Dream playoff matchups (non-Ravens games)

[beanfigger]

Obviously, the potential Ravens playoff matchups would be very appealing (as they were last year), but what other playoff games would you like to see this year?  I'll pick a few from each conference I'd like to see.

 

AFC

Indy v NE - This could be a huge statement game for Luck to announce to the football world that he is now the future of the QB elite.  I don't know how these teams will fare down the stretch after their recent huge injuries, but right now I'd give the edge to the Colts, no matter where the game is.  This would be a game that would live up to its tremendous hype that it would certainly receive.

 

KC v Cincy - I think this game could be one of those "odd" games that ends up being memorable because of how unique it was.  This matchup seems prime for big special teams and defensive plays.  Safeties, blocked kicks, big defensive TDs late to close it out...all of these seem likely in a game like this.

 

Longshot matchup - Ten v Mia - This would undoubtedly be touted as boring, low-scoring affair that would be slotted in the early-Saturday time slot and get low ratings by NFL playoff standards.  I have a sneaky feeling that this matchup would be a surprising shootout treat for the viewers that do tune in with two young, under-the-radar QBs trying to take the next step in their careers.

 

NFC

Sea v NO - We'll get this one later this year on Monday Night in Seattle.  That will loom large for the teams' potential postseason matchup because I think the home team wins here.  The appeal is obvious as these teams, I believe, are the best in their conference and will definitely have a quality, hard battle for 60 minutes.

 

SF v Dal - This was, by far, my favorite rivalry growing up.  There are too many classic playoff matchups between these teams in the 80s and 90s to mention.  It would be a great sense of nostalgia and would undoubtedly be another great game to watch and remember.

 

Longshot matchup - Det v Car - I just think this game oozes fun and excitement.  So many times games that are expected to have huge swings, runs, and comebacks in shootout fashion fail to deliver.  I think this game, however, would be a sure bet for that.  I think this game would be similar to that NO-SF game a couple years ago that was exhilarating all the way with a tremendous final quarter.

[flaccopoe]

SEA vs NO would make for an epic playoff rematch.  We all remember what happened the last time they met in January.  It would also be fun to see CAR square off against NO, assuming the former maintains their momentum.  2 underrated Ds and elite QB/TE tandems.

[berad]

ATL vs DAL - who chokes first?

NE vs DEN - c'mon, Peyton vs Brady.

[beanfigger]

ATL vs DAL - who chokes first?

NE vs DEN - c'mon, Peyton vs Brady.

 

Atlanta has it's work cut out for them if they want to be involved in any playoff matchup at all.  Of course Peyton-Brady is what the ratings guy wants to see, but I have a feeling it would wind up being a blowout.  I don't think the Pats match up well at all against the Broncos this year.  We'll see later this regular season anyway.  Aside from my Seattle-NO pick, I was going for matchups that we wouldn't get a chance to see this year unless it were to occur in the postseason.

[berad]

Atlanta has it's work cut out for them if they want to be involved in any playoff matchup at all.  Of course Peyton-Brady is what the ratings guy wants to see, but I have a feeling it would wind up being a blowout.  I don't think the Pats match up well at all against the Broncos this year.  We'll see later this regular season anyway.  Aside from my Seattle-NO pick, I was going for matchups that we wouldn't get a chance to see this year unless it were to occur in the postseason.

Oh yeah haha didn't read the part about it being this year. Atlanta is pretty much done.

And I don't know, January Peyton is a lot different than regular season.

[The Mom Gene]

And I don't know, January Peyton is a lot different than regular season.

 

Agreed... Peyton has always been a dome guy...  While he looked pretty good in that playoff game against us last season, he struggled throwing for any kind of distance at all.  His neck/spine is compromised (as is mine; surgery 2002), and the cold is awful.  I cannot stand the ache of the cold weather on my neck.  I don't think he threw a pass more than 15 yards after halftime in that game.  He has a similar problem as Romo...  Has a hard time winning in January.

[redrum52]

Seattle vs NO is interesting because home field to me would have a huge impact.  I feel if the game is in Seattle, Seahawks win and not much of a match up.  In the dome is a different story.  I want Seahawks vs Niners.  No explanation necessary to me.  Even though I think Seahawks dominate again, would love to see the Niners knocked out in the post season by their rivals.  I'll agree with you on Cin vs KC,old school type football I think.  Wouldn't mind another Colts vs Broncos, or Pats vs Broncos.  The Colts vs Broncos will be much different with Wayne out and I think the Pats wrs are in sync by the post season.  My marquis playoff match up though... 

 

NINERS TRAVEL BACK TO DETROIT FOR WILDCARD WEEKEND.  Megatron vs the shaky Niners secondary and Gore vs a pretty stout d line.  Would be high scoring and probably come down to the wire with the Niners passing on a bad Detroit backfield.

[Latch]

Peyton, as a dome QB, was doomed for failure when he joined Denver. If they get home-field advantage, he will play at an exponentially lower level than normal. Even if he somehow manages to evade cold weather all post-season long, the Superbowl this year is in New Jersey! I don't see him getting another ring unless he can somehow reach a whole other level of superhuman and be able to play through the cold having had gone through those surgeries. 

[beanfigger]

Oh yeah haha didn't read the part about it being this year. Atlanta is pretty much done.

And I don't know, January Peyton is a lot different than regular season.

 

Peyton isn't great in January, but I just don't have a ton of faith in NE's offense this year.  It isn't like the Broncos will ever get shut out, or anything close to it, regardless of any struggles.  NE will still have to score a lot of points to win that game, and I don't see it happening.

[Gordo52]

Packers-Seahawks. Rematch from that bs replacement ref night.

Saints-Packers. Fun shoutout featuring 2 great QB's.

49ers- Seahawks. Rivalry. Similarly built teams.

Broncos-Seahawks would make a fun Super Bowl if unfortunate circumstances commence lol