2012 NFL Playoffs - Road to Super Bowl XLVII - Conference Championships

WOW!! Now that was some "good football"!!!! Last weekend's exciting Divisional Round more than made up for the boring slate of Wild Card Weekend games. High drama in the Seahawks vs. Falcons game kept us on our seats until the very last second. And the Ravens vs. Broncos game had so many twists and turns that it took two overtimes to settle. We are now down to the Final Four: Conference Championship Weekend. Three of the four teams return to the conference finals from last year (Patriots, Ravens, 49ers).  The winners will head to New Orleans to play for the coveted Lombardi trophy.

AFC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

 

 

Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots (- 8)

The AFC Conference Championship game is a rematch from last year's matchup. The Ravens return to the scene of where their season came to a very disappointing end last year, Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. On their final drive in that game, Baltimore had a chance to beat, and then at the very least, tie the Patriots but a dropped TD pass and a missed chippy field goal sent them home. The Ravens did beat the Patriots earlier this season 31 - 30 at home, but this is definitely the game that they want as their "revenge game". The Patriots are cruising into this matchup after soundly defeating the Texans last week. Although they lost their dynamic TE Rob Gronkowski early in the game (and for the rest of the playoffs), the Pats offense still clicked pretty well. With a good balance of run and pass it is expected that New England will take advantage of a "tired" Ravens defense. I've been hearing all week about how many snaps the Ravens' defense has taken, particularly in the double OT game that they won over the Broncos last week. Baltimore showed a lot of heart in that game and although their defense wasn't stellar, they made plays when they had to. The Ravens' D only gave up 3 of the 5 touchdowns scored by the Broncos (2 of them were made on special teams). The defense also intercepted Peyton Manning twice: one for a "Pick 6" in the first half and one in double OT that set up the game winning field goal. One thing that Denver did offensively that was positive against the Ravens was the "no huddle" offense. For some reason the Broncos went away from it late in the game after having a lot of success with it. I expect QB Tom Brady and the Patriots to do a lot of "no huddle" and even without Gronkowski, they still have a lot of other weapons who can execute. Baltimore's offense must be feeling pretty confident too after having success on the ground and in the air last week. I think another game plan of feeding Ray Rice the ball and Joe Flacco going deep to Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin on play action will serve Baltimore well. They certainly can take advantage of the Pats defense. I think this game is going to be high scoring and close. The Ravens exact AFC Championship revenge on the Patriots and take the Mr. Ray Lewis retirement tour to the Super Bowl. They will obviously cover the points with the win.

NFC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

 

 

San Francisco 49ers vs. Atlanta Falcons (+4)

The Falcons finally "got the monkey off of their back" when they defeated the Seahawks in the Divisional Round. They were a determined unit and I think it showed by their play on the field. Despite that, they still almost lost the game and they probably would have if it were not for some rare coaching errors by Seattle. As a matter of fact, the Seahawks took the lead with less than a minute to go in the game. But the Falcons did an excellent job led by QB Matt Ryan to get the ball, drive down the field and get into field goal range. K Matt Bryant connected on a 49 yard FG to seal the comeback victory for Atlanta and save them from what would have been increased media scrutiny about their playoff failures. The 49ers had a little drama of their own in the Divisional Round but it was early in the game. A "Pick 6" thrown by QB Colin Kaepernick on the team's opening drive made some folks wonder whether he would be able to handle the playoff pressure. Kaepernick quickly responded by taking the 49ers on their following possession straight down the field on a drive that was capped by a 20 yd touchdown run by the QB. Though Aaron Rodgers and the Packers tangled with San Fran through the first two quarters (they were only down 3 at halftime), Kaepernick and the 49ers imposed their will on them in the second half. The Niners pulled away by scoring 21 unanswered points. Even though the Packers scored a late TD to make it a little close, the game was essentially a blow out. Kaepernick was outstanding, passing for 263 yards (2 TDs) and rushing for 181 yards (2 TDs). When he travels east to face the Falcons, he'll need to bring a little of that great balance with him. Atlanta's defense is good and opportunistic but I feel the 49ers will have the ability to move the ball on them. The Falcons must really feel disrespected being that they are the number 1 seed in the NFC, hosting this championship game but are still underdogs. Ryan & the offense I think will be able to make some plays but not enough against the 49ers stingy D. I don't think Atlanta will be able to run the ball on the 49ers the way they did against Seattle last week. I think the 49ers pass rush will be more effective as well. San Francisco, like Baltimore, had the conference championship slip through their hands last year. This year they will not let that happen. Niners beat the Falcons for the right to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl and they will cover the points.

