Packers vs Falcons 3:05 pm FOX

The Packers and Falcons both won their games in completely different ways. The Falcons, were in a close game till the 2^nd/3^rd quarters, where their defense stepped up and gave the ball back to Matt Ryan and their offense who scored 36 on a highly ranked Seattle defense. The Falcons’ offense can attack in many different ways; Ryan distributed the ball to all of his receivers, but they still have one dominant one in Julio Jones, and he can take over the game at any time. Also their running back duo has been consistent and dominant throughout the season. The duo contains Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, two running backs that can beat teams through the pass and on the ground.

The Packers on the other hand, were dominating the Cowboys defense throughout the first half, and Aaron Rodgers took control of the game right from the start. Their defense however, let them back in and the game was tied with 30 seconds left in the 4^th quarter.  It wasn’t until Aaron Rodgers made one of the most incredible throws in NFL playoff history, only to setup the Packers for a game winning field goal try by Mason Crosby in which the ball barely slipped through the left upright.

This game should have plenty of scoring, and these two quarterbacks are playing better than anyone else right now. With Jordy Nelson not likely to play or be at 100%, the Packers are going to need Randall Cobb and Davante Adams to step up again, as their offense slowed down somewhat in the game against the Cowboys. What this game will come down to is which defense is going to be able to slow down the other quarterback, and how timely this can happen. I think the Falcons’ defense showed that they can pressure the quarterback consistently and cause turnovers, so that could give them the edge Sunday.

Falcons win 45-42

Steelers vs Patriots 6:40 pm CBS

Last week, the Steelers won a game in which they didn’t score a touchdown and made six field goals, and the Patriots won as heavy favorites, but showed some concerns for Sunday’s game along the way.

Against the Chiefs, the Steelers defense, that had many doubters going into the playoffs, did a great job in containing the Chiefs offensive weapons, while although their offense failed to score a touchdown, they moved the ball consistently throughout, and could have made that game a far less exciting one easily.

One reason why I don’t think the Patriots will dominate the Steelers and this will be a close game is because the Pats defense has yet to beat a consistent starting quarterback since Tom Brady came off suspension in week 4. Their defense statistically has been great all year, but I think against Ben Roethlisberger and the weapons he has on offense, it will be a good one. Tom Brady was under pressure last week throughout the game against a solid Texans defense and pass rush, if the Steelers defense can do that and get him out of rhythm (which is hard to do) then they could steal this game. But I don’t think they can do that because of Tom Brady’s ability to get the ball out of his hands quickly, and the evolution of Dion Lewis in the New England backfield has added a spark since he came back off injury.

Patriots win 29-24