NFL Playoffs Matchups That Need To Happen
By Erik Lambert
Four weeks remain in the 2014 season and the NFL playoffs picture is taking shape. What are some matchups fans need to see?
Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots
Come on. It may be old but it never gets boring. Everybody wants to see Peyton Manning and Tom Brady go at it again in a high stakes matchup. It has the feeling of Ali and Frazier at the Thrilla in Manila stage. They seem past their primes but always somehow summon greatness from a near endless reserve when they call on it, especially against each other. As if Manning and Brady have anything left to prove.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Detroit Lions
When two great defenses are involved, it almost guarantees for a tight game where every touchdown and every field goal matters. There is the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions, two teams overflowing with attitude and swagger. Golden Tate returns to face his former team. Russell Wilson gets up close and personal with Ndamukong Suh. Megatron vs. the Shermanator. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The stakes always seem to raise higher lately when the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles meet. Their fight for the division alone is must-see TV but to think they could have a titanic grudge match in the playoffs is too good. The history on top of that can’t be beat. Tony Romo trying to exorcize his demons against an opponent that has tormented him for year but is also the opponent that he holds his lone playoff victory against. Good stuff.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers
Speaking of history, the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers have a long list of NFL playoff encounters over the years but have really grown heated over the past two seasons. The 49ers have knocked the Packers out twice in a row, pushing the number of years Aaron Rodgers has gone without reaching a conference title game to four. That is quite an aberration for a guy expected to win his second MVP. People would love to see if he can vanquish that San Francisco curse.