is going to be a factor in this game one way or another and the Steelers have the ability to control the tempo with theirs, and the Packers do not.”
Tom Jackson, Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown analyst: 24-21: “As a team, their experience at being here is going to make a difference for them. Making them the underdogs only gives them an edge.”
Ron Jaworski, Monday Night Football and NFL Matchup analyst: 31-28. “Explosive plays by Mike Wallace.”
Keyshawn Johnson, Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown analyst: 28-24: “Their experience is a key factor. They know what to expect, they know what to do. Mike Tomlin is going for his second Super Bowl in three years.”
Steve Levy, SportsCenter anchor: 27-24: “Too much Pittsburgh Super Bowl experience and the Packers aren’t going to enjoy the Polamalu experience either.”
Hannah Storm, SportsCenter anchor: 24-21: “Green Bay hasn’t had to come from behind or make up any kind of large deficit this season and they don’t have the Super Bowl experience the Steelers do. The Packers also haven’t faced the kind of defense they will face Sunday.”
Scott Van Pelt, SportsCenter anchor and ESPN Radio host: 23-17: “A low-scoring game. Teams with better records who are underdogs are 15-3 in the Super Bowl. (I might have made that up but I think I read it someplace.)”
Michael Wilbon, Pardon the Interruption co-host: 28-24: “As great as Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have been for an entire decade, I think ‘Big Ben’ and Aaron Rodgers are now the two best quarterbacks playing in the league today. Roethlisberger is still underrated by his own peers and the people who watch football, and we’re going to be reminded of that Sunday.”
Marcellus Wiley, NFL Live analyst and co-host of Winners Bracket on ABC: 17-13: “This game will keep you on the couch the entire four quarters, and not just because you want to see the commercials. In a close one, the Steelers win. Too much defense and too much Big Ben in the clutch!”
Trey Wingo, NFL Live and NFL PrimeTime host: 27-24: “Big Ben makes the throw late to win it.”
