By Bob Bonett

A common error in forecasting a Super Bowl champion is picking the best team. Yes, often the NFL’s top squad wins the championship, but the fact of the matter is that more times than not, the playoff road determines who wins it all.

This year, time and time again, I have reiterated that the Chargers will face the Patriots in the playoffs, and beat them. When you break down the AFC playoff picture, the final four will probably be the Patriots, Chargers, Colts and Steelers. Based on seeding, New England will get San Diego, while Indy and Pittsburgh will square off.

That sets up San Diego in the AFC Championship against either the Colts or Steelers. And based on the inconsistency seen from Indianapolis this year-specifically the surprising roller-coaster season of Peyton Manning-Big Ben and Pittsburgh should make it an all-Wild Card AFC Championship game.

This presents a problem for San Diego. While the Pats are great, their problem against the rush was exposed last week against the Ravens. Moreover, LT is a superior running back to Willis McGahee, meaning the Chargers could certainly pull off the quarterfinal upset.

Pittsburgh, though, has no problem with the rush. Aside from a fluke game against Thomas Jones and the Jets, the Steel Curtain hasn’t surrendered a 100-yard rusher in nearly three season-meaning trouble in San Diego

And, regardless of who the NFL’s minor league conference sends, Pittsburgh will find itself holding up its sixth trophy for a number of reasons.

First, there is Big Ben Roethlisberger. The NFL’s best hybrid quarterback, Roethlisberger has the poise and mentality to stay in the pocket and be a precision passer, or run from the pocket and play a mobile position.

Then, there is Wee Willie Parker. He’s battled injuries all season, but played through them. And come time the playoffs and Super Bowl, Parker will be healthy, and his ability to make magic happen on the ground will set up Roethlisberger and the passing game.

Next, the blocking capabilities of Pittsburgh’s receivers cannot be ignored. When the Jets prepared for the Steelers, cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Hank Poteat were less concerned about game planning for Hines Ward’s receiving game, and more wary of his blocking game. This helps Pittsburgh markedly both on the ground and through the air.

Finally, the Steelers, as always, have arguably the NFL’s top defense. With James Harrison, Ike Taylor, Deshea Townsend, Troy Polamalu and an entire cast of other lockdown defenders, any opposing offense will have trouble with Pittsburgh-even top-tier units such as the Packers and Cowboys.

Thus, while they may not be the best team in the NFL, but thanks to favorable post-season match-ups, the Steelers will find themselves Super Bowl champs.