Super Bowl LVI draws near as the 2021 NFL regular season is in its final six weeks.
But while there’s no certainty yet regarding the teams that will make the playoffs, it’s not too early to speculate potential matches for the big game.
There’s a chance that a team will make consecutive Super Bowl trips.
There’s also the possibility of seeing a team return after a long drought.
Regardless of the scenario, here are the most likely matchups on February 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
3. Baltimore Ravens Versus Arizona Cardinals
They’re not only the best teams in their respective conferences.
But they also have won consistently despite the odds they faced.
The Arizona Cardinals maintain a 9-2 record despite injuries to Kyler Murray, DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green, and Chase Edmonds.
Colt McCoy has done a solid job orchestrating whatever’s left of the Arizona offense, while James Conner is an unstoppable touchdown machine.
From TNF First Look: The #AZCardinals are expected to have both QB Kyler Murray (ankle) and WR DeAndre Hopkins (hamstring) on the field this Sunday, barring a setback, sources say. pic.twitter.com/jZrIgIgbbw
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 2, 2021
Their defense with Chandler Jones, Budda Baker, and Markus Golden is also holding their ground.
Imagine how better can they be once all their starters return.
Even with tremendous talent on their side, Lamar Jackson continues to be an enigma.
He’s not the best passing quarterback, but he’s doing everything he can to help the team win.
The current No. 1 seed in the AFC?
Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. pic.twitter.com/oCOSSkYpo5
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 28, 2021
Jackson leads the patchwork Baltimore Ravens backfield that lost Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins before the season.
Mark Andrews and Marquise Brown can pile up the yards as well.
Likewise, the Ravens defense is no pushover with Calais Campbell, Odafe Oweh, Justin Houston, and Marlon Humphrey.
They also have Justin Tucker, who is once again lights out in making field goal attempts.
2. Green Bay Packers Versus Kansas City Chiefs
If you’re looking for a high-scoring Super Bowl, the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs will let it rain.
This potential matchup will feature two of the best quarterbacks at present.
Both Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes seek a second Super Bowl victory that will further validate their credentials.
RT to wish @AaronRodgers12 a happy birthday! 🥳🎉 #GoPackGo | #WinningSmiles pic.twitter.com/TVRF9iuvNV
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 2, 2021
Rodgers will deliver the ball to Davante Adams as many times as possible but without forgetting their solid run game with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.
Meanwhile, Mahomes has Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce to help him move the chains and score touchdowns.
Historians will also love this matchup because it’s a throwback to the pairing during Super Bowl I wherein Vince Lombardi’s Packers defeated the Chiefs.
This answer from @PatrickMahomes on getting to spend the bye week and Thanksgiving with his daughter is so good. Being a parent is one of the best things in life.🥰🥰🥰 pic.twitter.com/n6WUA7aDej
— Dani Welniak (@KCTVDani) December 2, 2021
Fast forward to 2021, and a Chiefs-Packers Super Bowl promises to be an exciting showdown.
Spectators can’t afford to miss the game for a few minutes because both teams might score at least 40 points apiece in this shootout.
1. New England Patriots Versus Tampa Bay Buccaneers
No other potential Super Bowl LVI matchup has more drama than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers facing the New England Patriots.
Mention Tom Brady and Bill Belichick alone, and you have all storylines covered.
There’s also the angle of the legendary Brady against his possible heir apparent in Mac Jones.
This game will also settle the debate of who was more responsible during the Patriots’ dominant run.
Bill Belichick and the Patriots are 8-4. Tom Brady and the Buccaneers are 8-3. Turns out, both guys are really, really good.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 28, 2021
But beyond the drama, both teams have merit in making the Super Bowl.
They both have terrific defensive units, with the Patriots limiting their opponents to 10.5 points per game during their six-game win streak.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers remain the league’s best-run defense squad which might be a problem for Brandon Bolden, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Damien Harris.
New England won their regular-season face-off at Gillette Stadium, 19-17.
If the Patriots play the Buccaneers in the Super Bowl my journey will be complete.
— Savage (@BOSTONSPORTSB) November 24, 2021
Therefore, a Patriots-Buccaneers pairing in Super Bowl LVI might turn out to be a tightly-contested game.
NEXT: Rams Still Waiting To See The Real Odell Beckham Jr.