Ranking Giants vs. Patriots Amongst Best Title Game Rematches in NFL History

Now that Super Bowl XLVI is set, the New England Patriots and New York Giants mark the fifth Super Bowl rematch in NFL history.

And with their previous meeting becoming an instant classic, this contest will surely meet expectations.

That being said, where does this Super Bowl rematch rank? Well, here's the top five counting down.

5. Dolphins vs. Redskins, Super Bowl XVII

Although only two players from Super Bowl VII played 10 years later when the Dolphins and Redskins rematched in Super Bowl XVII, Washington was out to avenge the loss.

Super Bowl VII had given Miami a perfect season with a 14-7 win, and with a 17-13 lead early in the fourth quarter, the Dolphins were one play away from taking over on downs.

But, John "The Diesel" Riggins happened and as you see in the picture, scampered for a TD on fourth down to give Washington a 20-17 lead and the Redskins never looked back.

4. Cowboys vs. Bills, Super Bowl XXVIII

A direct rematch from Super Bowl XXVII where Dallas blasted Buffalo 52-17 a year earlier, the Cowboys and Bills met a second consecutive time.

Unfortunately for the Bills, the Cowboys dominated in the second half 28-0 en route to a 30-13 win. Buffalo would lose four straight Super Bowls and this rematch would be higher ranked, but isn't thanks to Dallas' 82-30 point differential dominance from both games.

Still, to see two teams rematch in consecutive seasons is interesting.

3. 49ers vs. Bengals, Super Bowl XXIII

A rematch of Super Bowl XVI where San Francisco defeated Cincinnati 26-21, four Cincinnati Bengals were looking to get revenge, two of which, receiver Cris Collinsworth and Hall of Fame offensive lineman Anthony Munoz are most notable.

San Francisco on the other hand, still had Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, Keena Turner and Randy Cross among others.

So, with some players quite familiar with one another it's no surprise that this rematch came down to the final drive. Backed up inside their own red zone, the 49ers marched down field and scored to take a 20-16 lead with less than a minute to play.

And once again Cincinnati would fall short by less than a touchdown to Joe Montana.

2. Patriots vs. Giants, Super Bowl XLVI

Just four years ago the New England Patriots were on the verge of perfection and the New York Giants ruined everything.

Many players from both sides remain, including the obvious in quarterbacks Tom Brady and Eli Manning. The Giants still have a stellar pass rush and offensive line, while the Patriots passing game is virtually unstoppable.

New York has a new receiving corps, but running backs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs remain. As for that Pats, Wes Welker is still around along with left tackle Matt Light.

Bill Belichick has a revamped defense that's been built around Vince Wilfork since 2007-08 and the Giants have replaced Michael Strahan with Jason Pierre-Paul and Chris Canty.

In other words, expect one exciting Super Bowl between two franchises that are extremely familiar with one another.

1. Cowboys vs. Steelers, Super Bowl XIII

In the 1995-96 NFL season the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys met for a third time in the Super Bowl. That game, however, was not a rematch like Super Bowl XIII was between the two franchises.

Three years prior, Dallas and Pittsburgh met in Super Bowl X and the Steelers won 21-17. Receiver Lynn Swann caught just four passes, but compiled 161 yards and scored a touchdown.

Super Bowl XIII was another close game won by The Steel City 35-31. Had it not been for Cowboys tight end Jackie Smith's dropped pass in the end zone, this game could have easily gone to overtime.

This rematch, though, gets the top spot because of how many eventual Hall of Famers were playing against one another. From Dallas you had Roger Staubach, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Tony Dorsett, Randy White, Rayfield Wright and head coach Tom Landry.

From Pittsburgh there was Terry Bradshaw, Lynn Swann, Mel Blount, Mean Joe Greene, Jack Ham, Franco Harris, Jack Lambert, John Stallworth, Mike Webster and head coach Chuck Noll.

That's 16 eventual Hall of Famers in one game. Unbelievable.

John Rozum on Twitter