5 most desirable Super Bowl matchups
The playoff picture is officially set as the final 12 teams standing after the 2018 NFL season prepare to determine which two will square off in Super Bowl LIII on Feb. 3.
Here's a look at the five most desirable matchups neutral fans of non-playoff teams should be rooting for this month.
5. Los Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams
Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Chargers and Rams battling for football supremacy in Los Angeles could sway anyone in America's second-most populated city who still hasn't decided which football team to support after both returned.
The Rams had a head start on establishing a fanbase after relocating in 2016 from St. Louis to the team's home from 1946 to 1994. But they posted a 4-12 record in their first season back, squandering that initial opportunity. The Rams have since won consecutive NFC West division titles.
The Chargers, meanwhile, lost the AFL Championship in 1960, their first year in Los Angeles before moving to San Diego until the end of the 2016 season. Now, the team has earned its first playoff berth since 2013.
Both teams possess top-10 scoring offenses, and the Chargers' defense allowed the ninth-fewest points in the regular season, much better than the Rams' 20th-ranked unit. Both teams are also loaded with marketable young players who could thrive after winning over those in L.A. who've been waiting to jump on a bandwagon.
4. New England Patriots vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Tim Bradbury / Getty Images Sport / GettyA second consecutive Super Bowl featuring the Patriots and Eagles would be the NFL's first true rematch in the big game since the Dallas Cowboys knocked off the Buffalo Bills to conclude the 1992 and 1993 seasons. Eagles backup quarterback Nick Foles getting a second chance to tarnish the legacies of future Hall of Famers Tom Brady and Bill Belichick adds an extra layer of intrigue.
Foles delivered an inspiring performance in Super LII, throwing for 373 yards and three touchdowns, and adding a receiving score on the famous "Philly Special" play during an upset win over the heavily favored Patriots. After again replacing an injured Carson Wentz this season, the 29-year-old reigning Super Bowl MVP has completed over 76 percent of his passes for 962 yards and six touchdowns over three games, leading his team back to the postseason.
The Patriots have underwhelmed this season by their own high standards, but they still managed to secure a ninth straight first-round bye. They would likely head into Atlanta against the Eagles as the public favorites while seeking revenge.
3. Los Angeles Chargers vs. New Orleans Saints
Harry How / Getty Images Sport / GettyDrew Brees could take down his former team and the quarterback who replaced him to cap what may be his first MVP season.
Philip Rivers, who's just two years younger than Brees, has been named to eight Pro Bowls. He's in contention for his first MVP Award and also looking for a first Super Bowl ring. Brees and the Saints have won all three meetings between the two since 2008, with just one point deciding the last game in 2016.
While the quarterback clash would be the marquee selling point of this Super Bowl, dual-threat running backs Melvin Gordon and Alvin Kamara lead backfields that ranked top 10 in rushing scores during the regular season.
2. Baltimore Ravens vs. Chicago Bears
Quinn Harris / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe best matchup for those who favor old-school smashmouth football would feature the No. 1 and 2 scoring defenses from the regular season. The Bears allowed only 17.7 points per game, and the Ravens weren't far behind at 17.9.
The Bears hold a significant advantage in turnover differential, however, with a plus-12 edge compared to the Ravens' 22nd-ranked minus-3. The Bears' defense ranked third in sacks this season (50), and the two squads ranked first and second in passes defensed.
Young quarterbacks Mitchell Trubisky and Lamar Jackson lead the two offenses, and the pivot who protects the ball better would put his team in the best position to win.
1. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams
Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images Sport / GettyA stark contrast to the Ravens-Bears matchup, a rematch after the Rams' thrilling 54-51 victory over the Chiefs on Monday night in Week 11 is what most neutral fans should be hoping to see. The 105 total points in that shootout would have easily shattered the Super Bowl record of 75.
The first game in NFL history to have both teams top 50 points was also the highest-scoring Monday night affair ever. For those who still want to see defense, that game also featured seven combined turnovers and three defensive scores.
The Chiefs and Rams were the only teams to average 32-plus points per game in the regular season, with the Chiefs taking the top spot (35.3 points per game) on the strength of quarterback Patrick Mahomes' league-best 50 passing touchdowns.
Both squads are entering the postseason with injury concerns, as wide receiver Sammy Watkins is nursing a foot issue for the Chiefs, and running back Todd Gurley missed the Rams' final two games of the season due to a knee problem. But this could be an all-time great matchup if both sides are at their best.
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