Packers: Best, worst possible matchups in each round of 2020 playoffs

Super Bowl

So, let’s say the Packers hold serve at Lambeau Field and reach their first Super Bowl in a decade. There are many great teams in the AFC and there’s no such thing as an easy matchup in the Super Bowl. But here are a couple of opponents they could face.

Best-case scenario: Cleveland Browns

Again, no easy games in the Super Bowl. The Browns had a great season going 11-5. Nick Chubb rushed for over 1,000 yards despite missing four games while Baker Mayfield also had his best season with 26 touchdown passes and eight interceptions. Defensively, they rank ninth against the run.

However, when they took on other Super Bowl contenders, they lost big on more than one occasion, including a 38-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and a 38-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Cleveland’s pass defense ranks 22nd. If the Packers jumped out to an early lead, the Browns would have to move away from their excellent run game. I’d like this matchup for Green Bay.

Worst-case scenario: Baltimore Ravens

It would be easy to put the Kansas City Chiefs in this spot. They could be the best team in football. But the Chiefs have some similarities to the Packers. While it would be a huge challenge, it could turn into a high-scoring game which could go either way.

However, the Baltimore Ravens might be a team built to stop the Packers. They rank seventh in ESPN’s pass rush win rate metric and have the sixth-ranked passing defense. They also allow 18.9 points per game, second-fewest in the NFL.

While Baltimore’s passing offense ranks last in the NFL when it comes to yards, they are scoring 29.3 points per game, good for seventh in the league.

Lamar Jackson’s rushing ability could be a real problem for the Packers’ defense. Baltimore’s run game leads the NFL with an incredible 191.9 yards per game. Jackson rushed for over 1,000 yards this season and rookie running back J.K. Dobbins came on strong down the stretch with 495 yards and seven touchdowns in his final six games.

With a great defense, a strong rushing attack, and a mobile quarterback, this would be a tough matchup for the Packers.