Well the way I see it, Super Bowl XLVII will be a "family affair". Brothers John Harbaugh (Head Coach of the Ravens) and Jim Harbaugh (Head Coach of the 49ers) will bring pride to their family name and garner a ton of attention on the fact that they are siblings. It should make for a great Super Bowl matchup - but the Patriots and Falcons will be in no mood to help facilitate a Harbaugh family reunion in New Orleans.



2012 NFL Playoffs - Road to Super Bowl XLVII - Divisional Round

We are now down to the Elite Eight (the Divisional Round) in the NFL Playoffs and let us all hope that the games are better this weekend than they were last weekend. Outside of the Seattle Seahawks vs Washington Redskins game, Wild Card Weekend was a bit of a "Bore Fest". With a trip to the Conference Championships on the line and the inclusion of the top seeded teams, I think we will see more competitive and exciting games.

AFC DIVISIONAL MATCHUPS

 

Baltimore Ravens vs. Denver Broncos (- 9.5)

The Ravens (#4 seed) are riding into Denver high off of their emotional victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Though they didn't look their best, the Ravens still kept the Colts in check. Ravens RB Ray Rice uncharacteristically fumbled twice, something he just can not afford to do against the Broncos (#1 seed). Denver, who has been riding high in the "Mile High" themselves, come off of a bye and 11 straight victories. During that streak, led by MVP candidate QB Peyton Manning, the Broncos have won by at least a touchdown in each contest and has scored an average of 31 points a game. That spells trouble for the Ravens' defense which has been porous this season. Cold temperatures and an emotional lift surrounding the impending retirement of LB Ray Lewis may help the Ravens' defense but I think that Baltimore will need to run the ball a lot (and execute their short passing game) to limit Mr. Manning's touches. QB Joe Flacco & Co. had better take their sweet time out there on offense, unless of course, they are down quickly. When the Ravens' offense is right, it can have explosive games with Flacco. Also, this squad is a road playoff, battle tested team. But I don't think it's wise for them to get into a shootout with Denver. Besides, the Broncos defense is one of the most underrated in the NFL. The divisional round is hard to predict at times because of the teams coming off a bye and it's possible the week off my derail the Broncos stride. But I don't think the bye, the Lewis factor or anything else will get in Denver's way. The Broncos end the Ravens' season and Ray Lewis' career but they will not cover the 9.5.

 

Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots (-9.5)

The Texans (#3 seed) roll into Foxboro off of their Wild Card Round win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Texans did what they had to do to win that game but they weren't impressive at all. Houston is a talented team but something has gone awry with them starting with the Week 14 beatdown they endured at the hands of the Patriots (#2 seed). The Pats undressed the Texans on Monday Night Football, yet another high stakes nationally televised game that they wilted. That game prompted me to give them the nickname "SNL" for Saturday Night Live. SNL's original cast members were once known to be the "Not Ready For Primetime Players".  SNL has a chance to begin to ditch that nickname with a "revenge" win against the Patriots. Like Baltimore, Houston should rely on their run and short pass game to eat clock on offense. The less time New England QB Tom Brady has with the ball, the better for the Texans. Also I thought the Bengals ran successfully against Houston but didn't stick with it for some reason. I doubt Patriots' head coach Bill Belichick will let that opportunity/advantage slip away. Like the Ravens, when the Texans offense is clicking they can be very dangerous. But their switch seems to be "off" and I can't see how they will flip it "on" in New England. The Patriots have been vulnerable at home in the playoffs in recent years but I don't see them losing this week. "Live from New England, it's Saturday Night!" and the Not Ready For Primetime Players will hit the stage (even though it's actually Sunday). The Patriots will run RB Stevan Ridley wild and open up the play action to hit their talented receiving/tight end ensemble down field. Patriots win and cover.

