Posted on 01/19/2017 12:11:08 PM PST by Jim W N
Rankings are from the final regular season stats. Numbers represent overall and specific NFL rankings by points except pass/run ranked by yardage. Depending on who has the ball, compare offense/defense strengths in pass/run yardage to anticipate best game plan.
Sunday, Jan 22, 1:05 PM MT FOX #8 Green Bay at #2 Atlanta
Atlanta Offense #1: 1 Pass 5 Run GB Defense #21: 32 Pass 14 Run
GB Offense #4: 15 Pass 7 Run Atlanta Defense #27: 11 Pass 26 Run
We’ve got the #1 and # 4 best offenses in the NFL against the #21 and #27 defenses. Although I prefer a better offense/defense match-up than that, Rogers’ cool presence and incredible performance is compelling and you’ve gotta like the guy. This will be a shoot-out. Some say the winner will be whoever has the ball last. Could be.
When Atlanta has the ball: Atlanta’s top passing offense will go against the worst pass defense in the NFL. Atlanta has a strong running game but Atlanta should mostly pass which I think they usually do anyway. I’ll be surprised if Atlanta doesn’t score every time they have the ball.
When GB has the ball: Roger’s incredible second-half streak makes the season-long #15 pass ranking too low. Atlanta has a respectable #11 pass defense, but Rogers has been shredding good defenses pretty much every week. GB also has a strong running game which should do well against Atlanta’s #26 run defense.
Will Ryan, Kyle Shanahan – Atlanta’s offensive coordinator extraordinaire, and Atlanta’s top offense in the NFL be able to outscore the seemingly unstoppable One-Man Wrecking Crew, Rogers? Will the last one with the ball win? It may come down to turnovers or maybe even special teams – who has the ball more often and in better field position. Atlanta looks like it has a better chance of intercepting Rogers than GB intercepting Ryan. Wonder how much scoring will happen in the last two minutes. Projected Winner: Atlanta
….
Sunday, Jan 22, 4:49 PM MT CBS #5 Pittsburgh vs. #1 New England
NE Offense #3: 3 Pass 25 Run Pittsburgh Defense #10: 15 Pass 19 Run
Pittsburgh Offense #10: 13 Pass 8 Run NE Defense #1: 8 Pass 8 Run
NE is ranked #1 in the NFL (net points). They do it or close to it every year. Not sure how. Brady is a great QB and cool under pressure with great receivers. Coach Belichick is enigmatic. Anyway, the Patriots obviously have a great organization and look unstoppable this year – again.
When NE has the ball: Don’t really see how Pittsburgh’s so-so defense can stop NE’s top-tier passing game though they should slow down NE’s running game. NE should strike quickly and often.
When Pittsburgh has the ball: Pittsburgh has a respectable running game and Roethlisberger is still dangerous. But they are going against the best defense (points) in the NFL. They’ll score but will also probably turn the ball over.
This could also turn into a shoot-out of sorts between Brady and Roethlisberger but with a probable positive turnover differential and all their weapons, NE should win going away. Projected Winner: New England
Sunday, Jan 22, 1:05 PM MT FOX
#8 Green Bay at #2 Atlanta
Atlanta Offense #1:...1 Pass 5 Run
GB Defense #21:.....32 Pass 14 Run
GB Offense #4:..........15 Pass 7 Run
Atlanta Defense #27:...11 Pass 26 Run
....
Sunday, Jan 22, 4:49 PM MT CBS
#5 Pittsburgh vs. #1 New England
NE Offense #3:................3 Pass 25 Run
Pittsburgh Defense #10:...15 Pass 19 Run
Pittsburgh Offense #10:...13 Pass 8 Run
NE Defense #1:...............8 Pass 8 Run
No stat there for Aaron Rodgers. If he keeps going like he has since early season he can beat anyone.
Even if he is the only person on the field. He is playing Chuck Norris level.
It will be GB v Pats in Houston. Pats will win yet another SB.
When I picked Green Bay over Dallas, I was told “Aaron Rodgers can’t play defense!”
Maybe not, but he can throw a phenomenal pass for a phenomenal catch in the last minute of the game :)
Dallas rookie has a SB in his future.
After 40 years of rooting for jets, i figure they’ll take an old broken Romo. Its what they do.
Steelers win 33-30 with Chris Boswell kicking a record-shattering eleven field goals.
+1
Yes, and no.
Go Pack!
The way the offense played against the Chiefs you’re relying on Boswell to kick 11 field goals.
Rodgers & Brady just too good.
Brady rules!!!!!
It pains me to say it, but I think Atlanta can beat GB. Of course Rogers is a wildcard. The way he’s been playing is mind boggling.
And, I think the NE/Pitt game will be far more exciting than the pundits are willing to admit. The Steelers running game is back, and NE’s defense is overrated. They never spent any time on the field this year...and came from a very weak division.
I expect GB and Pitt both to play a west coast style of ball control game with an occasional long play. Most passes will be across the middle to the TE and Backs. And I expect this to frustrate both NE and the Falcons. Certainly Rogers will use the big, aggressive defense of Atlanta against them.
That frustration will show in bad offensive judgement making BOTH games close nail-biters.
Epic battle!
I like my team, I like your odds better.
So you’re picking Atlanta and Pittsburgh?
I don’t see how Pittsburgh’s so-so defense can stop the Brady Bunch. Wherever the score is in the forth quarter, I see the Brady Bunch scoring and winning like they always do. I don’t think Pittsburgh will be able to score enough to beat that, barring an injury to Brady. And I think Pittsburgh will turn it over more than NE.
“Sunday, Jan 22, 1:05 PM MT FOX #8 Green Bay at #2 Atlanta”
Packers - 17 Atlanta - 14
Dear Lord: Please keep Mason Crosby in your tender care...until this is all over, Superbowl included! Amen
How can the worst passing defense in the NFL (GB) keep the best passing offense in the NFL (Atlanta) from scoring every time Atlanta has the ball?
Every night before he goes to sleep, Chuck Norris looks under the bed for Aaron Rodgers.
Magic? LOL!
Yeah, this one is going to be tough. I actually CRIED last week when the Packers won. But, Aaron was crying and so was Coach, so it’s all good.
Sure wish Jordy Nelson could join in the fun. :(
Outside of Brady the NE offense really doesn’t have much going for it. This is probably the most no name offense he’s had. Of course it’s Brady, but there really ain’t a Bunch anymore. And their kick returns have been turn over machines. Steelers got a shot, punchers chance at least.
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