NFL Playoff Scenarios: Ravens vs. Patriots and Best AFC Championship Matchups

The NFL playoffs are here and before you know it, we'll be debating which Super Bowl team has the edge. But before that game happens, NFL fans should be treated to a very good AFC Championship game.

Sure, crazy upsets and big surprises can happen, but the elite teams of the AFC should prosper. 

It's not difficult to see which teams are far above the rest in the AFC, but then again, stranger things have happened. The hope is that the top team will advance to give use the best possible matchup. 

With that said, here are the three best potential AFC Championship games. 

Baltimore vs. New England 

As the No. 1 and No. 2 seed, the Patriots and the Ravens going head-to-head is what most fans are pulling for in the AFC title game. 

If you root for another AFC team then naturally you're hoping for something else, but even still, you can't deny this would be a stellar matchup: Tom Brady and the Patriots' prolific offense up against a powerful Ravens defense capable of shutting down any team in the league. 

Both teams have had their ups and downs this year, and Baltimore would most likely be given the edge despite playing on the road. The Ravens' defense is far superior than New England's and that will be the difference maker should these two meet. 

Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore 

These two might end up meeting in the AFC divisional round, but playing the AFC title game is also a strong possibility. 

If it does happen, it will not disappoint. Baltimore has beaten Pittsburgh twice this year, but all bets are off in a postseason showdown. 

These two AFC North rivals loathe one another, and that's why it would be a tremendous game. With Rashard Mendenhall out, the Steelers will look to Ben Roethlisberger to carry the load, and he knows what it takes to perform in the clutch. 

Since both teams thrive on defense, it will come down to quarterback play, which means Joe Flacco would finally get a chance to show he can take Baltimore to the next level. 

Pittsburgh vs. New England 

Having seen these two teams go at it earlier in the year, fans would be pumped to have the Steelers and Patriots battle on the gridiron with so much at stake. 

The loss of Mendenhall makes life harder for Pittsburgh, but there's no denying these two teams would come down to the wire. The Steelers' backups could manage a decent game against the Patriots putrid defense, and Big Ben would be firing at will. 

Whenever Brady goes up against a top-notch defense, it's always an exciting game. With knowledge from the first time around, the Steelers and the Patriots would be better prepared to play each other.

That works out well for the fans because it would be such an intense game.