 

 

NFC DIVISIONAL MATCHUPS

 

 

 

Green Bay Packers vs. San Francisco 49ers (-3)

The Packers (#3 seed) come into this game against the 49ers (#2 seed) after dusting off the Minnesota Vikings (who played their 2nd string QB due to Christian Ponder's injured arm) last week. The "backup" quarterback they will be facing this week though will be a little more prepared than Vikings QB Joe Webb was last week. Unlike Webb, 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has taken several snaps this season. In fact Kaepernick isn't really the backup QB anymore; he has started the last eight games of the season for San Fran. Though he has had some struggles, Kaepernick has also looked quite dynamic at times. The 49ers have averaged 26 points a game since Kaepernick replaced Alex Smith behind center. The offense still relies on a steady run game with RB Frank Gore but has now opened up the downfield threat with WR Michael Crabtree. The Packers pass offense is as dangerous as ever with QB Aaron Rodgers leading the way. But the name of this game I think will be defense and the 49ers have one of the best units in the NFL. San Francisco's defense is stout; they play mean and they tackle well. If they get the Packers into a one dimensional passing offense, Green Bay could be in for a long day. Ultimately, I do think the 49ers defense will neutralize the Packers offense. The Packers defense will have to deal with that balanced Niners offense and I think San Fran will have some opportunities to score some points against them. This game could be close but it has the makings of getting ugly too. Niners rush into the NFC Championship game by sending home the Pack and they cover too.

 

Seatlle Seahawks vs. Atlanta Falcons (-2.5)

The Seahawks (#5 seed) fly into Atlanta soaring after their defeat of RGIII and the Washington Redskins in the Wild Card Round. Seattle has become the so called "sexy pick" of a lot of prognosticators to win the Super Bowl because of their tough defense, excellent run game and the unflinching leadership of rookie QB Russell Wilson. Wilson was the only rookie QB to survive Wild Card Weekend. But he and the "Hawks will face a Falcons (#1 seed) team who has a LOT to prove. Atlanta's quick exits out of the playoffs the last 3 years has placed doubts in the minds of scores of folks outside of the 404/770 area code. Despite their 13 - 3 record and home field advantage, many people expect the Falcons to nose dive again in these playoffs. I have to admit that I am one of those people. I took a chance on the Falcons last year and picked them to win Wild Card Weekend even though they had to go on the road to play the New York Giants. They flew north and laid an egg. I'm not jumping with them this time around. This team has good talent on both sides of the ball. Roddy White and Julio Jones are arguably the best wide receiver duo in the NFL. Out on routes with them is future Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzalez. RB Michael Turner has seen his touches drop over the last couple of years but is still capable of getting the job done. QB Matt Ryan is a good quarterback but is he your championship QB? You rarely hear his nickname "Matty Ice" any more....... On defense, the Falcons also have some really good players like Sean Weatherspoon, John Abraham, Asante Samuel and Thomas DeCoud. But for some reason come playoff time, it doesn't happen for the "Dirty Birds". After seeing how the Carolina Panthers handled the Falcons this year, (they split games but the Panthers should have won the game in Atlanta early in the season) I think the Seahawks can beat them. Although Wilson is not exactly like Cam Newton, their attributes are similar. With the help of RB Marshawn Lynch, Wilson should be able to find some holes in the Atlanta D on play action. This game I think will be close. Boy, Atlanta has a lot of pride on the line and a huge monkey on their back. That monkey will get even bigger when the Seahawks win the "Battle of the Birds". Seattle wins outright and have the spread to spare.

 

The playoff intensity should really pick up this weekend as these matches will determine the Final Four. Will we see another Brady vs. Manning playoff matchup? Will the Seahawks and 49ers meet for the third time this season, with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line? We shall indeed see but you better believe the Ravens, Texans, Packers and Falcons all have different ideas about the Conference Championships! Let's just hope these games truly are more entertaining than last week's set.

 

 









2012 NFL Playoffs - Road to Super Bowl XLVII - Wild Card Round

The NFL playoffs for the 2012 season ramps up this weekend. As normal under the current playoff format, twenty teams did not qualify for the post season and have been sent home to watch with the rest of us.  The Atlanta Falcons (#1 NFC seed), San Francisco 49ers (#2 NFC seed), Denver Broncos (#1 AFC seed) and New England Patriots (#2 AFC seed) all have received byes for Wild Card weekend and we will see them compete next week. That leaves us with eight remaining squads, ready to battle it out for the right to move on to the divisional round.

