Except for, of course, a rematch of last year's Super Bowl. Three other rematches of Super Bowl's since 2000 exist, and the New England Patriots are implicated in three of these four matchups. If Tom Brady wins two home games and advances to the Super Bowl, it would be the outcome closest to the norm.
But with four close games expected in the NFL's Divisional Round, any matchup could become reality with some upsets along the way. For my picks in those four games you can read my preview and predictions.
The top five potential Super Bowl 53 possibilities weighs the potential excitement for the big game coupled with the likelihood of the matchup occuring.
5. New England Patriots Vs. Philadelphia Eagles
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We haven't had a Super Bowl rematch in back-to-back seasons since 1993 and 1994, when the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Buffalo Bills in two straight Super Bowls. As the field has narrowed to eight teams, last year's matchup between the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles remains a distinct possibility.
The Patriots would have to get through the Chargers and then Chiefs/Colts to return to the big game, while the Eagles need to upset the Saints and either the Rams or Cowboys. Both teams have relatively tough paths but obviously playoff experience.
If Nick Foles can lead the Eagles to another Super Bowl title, and drop Tom Brady's Super Bowl record to 5-4, he would be heralded as an all-time playoff great. It would also create an interesting quarterback situation with Carson Wentz.
The matchup is ranked 5th because while the rematch storyline would be juicy, it's also good to get fresh faces in the Super Bowl. Especially on the AFC side, we've seen the Patriots more than enough times this decade.
Who would win?
Getting to the Super Bowl for a second straight season, Nick Foles gets it done again and outduels Tom Brady. Eagles win 34-27.
4. Kansas City Chiefs Vs. New Orleans Saints
If the chalk holds, then the two best teams from each conference could meet in the Super Bowl. Each team has to win two home games, the first coming against a wild-card team, to advance and play each other.
This matchup would feature two of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. Even then, the styles vary. Patrick Mahommes is extremely mobile, loves taking shots down the field, and his weapons are speedy, young, and hungry. Drew Brees can move around in the pocket, but is a more prototypical passer, and has been surgical all season.
The Saints haven't been to the Super Bowl since their 2009 victory, and many fans have been awaiting Brees return to the big game. Mahommes has taken the NFL by storm and a Super Bowl appearance would cement him as a household name to even casual NFL fans.
Who would win?
In this scenario, the Chiefs would have a slight edge due to their defense and the consistency of their offense. While New Orleans can score in bunches, they can't quite flip the switch as easily as the Chiefs. Kansas City wins 37-28.3. New England Patriots Vs. Dallas Cowboys
America's team versus... America's team? In terms of ratings and market size, this could potentially be an all-time great Super Bowl. Yes, I've mentioned Patriots fatigue in the #5 matchup, but New England has become one of the most recognizable teams in the NFL since the turn of the century. The Dallas Cowboys haven't been to the Super Bowl since their four straight appearances in the 1990's, but have remained one of the league's most popular teams.
Together, the two teams would have a huge draw. In addition to being two of the most revered teams in the league, they are also two of the most hated. This would add even more drama and intrigue to the game, as fans will tune in to root both for and against. Northeastern fans of the Giants, Jets, and Eagles may be conflicted on who to root for, but they'll be tuning in nonetheless.
On the field, the matchup would pit Tom Brady against his 3rd different NFC East opponent. If Dak Prescott can pull off a victory in Atlanta, he would immediately be more respected around the league, and the NFC East will look like a strong division once again.
Who would win?
Even though getting to Atlanta would mean the Cowboys won three straight playoff games, they wouldn't be prepared for the Patriots. Even though Dallas could have a better roster, New England's experience and coaching proves superior. Patriots win 24-16.
2. Los Angeles Chargers Vs. Los Angeles Rams
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An all-Los Angeles matchup would put the high-flying Rams against the elite Chargers. Philip Rivers and the Chargers were just a game away from winning the division and claiming a first-round bye. These are easily two of the best five teams in the NFL, and if this plays out, they'll duke it out to crown an NFL champion.
The teams met in September, with the Rams emerging 35-23 victors. Since then, the Chargers have been improving their offensive consistency and defensive capabilities. It would be an exciting matchup that could fall either way.
Philip Rivers would be a major storyline, widely considered the best active quarterback without a Super Bowl ring. On the other hand, Jared Goff could quickly enter elite discussions after leading the Rams to two straight seasons of high-scoring offense, and a Super Bowl title.
Demographically this would technically be the weakest, with only one city being represented (something that could only happen with this matchup or Giants Vs. Jets.) But these teams have gained following across the country, and the quarterback matchup alone would be a draw.
Who would win?
This matchup could enter toss-up territory, unless the Rams steamroll through the NFC playoffs. In any case I'll take the Rams winning 31-24.
1. Kansas City Chiefs Vs. Los Angeles Rams
While Saints-Chiefs would technically pit the NFL's two best teams against each other, fans have had their eyes on the Chiefs and Rams all season. The two highest scoring offenses both started undefeated, sparking early talk of this matchup.
Then there was the November 19 matchup between these two teams: an instant classic for the NFL record books. The Rams prevailed 54-51 in one of the most exciting games in recent memory. A rematch in the Super Bowl feels justified and poetic.
If the game plays out in a similar shootout fashion, Patrick Mahommes and Jared Goff would be laying the groundwork for NFL offenses for years to come. A Super Bowl victory for either young quarterback would be a decisive moment in NFL history. Both teams have won championships in the past, but in this era of the NFL they would both be breathes of fresh air.
This would be the most exciting and talked about Super Bowl matchup, even though the other potential matchups would also create buzz.
Who would win?
That's anyone's guess. With how close their last game was, it's easy to see either team winning. I would probably take whichever team impressed me more in their two previous playoff wins. For now, I'll say the Chiefs get revenge and win 42-35.
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Photo #1: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Photo #2: Chiefs Wire-USA Today
Header Photo/Photo #3: Via NBCSports Boston
Photo #4: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Photo #5: Via Sports Illustrated
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