2011 NFL Playoffs: Ranking All 16 Potential Super Bowl Matchups

After a great weekend of Wild Card action, it is time for another rankings of potential Super Bowl matchups.

After Week 17, I published an article ranking all of the 32 possible Super Bowl matchups. But after the Colts, Chiefs, Saints and Eagles lost, it is time to rethink these rankings.

With eight teams left in the NFL playoff picture, there are 16 possible Super Bowl matchups.

Like my previous ranking, this is not a list of the most probable Super Bowl matchups—simply a ranking of the games that we want to see.

But you will see a trend that the best teams are near the top of this ranking.

I am under the assumption that NFL fans want to see the best teams in the biggest game—and nothing else. But I could be wrong (I don't think I am, though).

I wouldn't mind seeing any Super Bowl matchup not featuring the Seattle Seahawks, and I don't think you would, either.

They had a great win against the Saints, but we just don't want to see them in the Super Bowl. That is why the first four matchups feature the...

13-16. Seattle Seahawks vs. Any AFC Team

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks throws a 45-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Stokley #15 in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on Janu

I don't care that Seattle beat New Orleans; we still do not want to see them in the Super Bowl.

And nothing will change that fact. We want to see the Falcons, Bears or Packers represent the NFC, not the 8-9 Seattle Seahawks.

Hopefully, the Bears can beat the Seahawks so that we don't even have to worry about it.

Even if the Seahawks miraculously make the Super Bowl, they will play in one of the worst Super Bowls of all time—and it won't even be close.

Prediction: Any AFC team over the Seahawks

12. Chicago Bears vs. New York Jets

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears is chased out of the pocket by the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 2, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Sure they played an exciting game earlier in the year, but this just isn't a game we want to see again. I can think of a lot of Super Bowl rematches better than this one.

The answer to your question about whether I want to see Mark Sanchez in the Super Bowl isn't really a question. It is more of a statement.

I don't want to see Mark Sanchez in the Super Bowl, or at least not this year.

When he goes out and becomes a consistent quarterback, then I would consider wanting the Jets to play in the Super Bowl.

Again, Chicago is just another casualty to the Jets. This is more about not wanting the Jets in the Super Bowl as opposed to Chicago.

But the bottom line is, this rematch just really wouldn't be that good in comparison to the later matchups.

There are about three to four teams in each conference that people would rather see in the Super Bowl than the Jets and Bears.

Prediction: Bears over Jets

11. Green Bay Packers vs. New York Jets

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers carries the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by

Sure, two number six seeds making the Super Bowl would be a great story. But do you really want to see Mark Sanchez and the Jets play Aaron Rogers and the Packers?

Some might look at these guys as some of the better younger quarterbacks in the league, but they aren't ready to both shine in the Super Bowl.

Getting here will be hard enough for both teams. They will have to go on the road for three straight weeks and win against a better opponent.

I don't see this game happening, just like NFL fans don't want to see this matchup in the Super Bowl.

Prediction: Packers over Jets

10. Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Jets

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 12: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Matt Ryan vs. Mark Sanchez; 25-year-old vs. 24-year-old.

Sure these quarterbacks are some of the best young guns out there, but this just isn't a matchup we want to see...right now.

In a couple years expect both of these quarterbacks to lead their teams to Super Bowls.

But this just isn't a matchup we want to see in Dallas in 2011.

There are a lot more compelling matchups than this one, and as you read on, you will realize that this was actually pretty difficult to put one game ahead of another.

Prediction: Falcons over Jets

9. Chicago Bears vs. New England Patriots

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts after Brandon Tate #19 scored a 4-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Ph

For this one, just remember the first game between these two teams.

The embarrassment to the game of football the the Bears went out there with. The Patriots are just too good for this game to be interesting at all.

The Patriots have had every team's number this year, so that might not be a fair statement. But the earlier game featuring these teams was borderline unwatchable.

Say what you want to about the conditions, but how much more effective would the Patriots have been in a controlled environment?

I am not saying that the Patriots' Super Bowl rings will be designed before this game, but in comparison to the matchups below, this just isn't one that is compelling.

Prediction: Patriots over Bears

8. Chicago Bears vs. Baltimore Ravens

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 9, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Doug Pensin

Sure the Ravens and Bears are good teams and their record has shown that they are.

I'm not saying that these teams can't make it, but there are more compelling matchups out there.

Again, this would be another defensive special. This would be a game where the offenses would struggle. 

I don't think that my opinion on America wanting offensive teams in the Super Bowl is wrong. We want a lot of points scored in the Super Bowl, we just don't want punts.

For true fans of the game, this would be a great matchup—but just not to the average everyday football fan.

Prediction: Ravens over Bears

7. Green Bay Packers vs. Baltimore Ravens

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers scrambles with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Ph

If you want to see a great defensive battle, then this is the matchup for you.

The Packers are led by Clay Matthews and the Ravens are still led by Ray Lewis.

This would be as hard-hitting a matchup in the Super Bowl as any.

But if you're a fan of offensive football, this isn't the game for you.