 

 

AFC WILD CARD MATCHUPS

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Houston Texans (-4.5)
Classic matchup of teams heading in opposite directions. The Bengals (#6 AFC seed) come into the game winning 7 of their last 8 games. The Texans (#3 AFC seed) have lost 3 of their last four games and have looked pretty bad in a couple of those defeats. Worse for the Texans is that they lost the firm grip that they had on the AFC #1 seed; sliding to the #3 seed and forcing them to play Wild Card weekend. These teams faced off in the playoffs just last year and I picked the young upstart Cincy team to upset the Texans. This year, despite how poorly they have looked recently, I think the Texans will regroup and rebound to defeat the Bengals. The Bengals defense may be the most underrated in the NFL but the Texans should have enough offensive fire power and pride to put some points up. JJ Watt is a stud on defense for Houston but their backend could be vulnerable to Andy Dalton hooking up with AJ Green & Co. I still think the Texans will find a way at home to get some momentum and cover.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens (-7)
This is a very compelling matchup for varies reasons but most notably it could be the last game or the start of the last charge for the Ravens (#4 AFC seed) future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis. All eyes will be on the Ravens to see what emotional impact Lewis' retirement announcement will have on the team. The Ravens, who came "oh so close" to going to the Super Bowl last year will have some pressure on them to get back to the AFC Championship game. The Colts (#5 AFC seed) who had the worst record in the league last year and started a rookie QB this year (Andrew Luck) wasn't expected to win but a handful of games this season. But to most of our surprise, the Colts banged out 11 wins with Luck running the offense and their head coach Chuck Pagano away from the team battling cancer most of the season. Pagano is now back and Indy can be a very dangerous team because they truly have nothing to lose. Outside of their locker room there is not much expectation on the Colts. Their offense can be hot and cold but the Ravens defense, even with Lewis, is "torchable". I could see the Colts pulling off an upset but I don't think they will. I will give this game to the Ravens because of their talent, experience and emotions for their undisputed leader (Lewis). But if Baltimore's offense doesn't click, which has occured too often, it could be a disappointing day for them. Ravens QB Joe Flacco's performance will be under scrutiny. Ray Rice and Ravens send a message at home and cover.

 

NFC WILD CARD MATCHUPS

 

 

Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers (-7.5)

One of the teams I'm most interested to see play these playoffs are the Packers (#3 NFC seed). The last three years they have been "miss, hit & miss". Knocked out in the 1st round three years ago, ran the table to the title as a wild card two years ago and last year was one and done again after just losing one game in the regular season. Green Bay has looked sharp at times and vulnerable at other times this season. Unfortunately for them, an early exit from the playoffs will start some louder talk about the validity of the current Packers teams. The whispers are already there about them getting "lucky" & "hot at the right time" during their Super Bowl run a couple of seasons ago. The Packers just lost last week to their opponent and division rival Vikings (#6 NFC seed) but I think it will be different this week. The Vikings beat the Packers in the comfort of their home dome with a playoff spot on the line. This week they play at frigid Lambeau Field and I have a feeling the Packers are ready to light it up. Minnesota is led by superhuman, and in my opinion league MVP, Adrian Peterson. The Vikings will be looking to kill the clock with Peterson and keep the ball out of Packers QB Aaron Rodgers' hands. But if the Pack jump on the Vikings early and often, Minny doesn't have the passing game to come back. Green Bay makes a statement and covers.

 

Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington Redskins (+3)

RGIII vs. Russell Wilson - a dream matchup of rookie QBs who have absolutely dazzled this season. The Redskins (#4 NFC seed) come into this game riding high after defeating the Dallas Cowboys last week to clinch a playoff spot and the NFC East crown. That win also was their sixth straight, an improbable run after starting the season 3 - 6. The NFL overall #2 draft pick and Redskins QB Robert Griffin III has shown tremendous leadership as a rookie and has really shined on the field. His read option and play fake skills are magical to the eye and weary on the defenders knees and egos. The Seahawks (#5 NFC seed) have their own dynamo rookie QB in Wilson who was picked 75th overall in the NFL draft. Like RGIII, Wilson has shown tremendous leadership as a rookie and his play on the field has become more and more impressive with each passing game. But this game will come down to the biggest strength of the Seahawks which is their defense. Can the Hawks defense contain the Redskins #1 ranked rushing offense featuring rookie RB Alfred Morris? If they do, Wilson & Company on offense should do enough to win the game. Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch is a stud himself and should be able to do some damage against the Redskins defense and open up the play action for Wilson. Seattle travels across the country to FedEx Field, beats the Redskins and covers.

