Fans at the Georgia Dome last week thought they were seeing their last NFL game at that facility, but thanks to an otherworldly performance from Aaron Rodgers, they get one more shot. The Atlanta Falcons (12-5) host the Green Bay Packers (12-6) in the NFC Championship. Kick off is set fort 3:05 p.m. Sunday on FOX.
The line on this game hasn’t budged since Monday, so, you know, great job sportsbooks. Maybe you can make up for the lava bath you took in the divisional round.
Can Rodgers keep it up? Let’s figure this out the only way we know how.
The NFC Championship Game: Green Bay at Atlanta (-4.5, 61 O/U)
How the Packers Got Here
It’s becoming a familiar refrain over the last two months. Aaron Rodgers does something completely spectacular and Green Bay rolls on. Seven consecutive wins got the Pack here including a last-second victory over the Dallas Cowboys against a quarterback that was just as hot. Dak Prescott finished that game 24-of-38 for 302 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Rodgers was 28-for-43 for 355 yards, two touchdowns and one pick. The Green Bay 34-31 win was one of the best playoff games ever played and its ending as dramatic as anything Hollywood could come up with.
Man today was a movie. #GopackGo
— Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (@haha_cd6) January 16, 2017
But can the Pack keep it up? That was a hard-hitting game that probably cost Green Bay another wide out, Devante Adams, with a twisted ankle. There’s a good chance he and Jordy Nelson, still trying to breathe correctly after a couple of broken ribs. In fact, Adams, Nelson, Jeff Janis and Geronimo Allison were all listed on the injury report, along with divisional round hero Mason Crosby, who missed Wednesday’s practice with an illness.
How the Falcons Got Here
The Falcons had a much easier road to the NFC Championship Game with a solid two-touchdown win over the Seattle Seahawks, 36-20. Matt Ryan continued to make his MVP case with a 26-of-37 passing performance for 338 yards and three touchdowns. Tevin Coleman and Devante Freeman split 25 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown and remain fresh for Sunday’s game.
Amazed how many people don't realize how good this Falcons offense is.
You know we're talking like, "Greatest Show on Turf", stuff, right?
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) January 19, 2017
Julio Jones did re-aggrivate his toe injury in the game and was held out of practice Wednesday, but I promise you he will play. The Falcons have no other significant injuries and should come into Sunday’s game with their full compliment of weapons on offense and defense.
The X-Factors
Last week before the Packers – Cowboys game, I said that Dak Prescott would be the X-Factor. Could he perform up to his regular high standards, but I was wrong. Prescott was phenomenal, answering any and all questions about the Cowboys’ future, bring his team back from 18 points down to tie the game with 40 seconds to go with a chance at overtime. It did not matter. Aaron Rodgers is the ultimate X-Factor and he has proven it all through the second half of the season. If he is on the field and alive, the Packers have a chance. On that final play, a pass to Jared Cook who I’ve made fun of all season for dropping key passes right after he makes a play, Rodgers basically drew that play up in the huddle. And passing it to Cook wasn’t his first read, but his third and an act of faith since Cook dropped two passes on that same drive. It was a monstrous play that, if the Packers go on to win the Super Bowl, will probably get “named” like “The Drive” and “The Catch” and “The Tackle.”
The Pick
It seems to fly in the face of all the emotions involved in this game, but I’m going with the Falcons. The Packers, and Rodgers, took a lot of big hits in that game and they add up. With just a week to rest and prepare, with hobbled wide receivers, I just don’t see Green Bay coming into Atlanta and stealing another game. Not when the Falcons come in off a walk. Green Bay just doesn’t match up well on defense with this Atlanta crew. I will tell you this, without hesitation. if the Packers do win this game, they’re winning it all. Falcons 27, Packers 24
Last Week
Straight up: 3-1
Against the spread: 2-2
Season
Straight up: 163-99-2
Against the spread: 133-131
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