NFL Playoff Scenarios: The Worst Matchup for Every Eligible NFC Team

The following are the worst matchups for every single eligible NFC team in the 2011 NFL playoffs: 

Green Bay Packers: 49ers

I don't subscribe to the theory of a "blueprint" for beating the Packers. Yet if any team can replicate what the Kansas City Chiefs did against Green Bay, it's likely the 49ers. They can run the football, control the clock and play pressure defense both on the receivers and quarterback.

That formula can travel just fine to Lambeau Field, too.

San Francisco 49ers: Packers/Saints

It may seem a little counter-intuitive to put the Packers-49ers as each other's worst matchup, but it's true. The team that knocks the 49ers out of the playoffs will likely have a big-time offense. However, that team needs to get up early and take the 49ers out of their game plan. Putting the game in the hands of Alex Smith is still the way to beat San Francisco.

New Orleans Saints: Packers

A number of teams have good offenses in the NFC, but the Saints and Packers are the most comparable. To beat New Orleans, you better be able to score points. The Saints will have to travel to Green Bay, too. Weather conditions could be a factor.

New York Giants: Packers/Saints

We've already seen what both offenses (Packers scored 38, Saints 49) did to the Giants defense. New York matches up better with defensive-minded teams like the 49ers.

Dallas Cowboys: Detroit Lions

If the Cowboys make the playoffs, they'll likely be facing the Detroit Lions. The Cowboys went up big on Detroit earlier this season, before inexcusably letting the Lions come back to beat them at home. Here, they'd get a rematch in the Wild Card Round. However, with how well the Lions are playing right now, the Cowboys would have a hard time making amends.

Detroit Lions: Saints

The Lions had a legitimate shot at beating the Packers before the team self-destructed on Thanksgiving. They'll get their yearly chance on Sunday at winning in Wisconsin for the first time since 1991. The Saints, who beat the Lions by two touchdowns at home, would likely do the same in a rematch in the Superdome during the playoffs.

Atlanta Falcons: Saints

Is this becoming a broken record? The Saints swept the Falcons in the regular season, including a 46-16 blowout in Week 16. If they met again, it would likely be in the Wild Card Round next week. Can you really expect the Falcons to erase that kind of deficit on the road?