And then there were four. As the NFL playoffs are coming to a close, football fans are waiting to see which teams will make it to the Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium. In the AFC, the Bengals and Chiefs are still alive, while the Rams and 49ers will face off for the third time this season for the chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Let’s rank the potential Super Bowl matchups from least to most entertaining.
4. Bengals vs. 49ers
Don’t get me wrong, there would be interesting storylines if this matchup were to happen. For one, Joe Burrow going up against a defense, that allows the third-least yards to opposing offenses, is watchable.
Also, seeing Jimmy Garoppolo lead his team to the Super Bowl would be surprising. After all, there have been doubters in the NFL that believe he’s not a good quarterback because of his decision-making.
But, from an entertainment standpoint, there are issues with this potential matchup. For one, with Garropolo’s tendency to make bad decisions, this game could be over quickly. The Bengals have forced five turnovers in two games this postseason. Joe Burrow, despite the loss to San Francisco this past season, threw for 348 yards and two touchdowns.
It just seems like a major mismatch if Cincinnati faces San Francisco to finish these NFL playoffs. As fans, we want a close game that keeps us on the edge of our seats. I’ll still be excited to watch this game if it happens. But, it’s not the most entertaining game that is on the table.
3. Bengals vs. Rams
Just to be clear, there is no hate that I have towards the Bengals. But, this is still an okay matchup that could happen. These two teams haven’t faced off since 2019 when Jared Goff was still the quarterback for the Rams.
The Rams defense against Cincinnati’s offensive line is a battle that is worth watching, but not in a good way. Let’s remind ourselves that Burrow was sacked nine times during the divisional matchup against the Tennessee Titans. When your offensive line is blocking like this in the NFL playoffs, it’s surprising how Burrow hasn’t gotten a major injury yet.
look at the RT block a ghost pic.twitter.com/u6g7RD9OuM
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 22, 2022
On the other side, Matthew Stafford and the Rams’ offense are dangerous. The Bengals have allowed 369 yards/game to the Raiders and Titans this postseason. For the Rams, they have produced over 400 yards of offense in two playoff games this year. Put it all together, and the Rams blow out the Bengals while winning the championship in their stadium.
2. Chiefs vs. 49ers
In a rematch of Super Bowl LIV, fans will see if Jimmy G himself can avenge his loss to Kansas City. Add in Kansas City’s susceptible defense, and Garroppolo could lead his offense down the field with ease.
Also for San Francisco, Deebo Samuel has been a revelation this year on offense. He started the year at wide receiver, then Kyle Shanahan decides to turn him into a hybrid and sometimes puts him at running back.
Since that move, Samuel has scored at least one touchdown in eight of the past ten games. But, he is not the only weapon on the 49er offense worth noting. 6th round pick Elijah Mitchell has been a surprise at running back this season. With injuries taking players left and right at that position, he has stepped up in a major way.
Despite sharing carries with Samuel, he has acquired 1100 yards from scrimmage and scored six touchdowns this season. He is one player to watch out for against a Chiefs defense that has allowed 113.9 rushing yards/game to teams this season.
As for the Chiefs, they have been up and down all season. But, the team is slowly figuring out how to move the ball down the field. Their strategy has included checking down to their running backs instead of forcing the ball to Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce.
After being an afterthought in the regular season, Jerick McKinnon has played a major role in the NFL playoffs. He has contributed in both the receiving and rushing game, and he will be one player to watch out for against a San Francisco defense that has allowed 88 receptions to the opposing teams’ backs this year.
Of course, we cannot forget about Patrick Mahomes. He just knows how to win games, even if he only has 13 seconds to get his team down the field to force overtime. With eight touchdowns and one interception thus far, he is arguably the most dangerous quarterback left in these playoffs.
It’s not just his arm that has helped the Chiefs make it this far. He was the leading rusher for his team against the Bills, rushing for 69 yards and a score. If teams leave an open field for him, he will run without hesitation.
Add in Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce with their ability to make big plays, and this 49ers defense will have their hands full.
In all, this game has the potential to be a shootout. After all, the teams combined for 51 points two years ago in the Super Bowl. But, this is not the most entertaining matchup that could happen.
1. Chiefs vs. Rams
Get your popcorn ready if this matchup were to happen. Remember the last time these two faced off?
i’ve been waiting for a Chiefs vs Rams Super Bowl since this happened pic.twitter.com/iP9eLsdguk
— Franklin (@ClappedFranklin) January 24, 2022
Keep in mind the Rams had Jared Goff during that matchup in 2018. Now, with an upgrade in Matthew Stafford, the Rams offense could replicate the success they had against the Chiefs three years ago.
We can’t forget about the dangerous trio of Cooper Kupp, Odell Beckham Jr., and Van Jefferson. These three will cause issues for the Chiefs’ secondary, and we all know about Kupp’s ability to get open for his quarterback. After all, he was the first receiver since Steve Smith to win the Triple Crown (lead the league in receptions, yards, and touchdowns).
In the run game, Los Angeles welcomed back Cam Akers a few weeks ago. After suffering a torn Achilles in the preseason, he surprised many by making a return to the team in time for the playoffs. If the Chiefs’ defense doesn’t load the box, Akers and fellow teammate Sony Michel will have opportunities to run the ball down their throat.
When Patrick Mahomes last faced the Rams, he was nearly unstoppable. Despite his three interceptions, throwing six touchdowns is an impressive feat. He still has his top weapons in Hill and Kelce. Guys such as Mecole Hardman and Byron Pringle have stepped up in recent weeks.
In short, this Chiefs offense is still a dangerous group, and they will face a Rams defense led by the pass-rushing duo of Aaron Donald and Von Miller.
This could all backfire and we could see a defensive showdown. But, if you’re someone who likes low-scoring games, I would not get my hopes up. This potential matchup has a shootout written all over it. Both teams have outstanding offenses, and that is what makes this the most entertaining matchup and would be a great ending to the NFL playoffs.
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