The bracket is set, the teams are locked in and we know who’s off next week and who’s playing.
The 2019 NFL playoffs are finally here.
So it’s the best time to start dreaming about who could meet at Super Bowl LIV in Miami.
We’ve ranked 11 possible matchups below, based mostly on watchability and storylines that could be juicy in the lead-up to the big game. It seems pretty obvious the AFC team most NFL fans — those without rooting interests in the postseason teams left — would want to see. But I think the NFC is kind of wide open, both from a competitive and watchability perspective.
Here are some matchups we’d all like:
11. Texans vs. 49ers
You get the No. 1 seed in the NFC who has some explosiveness in them occasionally with George Kittle and rookie Deebo Samuel. And you get that same explosiveness out of Deshaun Watson, plus the “J.J. Watt finally made a Super Bowl” storyline.
10. Patriots vs. Saints
LET THE HATE FLOW THROUGH YOU! This would mean the two most fun teams in the AFC are out, and that stinks. But this might set up a game in which Drew Brees overcomes some of the Saints’ latest playoff bad luck and wins a second ring while also taking down the Evil Empire … and what does that mean for Tom Brady?
9. Patriots vs. Seahawks
Be prepared for two weeks of watching this 1,568 times:
8. Texans vs. Saints
See above regarding the Texans, but this would be such a fun game.
7. Ravens vs. Packers
I have to be honest: the Packers are kind of boring to watch now that Aaron Rodgers isn’t leaned on as heavily as he used to be. And before you hit send on that hate-tweet at me, I love Aaron Jones as much as Packers Nation does. I just don’t think they’re the NFC team everyone else wants to watch.
6. Chiefs vs. 49ers
The first appearance of Patrick Mahomes, but not the last. NFL die-hards will hopefully see him figure out a way to blast through the Niners’ tough passing defense with side-arms and deep bombs.
5. Chiefs vs. Seahawks
Patrick Mahomes vs. Russell Wilson would be an absolute blast to watch.
4. Chiefs vs. Saints
Arguably the best NFC team vs. the second-most watchable quarterback in the postseason seems like a winning matchup. This is also a good time to mention Kansas City hasn’t won a Super Bowl since IV in 1970. On the NFL’s 50th anniversary of the modern era, that’s some perfect bookending.
3. Ravens vs. Seahawks
Seattle getting Marshawn Lynch back sent this matchup skyrocketing, mostly so we get more Beast Mode press conference moments. But also Lamar Jackson and Russell Wilson facing off would be so good — the Ravens took down the Hawks in Week 7 by a score of 30-16, a game in which Jackson ran for 116 yards.
2. Ravens vs. 49ers
The battle of No. 1 seeds, John Harbaugh vs. Kyle Shanahan, Lamar Jackson in the Super Bowl, two elite defenses and creative offenses … wow. Plus, the Ravens barely escaped in Week 13, winning at home 20-17 in a rain-soaked game. Maybe the Niners have a chance at containing Jackson? That could provide drama. Should this be higher?
1. Ravens vs. Saints
The obvious choice, at least for me. I want to see Brees one more time on the biggest stage. I want to see Jackson wow us all there, too. I would love to see the Saints put the past few years behind them and for the Ravens to prove that innovation on offense isn’t just a fad.
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