NFL Playoff Scenarios: San Francisco 49ers' 5 Best 1-on-1 Matchups

The San Francisco 49ers finish the season against the putrid St. Louis Rams, and with their 13th win—or a New Orleans Saints loss—the 49ers will lock up a first-round bye.

Who guessed the 49ers would achieve this much success, this quickly? I can honestly say I was not among the believers.

The turnaround was magical for both fans and players alike. Despite the success of past 49ers teams—with great players such as Montana, Rice, etc.—this season is truly something special.

With a new head coach and all the distractions of a shortened offseason, who could've expected this quick of a turnaround?

After acquiring the franchise's first playoff berth since 2002, Jim Harbaugh still has unfinished business come the postseason.

How will this young 49ers core fare in the intense playoff environment?

Yes, the 49ers have played in high-stake games this season, but the playoffs are a different animal. They will face teams which are more explosive and, more importantly, more experienced. 

Despite the inexperience of this 49ers core, there are favorable matchups that the team can exploit in the playoffs. 

Here are five one-on-one matchups that should favor the 49ers. 

Frank Gore vs. Detroit Lions Rush Defense

Frank Gore recorded a season-high 141 yards rushing against the Detroit Lions in Week 6. The 49ers escaped Ford Field with a victory largely due to Gore, and I expect the same result if these two teams meet again in the postseason. 

The Detroit Lions have been awful against the run in 2011. The Lions are 26th against the run, despite a top-heavy front seven featuring the likes of Ndamukong Suh and Kyle Vanden Bosch. 

Gore has struggled in recent weeks, but a probable bye week should leave the seven-year veteran with fresh legs entering the postseason. 

Justin Smith vs. Any Offensive Line

Justin Smith—along with Patrick Willis—should be considered a top contender for defensive player of the year. 

Smith has long been considered one of the more underrated defensive lineman in the NFL. He is simply a superstar and, shockingly, has gotten better with age. At 32, Smith has more than lived up to the $45-million contract he received from the 49ers in 2008. 

Smith's relentlessness should be a major issue for any offensive line, and that sentiment is definitely repeated by many O-line coaches.

If Patrick Willis is the heart of this defense, Smith serves as the soul. He is crucial to the 49ers' success, and I expect his play in the postseason to rise—which is hard to believe, based on his regular-season achievements. 

Aldon Smith vs. Green Bay Packers Offensive Line

Aldon Smith's absence from the Pro Bowl roster is one of the bigger snubs. If Von Miller was able to make the roster, then Aldon Smith deserved a spot. He is one sack away from tying Javon Kearse's rookie sack record, despite playing only situational downs in 2011. 

The hype machine is resting well in Denver and hasn't reached San Francisco as of yet.

The playoffs will change that. 

Smith has Hall of Fame potential, and I expect him to showcase his versatile skill set on the big stage. His play against the Pittsburgh Steelers was just the tip of the iceberg. 

If the 49ers matchup with the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game, expect Aldon Smith to have a dominating performance against a shoddy Packers offensive line. 

They can play Smith at end or standing up—or even inside at times—which should cause problems for the Packers. The Packers love to throw the football, and that means simply that Smith will be on the field more. 

The 49ers mostly use Smith as a situational rusher. They use the rookie on a lot of third and passing downs.

Expect the 49ers to play in a lot of nickel coverages to match up with Aaron Rodgers and that explosive Packers offense. 

Patrick Willis vs. Jimmy Graham

This will be one of the more intriguing matchups. 

Great players find a way to get better, and Patrick Willis has done that in 2011. While his overall statistics are down, Willis has managed to improve in pass coverage.

Already widely considered the heir to Ray Lewis, Willis has taken his game to another level. As stated previously, Willis should be leading the running for defensive player of the year. His play has personified the defensive identity this 49ers team has hardened over the years.

His improved play in pass coverage will be needed if the Niners face off against the New Orleans Saints. 

Jimmy Graham has been a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses in 2011, but the young tight end may finally meet a physical specimen equal to himself in Patrick Willis. 

Willis has the speed and the strength to match up with Graham in both short and long situational downs. If the 49ers are able to contain Graham, then that leaves one fewer weapon for Drew Brees. 

This is a matchup to watch if these two teams meet in the playoffs. 

Alex Smith vs. New Orleans Saints Pass Defense

Alex Smith has transformed under the guidance of Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman. The West Coast scheme is an ideal fit for Smith's skill set and, in addition, complements the run game quite nicely. 

If the 49ers match up against the New Orleans Saints in the postseason, Alex Smith should take advantage of a Saints pass defense giving up 268 yards passing a game to opposing offenses. 

The Saints defense of old was built on creating turnovers, but that has not happened in 2011. The Saints have a minus-four turnover differential this season. 

The 49ers could also take advantage of the Saints' likely game plan of stymying Frank Gore by starting the game gunning the ball, similar to their plan against the Giants in Week 10.