Super Bowl Predictions 2012: Ranking the Possible Matchups and Outcomes

Championship Sunday is almost upon us, and though those games should be great, it's hard not to look ahead and think about who will be meeting in Indianapolis two weeks from now.

Here is a ranking of all the possible Super Bowls in terms of story lines and potential for a memorable game, plus predictions for who will actually win the AFC and NFC.

4. Ravens vs. 49ers

Yes this would be the "Harbowl," but the sibling coaching duel is really all this matchup would have going for it.

Two mediocre quarterbacks going against great defenses (though, the Ravens' D may not be so great anymore) would, in all likelihood, lead to a slow, mistake-filled game. 

Not that good defense isn't fun to watch, and not that the Super Bowl needs to be a shootout. But, Baltimore vs. San Francisco lacks the star power—especially under center—that typically leads to the drama you want in America's greatest sporting event.

3. Ravens vs. Giants

Please, sports media, if this ends up being the Super Bowl, do not bill it as a rematch. No one on this Giants team was around for the debacle in Super Bowl 35. 

Interestingly enough, this game would probably play out similarly to when these two met 11 years ago, except the Giants would be the bullies this time. New York's devastating pass-rush would make Joe Flacco look like Kerry Collins, and the Giants' receivers would make plays all day against Baltimore's aging defense.  

2. Patriots vs. 49ers

Not really any story lines here, but there is a lot of history with the Patriots being the dynasty of the new millennium and the 49ers being the dynasty of the '80s. Two big fanbases as well.

The game itself would be a very intriguing clash of styles.

Would it be won by the 49ers' dominating, physical defense (maybe the best we've seen in years)? Would the unstoppable combination of Brady, Welker and Gronkowski lead to a fourth Lombardi trophy for Belichick and Co.? Or, maybe the much-maligned Patriots defense will a big stop late. Or, maybe Alex Smith finally will silence all his critics in the biggest way possible.

Lots to think about here. These two teams are both great at what they do and are polar opposites. 

1. Patriots vs. Giants

Now this is a rematch.

There are so many plots and subplots here that I probably don't even have to list them. But, I'll name a few anyway. Patriots out for revenge after the Giants ruined their perfect season, Boston-New York rivalry, Eli looking to surpass his brother's Super Bowl count against Peyton's arch nemesis...It could go on and on.

And the game would probably be great as well. The methodical Patriots offense versus the playmaking, almost-school-yard-like style of New York's lethal passing attack. Would the Giants get to Brady like they did in Super Bowl 42?

This would be awesome, and something as ridiculous as the helmet catch would probably happen.

So, Who Wins on Sunday and Makes It to the Big Game?

Patriots vs. Ravens

A lot has been said about how the Ravens can slow down the Pats' offense and how Ray Rice is going to have a huge game. I don't buy it.

The Texans outplayed the Ravens last week. The Texans dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Baltimore won because T.J. Yates made some mistakes (mistakes Tom Brady will not be making on Sunday) and because Jacoby Jones had a horrible day returning punts.

The Ravens' defense is not what it once was, and this Patriots offensive attack is historically good. New England won't blow out Baltimore, but they should win with relative ease. 

Patriots 31

Ravens 17

49ers vs. Giants

This one is a toss-up. Frank Gore could be the key because if he gets going, that will, to some extent, prevent the Giants from making Alex Smith's life miserable.

Eli Manning will certainly have a tougher time than he did against Green Bay, but he has proved capable of making plays under pressure and when everything breaks down.

This game should be very exciting and close throughout. Expect the Giants' playoff experience and big-play ability to prevail.

Giants 23

49ers 20