World Bowl XXXVII

San Jose SaberCats (16-2) vs Pittsburgh Maulers (13-6)

Point Spread: Pittsburgh -2

San Jose: Offense 1st Defense 2nd
Pittsburgh: Offense 9th Defense 4th

Playoff Records: San Jose 13-19 Pittsburgh 27-17

World Bowl Records: San Jose 1-0 (Won: XXVII) Pittsburgh 2-2 (Won: XXIX, XXXIV; Lost: II, XXXIII)

Head to Head: This is the first World Bowl between San Jose and Pittsburgh. San Jose beat Pittsburgh 31-22 Week 4 of this season to even their series at 5-5. San Jose beat Pittsburgh in 1974, 1990, 1994, 1998, and 2010. Pittsburgh beat San Jose in 1978, 1982, 1986, 2002, and 2006.

Injuries: San Jose 4 probable, 2 questionable, 1 doubtful, 1 Out Pittsburgh 2 probable, 2 questionable

Prediction: San Jose 25 Pittsburgh 20

We all know San Jose can blow teams out when the sim is going their way but the playoffs have shown the SaberCats can also win tight, low scoring, defensive struggles. Pittsburgh is certainly capable of winning, in fact they're favored, although I've never trusted MFN point spreads since they're tied to the broken power rankings. I feel if the Maulers are to win, they need things to go their way, win most every crucial "dice roll". If things go south for either team, like turnovers, I feel San Jose is more likely to be able to overcome that, which is why I'm picking them.