 

 

The "wild card" for this Wild Card playoff weekend are the number of rookie and 2nd year players in key positions. As great as the trio of rookie QBs who made the playoffs have played this year, would it be unrealistic to think that one, two or all three of them can bomb? Not really. And lets not forget that Dalton (and Green) for Cincy and Christian Ponder for Minny are just 2nd year players. How will they hold under the pressure?  Soon enough we will see but one thing is for sure: something that we all will predict will certainly and unquestionably not come to fruition. That's the NFL.



NFL Divisional Round - Road to Super Bowl XLVI

NFL Wild Card weekend showcased wins by all four of the home teams. The Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints and New York Giants all advanced to this weekend's NFL Divisional Round. All of these teams must hit road in hopes of crashing the now pristine playoff seed order. Lets take a look at the games.



Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots:
The Broncos shocked the world last weekend with their upset overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Broncos QB Tim Tebow completed less than half of his passes but made the ones he did connect on count. I think Patriots' Head Coach Bill Belichick will feel his best defense in this game will be his offense. I expect to see Tom Brady and crew to try blitz the scoreboard and force the Broncos to attempt to play catch up. This strategy should work and the Patriots will go on to the AFC Championship game. I wouldn't give the Broncos 13.5 points though.



Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens:
Texans come into this game riding high after winning their first playoff game in franchise history over the Cincinnati Bengals last week. The Bengals offense moved the ball early but the Texans defense never gave up the big play. The big question for this matchup is: can the Ravens make big plays against this Texans defense? They certainly have some weapons to do so, mainly RB Ray Rice. But on a few occasions this year, the Ravens offense has disappeared and Rice doesn't seem to get the touches he deserves. Though I am not thoroughly confident in this Ravens offense, I will give them the edge to win this game since they are at home and their defense is playing against a third string QB. Go with the Ravens but don't be shocked if the Texans somehow find a way.



New Orleans Saints vs. San Francisco 49ers:
After defeating the Detriot Lions, a team who featured a potent offense, the Saints play a 49ers team who's strength lies in its defense. The 49ers also feature a good running game, which I expect to see a lot of  to try to keep Saints QB Drew Brees off of the field. Although the Saints offense may not run as smooth outdoors on the road as it does at home, I still expect them to put some points up. I think their defense will "bend but not break" against 49ers which will give the Saints the right to move on to the NFC Championship game.



New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers:
The Giants had an impressive home win last week against the Atlanta Falcons, not allowing their offense to score any points. That won't happen this weekend. The Packers do have a few things to worry about like the potential of being rusty after having had the bye and several of their star players missing the regular season finale as well. Also their defense has been porous at times and their offensive line is banged up.  But on a good note, WR Greg Jennings is reportedly looking healthy and is ready to return from his leg injury that has sidelined him for a few weeks. The Giants cleared a big hurdle by winning last week, albeit to a suspect Falcons team. As I mentioned last week, the Giants have a history of dropping stinkers late in the season (and post season) and this might just be the week we see it. I won't say the Giants have no chance because they have nothing to lose and played the Packers tough earlier this season, but if the Packers are clicking, forget it. I expect Aaron Rodgers to "discount double-check" the G-Men to death. Packers roll.

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champs!!!

Congratulations to the Green Bay Packers! They are now the reigning champions of the NFL after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 31 - 25 in Super Bowl XLV. The Packers jumped out to a 14 - 0 lead early and even though they were tested throughout the game, they never gave that lead up. Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers was mostly sharp in this game as he continued his hot streak through the playoffs. Rodgers threw for 304 yards and 3 touchdowns; he also had a bunch of dropped passes from his receivers that might have made this game a blowout. The Packers was able to overcome some key injuries in the game, most notably losing their defensive leader CB Charles Woodson right before halftime. But we should not be surprised that they kept the train moving because that is what the team has done all season. I don't ever recall seeing a team win a Super Bowl after losing as many key personnel as the Packers did this season. Kudos to their front office, coaching staff and backup players for illustrating the meaning of the word "team".

