Super Bowl opinion poll

The Green Bay Packers are 2½-point favorites over the Pittsburgh Steelers in today's game, and the total is 45. A survey of Super Bowl opinions from Las Vegas Review-Journal staff members, other media and Las Vegas handicappers:

Mark Anderson, Review-Journal, Steelers 21-19

The Steelers seem to play nothing but close games, especially in the Super Bowl. In a tight game, you have to like the Steelers' defense and Ben Roethlisberger's clutch play-making abilities.

Clay Baker, ESPN Radio 1100 AM, Steelers 30-19

The Steelers could dictate the pace early, grab a large lead and force the Packers to take risks. Experience over finesse.

Steve Beaudry, Review-Journal, Steelers 31-27

It's tough to pick against Big Ben on a big stage and Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau with two weeks of preparation time.

Dave Cokin, ESPN Radio 1100 AM, Packers 23-20

On paper, an exceptionally even hookup. The feet of Mason Crosby and Shaun Suisham (calm down, Rex Ryan) decide this one, with the Packers winning it at the gun.

Joe D'Amico, Aasiwins.com, Packers 27-24

Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay's newly established running attack can score on anyone. Pittsburgh's offensive line is banged up, and the Packers' defense will get to Roethlisberger.

Todd Dewey, Review-Journal, Packers 24-20

Vince Lombardi is back -- on Broadway and HBO, at least -- and so is the Pack. Rodgers leads Green Bay back to the promised land.

Royce Feour, retired Review-Journal, Steelers 24-20

Since Mayor Oscar Goodman picked Green Bay minus-2½, I'll go the other way and bet him a martini (Bombay Sapphire gin) against a double-lemonade for me.

Doug Fitz, Systemplays.com, Steelers 24-17

The Packers will not be able to run the ball. Pittsburgh has a more dominant defense, and that usually wins big games.

Mark Franco, FrancoSports.com, Steelers 27-24

The Steelers will focus on their running attack and have success along with their short passing game. Pittsburgh has the better defense and wins a tight game.

Ed Graney, Review-Journal, Steelers 24-20

Massive chunks of snow crash through the roof of that billion dollar structure in Dallas and knock an underage cheerleader unconscious. Roethlisberger helps to revive her, asks for her number and if he might buy her a drink after the game and trots out to lead a last-minute, game-winning drive.

Joe Hawk, Review-Journal, Steelers 27-17

Three reasons: Super Bowl experience, Roethlisberger in the clutch and, above all else, Pittsburgh's defense has a title-game legacy it must protect.

Adam Hill, Review-Journal, Steelers 21-20

The Steelers have been there before, and media darling Roethlisberger will complete a fairy-tale season by winning another Super Bowl ring. The angelic quarterback will ask his teammates for one more great effort, and he won't take no for an answer.

Barry Holthaus, EOG.com, Steelers 27-24

Seeking his third title in six years, Roethlisberger leads a group of players and coaches that has the edge in Super Bowl experience and will find a way to win. The fast track and indoor stadium combined with quality QB play will push this over the total.

Ron Kantowski, Review-Journal, Packers 28-27

I'll be covering the Lingerie Bowl, so I'm probably not the best guy to ask.

Doug Kezirian, KTNV (Ch. 13) sports director, Packers 30-17

As hard as I try, I just cannot develop a strong opinion. Too many variables exist, which make the game so intriguing. Fellow undecided fans eventually will wager much like we feel the pressure to celebrate New Year's Eve.

Allen Leiker, Review-Journal, Steelers 27-24

Rodgers will have the better numbers, but Roethlisberger will make the big plays late in the game to win his third Super Bowl and the Steelers' seventh.

Bruce Marshall, The Gold Sheet, Steelers 27-24

Pittsburgh runs and defends the run better than Green Bay, edges that often are decisive in the postseason, and the Steelers will not panic if they fall behind. If Big Ben has the ball with a chance to win in final minutes, the Packers will be in trouble.

Micah Roberts, VegasInsider.com, Steelers 31-27

I'm not sure the score will even be that close. I see the Steelers controlling the tempo early and building a healthy lead. When the Packers are forced to scrap the run and let Rodgers have at it, they get close, but then it's too late.

Dennis Rudner, Review-Journal, Steelers 23-21

The Steelers are better at the main ingredients to winning championships -- running the ball and defense.

Mike Scalleat, Las Vegas handicapper, Steelers 30-24

Experience counts, and Big Ben and the Steelers' defense will win a third title in six years by beating the inexperienced Packers.

Charlie Scott, CharlieScottSports.com, Steelers 26-24

Roethlisberger doesn't look pretty, but he makes big plays in big games. The Steelers have the rushing edge and the better team and are getting points.

Ken Thomson, Sportsxradio.com, Packers 31-20

Although on paper it looks like the Steelers have plenty, the Rodgers-led Packers will use their speed to roll.

Mal Van Valkenburg, Review-Journal, Steelers 27-24

The Steelers have the defense to slow the Packers, and Roethlisberger has the knack for winning big games.

Matt Youmans, Review-Journal, Steelers 24-23

Roethlisberger and Rodgers will trade shots through the air, but Troy Polamalu and the Pittsburgh defense find a way to get it done.

Straight-up picks: Steelers 18, Packers 6

Against the spread: Steelers 19, Packers 5

Over-under: 15 over, 9 under

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL