NFL Playoff Predictions: 4 Games That Could Be Instant Classics

When one glares at the 2011 NFL playoff picture, they'll see a handful of dream matchups we could be treated to in January. 

Some of the games with "Instant Classics" potential could occur as early as the first round. 

Let's take a look at these epic postseason showdowns as we enter Week 16 over the holiday weekend. 

New Orleans Saints vs. Green Bay Packers

Sometimes, rematches are exactly what we want as fans. 

Remember the season-opening thriller between these two clubs that came down to a Green Bay Packers goal-line stand of all things?

Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers combined for 731 passing yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions. 

The winter weather in Wisconsin probably won't allow either team to put on such an aerial clinic, but what is better than seeing the two best quarterbacks go head-to-head with a Super Bowl bid on the line? 

I'd be all for it. 

San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers

A classic defense versus offense battle. 

The San Francisco 49ers' defensive front is the most ferocious and balanced in the NFL, and they arguable boast the most talented and energetic linebacking corp in football, as well. 

The secondary is underrated and has intercepted 21 passes, only behind the Packers. 

Ironic. 

We know all about the Packers' potent offense, and it'd be interesting to see how it operates in the colder weather. 

San Fran seems to be built for the postseason, with Frank Gore leading their ninth-ranked run game and Alex Smith, an efficient signal-caller, behind center. 

Do they have the ideal makeup to beat the Pack in Green Bay in January?

I'd love to find out. 

Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers

You think the Pittsburgh Steelers would love a chance to avenge both of their losses to the Baltimore Ravens this year? 

Foaming at the mouth. 

I don't care where the game is played—these clubs are so eerily similar and will definitely provide us with an old-school, hard-hitting, no-love contest that, for the most part, have gone by the wayside in today's NFL. 

Can Joe Flacco finally get over the playoff hump that is the Steelers' rock-solid defense? 

Will Ben Roethlisberger been nimble enough to elude pass rushers and improvise with his injured ankle? 

Tons of story lines for this potential matchup. 

New England Patriots vs. New York Jets

Right now, you're probably thinking the Patriots would smash the Jets based on a lot of things. 

New York was just blown out by the Eagles in Philadelphia, while New England is riding a nice six-game winning streak into the final weeks of the season. 

Oh, and the fact that the Patriots blew out the Jets in the final meeting, 37-16. 

But don't forget what happened last season. 

Tom Brady and the Pats humiliated Gang Green in early December, 45-3, and the Jets went on to stun New England on their home turf in the playoffs en route to a second-straight AFC championship game. 

And this happened.

Wouldn't mind seeing this game again, would you?