By Mike Kennedy, Technical Evangelist
Talent Analytics, Corp.

The Super Bowl is set – Green Bay vs Pittsburgh. Who do you predict will win? 

For non-fans of either team: are you relying on your gut or do you have data to support your argument? Let us know why you made your choice via the comments below.

I am a Patriots fan and thus neutral for this one. Just want to see an entertaining game like last year (although the Pats fan in me was especially happy Indy lost). For the Super Bowl, I designated a ‘data’ competitor and a ‘gut’ competitor then made my prediction.

Data supports the Steelers winning this year’s Super Bowl. Coach Mike Tomlin’s team is led by veteran Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who has 2 Super Bowl Rings. Combine this with their vaunted defense, ranked #1 in practically every statistical category the NFL measures. They are the higher conference seed (#2 seed vs #6). They won the rugged AFC North division. Using the data as evidence, it’s a pretty compelling argument Pittsburgh will be the Super Bowl Champs.

Then there are the Green Bay Packers.

My gut says the Packers win (you betcha!). A formidable opponent themselves, the Pack nearly beat the Patriots (a team that beat Pittsburgh) with their backup QB (that’s the eye test).  They have plowed through the NFC playoffs as the road team, beating Atlanta and Chicago along the way. Combine these intangibles with a fast defense plus the arm of Aaron Rodgers and my gut says the Packers will be Super Bowl Champs.

Does gut (the NFC this year) beat data (the AFC)? Agree or disagree with me? Comment below then be sure to check back here on February 7.