NFL Playoff Scenarios: Ranking the 5 Most Likely Super Bowl Matchups

The following Super Bowl matchups are the most likely as we head into the final week of the NFL regular season:

1. Green Bay Packers vs. New England Patriots

We're not thinking too far out of the box by including both the No. 1 seeds, but there's a reason why the Packers and Patriots are in their current positions. And you can't say two No. 1 seeds meeting in the Super Bowl never happens; the Colts and Saints did just two years ago in 2009. 

2. New Orleans Saints vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Saints are getting hot at the right time, and there will be plenty who pick them to be the NFC representative at Super Bowl XLVI. If Ben Roethlisberger can get healthy (a first-round bye would do wonders), the Steelers can beat any team in the AFC field.

3. Packers vs. Steelers

A rematch of Super Bowl XLV? I wouldn't count it out. The Packers only have to win two home games, and the Steelers have a team in 2011 that is arguably more well-rounded than the 2010 squad.

4. San Francisco 49ers vs. Patriots

Putting the 49ers at No. 4 on this list may be too low, especially considering how well their style of play could travel to Green Bay. A cold, snowy game at Lambeau Field could actually favor the 49ers. This Super Bowl would also feature the best (49ers) and worst (Patriots) of defenses in 2011.

5. (tie). Saints vs. Baltimore Ravens

Nobody is talking about the Ravens as a Super Bowl contender, and that's difficult to understand. They've played their best football against the best competition. Getting a first-round bye is big for their chances. Drew Brees vs. the Ravens defense would be a fascinating matchup. 

5. (tie) 49ers vs. Steelers   

We'd get a healthy Ben Roethlisberger and a working set of lights if these two met up in the Super Bowl. With a win, the 49ers could tie the Steelers with the most Super Bowl championships in NFL history (six).