Packers: Best, worst possible matchups in each round of 2021 playoffs

Super Bowl

Make no mistake, there is no ‘easy’ game in the Super Bowl. Any team that wins multiple playoff games deserves to be there. That said, some matchups would be more daunting than others.

Best-case scenario: Las Vegas Raiders

It would be tempting to go with the seventh-seed Pittsburgh Steelers here, but they have a defense capable of making a game low-scoring. The Packers’ offense versus the Raiders’ defense could be a mismatch.

While the Raiders’ defense has been OK this year in terms of yards allowed, they rank 26th in points allowed per game. They rank 20th in sacks and also don’t force many turnovers with just 15, tied for third-fewest in the NFL.

Elite defenses scare me from a Packers’ perspective. The Raiders’ defense is solid, but the Packers could control the game.

Worst-case scenario: Kansas City Chiefs

When the Packers met the Chiefs in Week 9, Kansas City was struggling offensively. It has since put things right, going 7-1 in the final eight games.

The Chiefs’ offense is back to its best, ranking third in the NFL for yards and fourth for points. They have strengthened on defense, too, allowing just 21.4 points per game. They have also forced an impressive 29 turnovers.

This Chiefs team isn’t perfect, and their defense isn’t dominant. But neither is the Packers’. Kansas City has an MVP quarterback, an electric offense, and playmakers on defense. They also have a great coach and have been to the past two Super Bowls.

This team knows how to win and is tough to stop when they’re at their best.