NFL Playoff Scenarios: Six First Round Matchups That We Want To See

Many believe that the NFL race is wide open this season.  Though there's one definitive team and player that trump all the rest.  The team is the 11-2 New England Patriots and that player is the current consensus MVP, Tom Brady.  

In both the AFC and NFC, there are several intriguing matchups that the football world wants to see.  Even with four playoff teams getting byes, a lot will be resolved on Wild Card weekend.  Much confusion about who belongs and who doesn't is liable to be settled and positive for the Divisional Round the following weekend.  

Even the Atlanta Falcons, who also are 11-2 and lead the NFC are often forgotten because of the Patriots. Though these two are the conference leaders, they aren't the only notable teams in the league. Otherwise, both conferences are very close and will need these final few weeks to jockey themselves into position.

Here are some first-round playoff matchups that we want to see this January.  

AFC: Indianapolis Colts Vs. Baltimore Ravens

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BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 28: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Buccaneers 17-10. (Photo by Larry F

Ray Lewis vs. Peyton Manning in the playoffs, that's more than enough reason to watch.  Two of the best ever at their respective positions are a sure sell for fans and would make for a terrific football game.  Lewis and Manning, both sure-fire Hall of Famers is something that the football world would love to see.

Also inserted into this matchup are new young talent.  Young players like Pierre Garcon and Ray Rice help add another dimension to this battle.  Highly likely, though, this would become a chess match between two great leaders.  Defense may win championships, but as New Orleans and Indianapolis have proved in recent years, an offense can too.  

The Colts have been injured more than any other team this season.  Key injuries on both sides of the ball have often forced Manning to do too much at times. 

The Ravens are as solid as ever but this time with a very good offense as well.  They've been in a dogfight with the Pittsburgh Steelers for AFC North supremacy all season long.  The Sunday night showdown between these two teams was epic last week if you like defensive football.  

Prediction: Baltimore 20, Indianapolis 17

NFC: Philadelphia Eagles Vs. New York Giants

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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 12: Wide receiver DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

These two teams would be an obvious game to see here.  They've played several times in the playoffs before and never once disappointed.  The Eagles have been pioneered by the sensational Michael Vick for most of the season.  He's the reason why the Eagles are even near the playoffs.  

Just a few weeks ago, he led the Eagles to victory of these same Giants in Philadelphia.  Next week, they meet in the New Meadowlands for the first time ever.  Now the Eagles look to rewrite their own history in the New Meadowlands.  

For the New York Giants, they are just looking to stay in the playoffs at this point, but could still win the division too.  It's a matter of many things for them, nothing is certain yet as the Giants could end up in a multitude of places in the NFC.  

Prediction: Philadelphia 27, New York 23

AFC: Kansas City Chiefs Vs. New York Jets

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 12: LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets against the Miami Dolphins at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

The New York Jets might just stumble into the playoffs.  Similarly, the Kansas City Chiefs may also struggling down the stretch after a 31-0 thumping from divisional rival San Diego.  The Jets just played as New England's doormat to the top last Monday night and may still miss the playoffs.

If both teams make the playoffs though, this would be a good game to see.  The Chiefs' offense has been explosive throughout most of the season with just a few minor speed bumps.  New York's defense is still solid even after a big loss to the Patriots.  

It's Mark Sanchez and his confidence that's the concern for them right now.  Rex Ryan really has to be sharp in his coaching over the next few weeks to guide the Jets to the playoffs.  The Jets are not who we thought they were in the beginning of the season to steal a line from Dennis Green.

The balance on offense has helped Kansas City's revival, geared primarily by Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe.

Prediction: Kansas City 20, New York 10 

NFC: Chicago Bears Vs. Green Bay Packers

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DETROIT - DECEMBER 05: Brandon Manumaleuna #86 of the Chicago Bears celebrates a fourth quarter touchdown with teammates Greg Olsen #82 and Matt Forte #22 during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 5, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. Th

This game would be huge for TV ratings in the first round.  These two NFC North rivals have been neck and neck for the division crown all season.  But now the Chicago Bears look to have it sealed as Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers went down yesterday, possibly for the season with his second concussion of the season.

Green Bay's defense seldom gets praise but they are among the best in the league.  With a healthy Aaron Rodgers, they are dangerous, but his injury now plagues them down the stretch.  Without Rodgers, the offense is one-dimensional and will take a hit, literally. 

Jay Cutler has been solid for the Bears this season.  Somehow, the Bears have leapfrogged the Pack in the NFC North and could be in line for a first-round bye.  But just in case that changes, this would be a battle on opening playoff weekend.  

Prediction: Chicago 21, Green Bay 13

AFC: Jacksonville Jaguars Vs. San Diego Chargers

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SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium on December 12, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 31-0. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

These two teams met in Week 2 when San Diego blasted Jacksonville, 38-13.  Phillip Rivers has been among the elite QB's throughout the season yet doesn't get the praise.  At one point, he was on pace to break Dan Marino's record for passing yards (5,280) in a season.

The Jaguars' David Garrard has been awesome this season.  On the running end, Maurice Jones-Drew is the focal point and will remain so until proven otherwise.  This undersized back is in the elite and is a lot of fun to watch.

This would be a great way to start off the opening playoff weekend and would be sure to be better than their initial meeting.

Prediction: San Diego 27, Jacksonville 21

NFC: St. Louis Rams Vs. New Orleans Saints

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 12: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams at the Louisiana Superdome on December 12, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Rams 31-13. (Photo

This match is currently in place and actually just happened yesterday.  The Rams' reconstruction through Sam Bradford has been smooth and could put them in the playoffs as NFC West champs.  Even if they finish below .500, they'd still be in the playoffs.

The Saints ain't the 'Aints anymore.  With Drew Brees at the helm, the defending Super Bowl champions are in prime position even if they fail to win their division.  Their offense is still as explosive as ever and carries them once again.  

Something tells me that this game would get messy and the young Rams would fall drastically.  This doesn't neglect their stellar turnaround this season.  

Prediction: New Orleans 34, St. Louis 14