Sure Aaron Rogers and Joe Flacco are some great young quarterbacks, but I don't think they would have much success against the opposing defenses.

Maybe it's just me, but America wants to see an offensive battle as opposed to a defensive battle.

We want to see points on the board, not punts.

Prediction: Packers over Ravens

6. Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers hands off to Rashard Mendenhall #34 during their game agasint the New York Jets at Heinz Field on December 19, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Image

"The Battle of the Hair."

Clay Matthews in one corner and Troy Polamalu in the other.

This game, like most games featuring the Ravens, Steelers, Packers and Bears, looks to me like a defensive battle.

These would be games where both defenses would be dominant over the other team's offense.

I would find these matchups very compelling, but in regards to America, we want to see an offensive showcase in the Super Bowl.

We want to see teams like the Patriots and Falcons.

Prediction: Steelers over Packers

5. Atlanta Falcons vs. Baltimore Ravens

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 11: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons against the Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on November 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Remember the first matchup between these teams on a Thursday night in prime time?

I do—I was at that game.

The Ravens drove down the field to score a go-ahead touchdown with less than a minute left, only to see Matt Ryan connect with Roddy White on a 33-yard, game-winning touchdown.

A rematch would have similar results. These teams are as evenly matched as the first game between these two teams.

I am not all for rematches in the Super Bowl, but whether you like it or not, this would be a great game.

Neither team has received the respect that they deserved from the media this year. One thing is for sure: If they reach this stage, they won't be ignored.

Prediction: Falcons over Ravens

4. Chicago Bears vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

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CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 08: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws throws against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 8, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Steelers defeated the Bengals 27-21. (Photo by Matthe

Time for the last defensive showcase on this list.

Let me make it clear, that I love defensive battles. Some say that it can't be a good game unless both offenses are in rhythm—but I really do love defensive battles.

But the reason this comes in at number four is because as a nation you want to see an offensive thriller in the Super Bowl.

This would be a great game. Both quarterbacks have shown that they can shine in big moments—but Big Ben is the one with the rings.

Say what you want to about Jay Cutler, but this guy can be good—and if he reaches the Super Bowl he will prove that to everybody.

I would love this game, but you, as a nation, would rather see one of the top three matchups. It really is hard to go wrong with any game in the top 10-15.

Prediction: Steelers over Bears

3. Atlanta Falcons vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons against the Carolina Panthers at Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

This would be a rematch of the first game of the season in which the Pittsburgh Steelers won 15-9 in overtime.

Say what you want to about that being a bad game to watch, but both teams are much improved.

The Falcons have found a running game and the Steelers found Ben Roethlisberger off the suspended list.

Both teams have shown improvement from their first game of the season,

Neither of these teams truly has simply the best offense or the best defense, but these are two of the best teams in the NFL.

Their record proves it, and we want to see two of the best teams in the NFL in the Super Bowl—that is why this matchup comes in at number three.

Prediction: Falcons over Steelers

2. Green Bay Packers vs. New England Patriots

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks to pass against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter of the game at Gillette Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots won the game 3

The first game between these teams was a classic—and that was with Matt Flynn at QB for the Packers.

Imagine what a rematch would be like with Aaron Rogers leading the Packers instead of Matt Flynn.

And who doesn't want to see the Packers avoid kicking to Dan Connolly. That return a couple weeks ago will be talked about for a while.

Tom Brady already has three rings and Aaron Rogers will be playing for his first.

I don't care that Green Bay is the No. 6 seed and the Patriots are the No. 1 seed, this would be a great game to watch and that is why it comes in at number two.

Prediction: Patriots over Packers

1. Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots passes the ball in the first half against the Miami Dolphins on January 2, 2011 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

A matchup featuring the best teams in each conference is the game that we want to see.

Matt Ryan, an emerging star, versus the established Tom Brady.

These teams went a combined 27-5 in the regular season. We want to see these teams battle for the Lombardi Trophy in Dallas.

Tom Brady going for his fourth ring, and Matt Ryan going for his first.

Neither of these defenses is anything special, but it's not like we want to see a dominating defense in the Super Bowl, we want to see points scored.

In this matchup there will be a plethora of points scored.

Prediction: Patriots over Falcons

Summary: Projecting Each Team's Super Bowl Record

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: A detail of the Vince Lombardi Trophy as the New Orleans Saints celebrate after defeating the Indianapolis Colts during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Jonatha

What I have done here is compiled the projected records of teams versus all the other conference teams in the Super Bowl should they make it.

For example. New England is listed at 4-0. This means that if they advance to the Super Bowl, I think that they will win against all four possible opponents.

I see the AFC winning 11 of the 16 possible Super Bowl matchups.

AFC:

1. New England Patriots: 4-0

2. Pittsburgh Steelers:  3-1

5. Baltimore Ravens: 3-1

6. New York Jets: 1-3

NFC:

1. Atlanta Falcons: 3-1

2. Chicago Bears: 1-3

4. Seattle Seahawks: 0-4

6. Green Bay Packers: 1-3