Super Bowl 2012: Breaking Down 5 Juiciest Potential Matchups

The Super Bowl is a three-hour game with 300 hours of pregame coverage.

Every media outlet in America is searching for the hottest storylines and most compelling anecdotes. Whether it is two rival teams, two coaches with history or getting the most popular players in the big game…here are the five dream matchups for the 2012 Super Bowl:

5. Baltimore Ravens vs. New Orleans Saints

The classic defense vs. offense matchup pits a Ravens D that ranks second against the rush (92.6 ypg) and fourth against the pass (196.3 ppg) against a Saints offense that is first in passing (334.2 ppg) and sixth in rushing (132.9).

With Ray Lewis declining before our eyes, this may be his last chance at a title. On the other side it’s not like the 32-year-old Brees is getting any younger. The urgency in this game would be incredible.

Oh yeah, and because it was my preseason Super Bowl pick.

4. New England Patriots vs. San Francisco 49ers

This matchup would have us drowning in Tom Brady talk.

The northern California native grew up idolizing Joe Montana and would get the chance to tie his Super Bowl win mark with four.

That’s the ultimate off-field storyline that means nothing on the field but would be talked up at nausea. Plus it would be a great matchup between the second-ranked defense and the prolific pass offense of the Patriots.

3. Baltimore Ravens at San Francisco 49ers

The "Brother’s Bowl" would be historic.

Ray Rice vs. Frank Gore. Patrick Willis vs. Ray Lewis.

Two quarterbacks looking to finally shut their critics up. These are two eerily similar teams that just so happen to be coached by men with the last name Harbaugh.

2. Denver Broncos vs. New Orleans Saints

Tim Tebow coverage would literally take over the world at this point, but it would still be a sweet game. Could No. 15 keep up with Brees and Co.? The Saints aren’t just winning, they are blowing teams out on their nine-game winning streak.

Tebow would have to match him or keep the Saints off the field with the Broncos No.1 ranked rush offense.

1. New England Patriots vs. Green Bay Packers

This would be the ultimate offensive display.

Two of the best offenses against two of the worst pass defenses in the league. The over/under would be around 80.

These two teams have been the most consistent in the league this season and have quarterbacks in Brady and Aaron Rodgers that are at the absolute top of their game.

This would be a clinic on smart and efficient quarterback play and also on how not to defend receivers. Who would win? It’s a coin flip, which makes this matchup that much better.