The 2024 NFL playoffs are underway, with six different teams eliminated in the wild-card round and another four games scheduled for this weekend in the divisional round, featuring an anticipated NFC clash between the touted front-runner (San Francisco 49ers) and plucky underdog (Green Bay Packers).
But now that the post season has begun, with conference championship games on the horizon, it’s not too early to consider some of the most interesting possible big-game matchups. Here are some of the top 10 probable Super Bowl clashes:
1. Buffalo Bills vs. San Francisco 49ers
Imagine Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs facing Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey. It’s a battle between two dynamic offenses, and both teams want the ultimate glory. Kyle Shanahan aims for his first Lombardi Trophy, while Buffalo is eager for its first Super Bowl win.
2. San Francisco 49ers vs. Baltimore Ravens
This match is not just a repeat of Super Bowl XLVII in 2012, where Joe Flacco helped John Harbaugh beat his brother Jim. It’s also a matchup between the best teams of the year, like a battle of heavyweights. The Ravens won when they played on Christmas, but now Kyle Shanahan is aiming for his first-ever world championship as a coach.
3. Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions
Buffalo has never won a title. Detroit has never won, well, anything. Nonetheless, both clubs are currently quite enjoyable to watch. Josh Allen and company like to throw it all over the place, and Dan Campbell’s never-say-die team is as balanced as they come with the ball in their hands. This game will go down in NFL history, regardless of who wins.
4. Buffalo Bills vs. Green Bay Packers
Right now, is there a more exciting quarterback to watch than Jordan Love? Perhaps Josh Allen? Well, in this game, they would be playing against each other. It has the potential for some incredible plays, particularly with Matt LaFleur planning against Sean McDermott.
5. Green Bay Packers vs. Baltimore Ravens
It’s challenging to find a more thrilling duo of young quarterbacks than what this matchup offers. While both teams have been great at running the ball lately, the highlight of the show would be watching Jordan Love face off against Lamar Jackson. It’s a matchup you wouldn’t want to miss on TV.
6. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Detroit Lions
What a perfect start to the NFL’s 2023 season. Dan Campbell’s Lions proved they were for real by narrowly defeating the defending champs in Week 1. Imagine if he had the opportunity to steal big-game thunder from Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, and this generation’s potential dynasty.
7. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Green Bay Packers
The Packers’ quarterback, Jordan Love, threw the ball so well against the Cowboys in the wild-card round that you could easily think he’s Patrick Mahomes. Now, they’re facing off, with the rising star taking on the most successful quarterback of his time. It’s also a rematch of the first Super Bowl, which took place in 1966.
8. Detroit Lions vs. Baltimore Ravens
Apart from the appealing colour combination (purple and Honolulu blue), this would pit two smashmouth contenders against each other. Daniel Campbell’s team oozes strength, but so does Baltimore’s robust defense.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
They faced each other in Super Bowl LV to finish the 2020 season. Now, think about how unlikely it would be for the Bucs to make it back to the big game. And this time, imagine Baker Mayfield as the quarterback instead of Tom Brady.
10. Green Bay Packers vs. Houston Texans
Fans who don’t follow closely might not know about the rising stars playing as quarterbacks for these teams. This could be a fantastic moment for Jordan Love and C.J. Stroud, showcasing two of the most skilled throwers in the game. Also, think about the historical potential of Texans coach DeMeco Ryans possibly guiding the team to its first Super Bowl win in his rookie coaching season.