Top 10 potential Super Bowl 51 matchups

By Luke Norris | Jan 5, 2017

Nov 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ross Cockrell (L) and free safety Mike Mitchell (23) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. Dallas won 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

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8. Atlanta Falcons vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

This may not be on the top of anybody’s list but I’d guess many wouldn’t mind seeing these two offenses get after it in Super Bowl LI.

The Falcons led the NFL this season in points scored, averaging close to 34 points per game, and the Steelers were in the top 10 as well at 24.8, but that was also without Big Ben for two games. The Steelers won their final seven regular season games and are as hot as anyone in these playoffs.

However, the Falcons are coming in hot as well with four straight wins and point totals of 42, 41, 33 and 38 in those victories. Matt Ryan should be considered as an MVP candidate and it would be great to see him match up against Roethlisberger to take his place among the great quarterbacks in the NFL.

7. Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots

There’s certainly plenty of recent history between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, isn’t there?

Just two short years ago at Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, the Patriots defeated the Seahawks in what was the most-watched program in American television history. So there’s that. And it was obviously one of the most exciting Super Bowl games to boot. After being tied at the half, Seattle took a 10-point lead into the fourth quarter, only to watch New England score 14 unanswered points in the final frame. And then, you know, Malcolm Butler happened. I’m sure Marshawn Lynch isn’t still thinking about that at all.

Oh yeah, the Seahawks went into Foxborough this season in Week 10 and beat the Pats by a touchdown, 31-24. You don’t think Bill Belichick has forgotten that, do you?

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