The Steelers have to be kicking themselves and will find it hard to get over this loss. The most obvious reason for them going home without the Lombardi Trophy is turnovers. They had a total of three; two in particular that were killers was QB Ben Roethlisberger's first interception which was a floater returned 36 yards for a touchdown by Packers S Nick Collins and RB Rashard Mendenhall's fumble at the start of the 4th quarter when the Steelers had momentum and was driving to take the lead. What was less obvious but more influential to the final outcome was the inexplicable playcalling by the Steelers. The Packers could NOT stop the Steelers running attack. After the Steelers grabbed the momentum in the game in the 3rd quarter, they were close enough on the scoreboard to go to their smashmouth, running assault. But they didn't; they continued to pass the football. The Steelers averaged nearly 5.5 yards per carry but only rushed 23 times (4 of those were Roethlisberger scrambles). And the "eye test" clearly showed a Packers defense that was incapable of stopping any of the Steelers' ball carriers, particularly Mendenhall. I really think this oversight killed their championship chances.

Fans and spectators have to be happy that they got to see a great Super Bowl game. This came after a week that the Dallas Metroplex area will probably not live down anytime soon. Most of the issues in the hosting city area were weather related (snow & cold temperatures) which was out of everyone's hands, especially this snow riddled winter. But the snafu that occured a couple of hours before the game, where it was reported that 1250 temporary seats were not ready to be occupied by paid fans, may be one of the worst transgressions ever to take place at a Super Bowl. The league announced that about 850 of those folks were relocated to similiar or better seats but the other 400 were left without a seat and they were given the option to stand inside the stadium and watch the game from monitors. The NFL will compensate those folks by paying them triple the face value amount of their tickets. It will be interesting to hear exactly what happened and why were those seats not ready to be used on the day of the Super Bowl.

I am happy that the Packers and the Steelers gave everyone an exciting game to the end. I would like to congratulate the Packers again for winning their fourth Super Bowl in team history. And they should send Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson and the Philadelphia Eagles a playoff/Super Bowl cut as well. You see, if the Eagles had not made the miraculous comeback (28 points in last 7 minutes of the game) against the New York Giants in Week 15, the Packers would not have had the opportunity to play their way into the playoffs by winning their last two games. That NFC sixth seed was the Giants spot; the Pack may want to give a cut to the Giants defense and special teams as well! But that is to take nothing at all away from the Packers themselves. They won their last two regular season games and four playoff games to wrap up the title. Their hard work, perseverance and teamwork is to be commended and emulated. Enjoy your victory Green Bay, it's well deserved!!

Steelers vs. Packers: Super Bowl XLV Rodeo In Texas

Alright! The time is upon us. The big game! The one that all NFL players work so hard to try to reach. The one that they think about as they work through two-a-days in the sweltering heat of training camp. The one that they sacrifice their body and mind for. It's Super Bowl time! After having a weekend without a real game, it is time to get it on! And as you are well aware of already from all of the hype, Super Bowl XLV features the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Green Bay Packers (-2.5) at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

I think that we lucked out as fans and spectators with this game because it is a great matchup. I really can see either team winning a close battle. The Packers have charged into the Super Bowl in playoff mode since Week 16 of the regular season. They have won five consecutive games in five weeks. My one concern for them is the extra week off they just experienced. Will that hurt the rhythm on offense at all? Or, are they due for an "off" game? And what about the Steelers? Will the extra week off, their second off week of the playoffs, hurt them at all? Ironically, both teams had similar championship games in that they jumped out to convincing first half leads, only to be shut down in the second half and nearly lose the game. Will the Steelers be able to pick up what the Chicago Bears did to the Packers defensively in the second half of the NFC Championship game? I think that is the key to the game for them. The Steelers do not want to fall prey to what the Bears and the Atlanta Falcons did in the playoffs against the Packers and that is fall behind big. Though the Steelers can move the ball, I think they will be hurt if they have to try to play "catchup" and get into a one dimensional passing mode. They will need their running game to succeed. So the Steelers defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau will have to come up with a combination of schemes to stop the Packers from spreading them out and gaining big chunks of yards in the passing game. Conversely, the Packers will have to find a way to be effective passing the ball since the Steelers are the number one run defense in the league.  On defense, I think the Packers can contain the Steelers offense. The one thing the Packers defense should do that the New York Jets defense did not do in the AFC Championship game is capitalize on the Steelers banged up offensive line, especially with C Maurkice Pouncey being a no-go due to a ankle sprain. They will also have to do a better job than the Jets in stopping Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger in key moments. Roethlisberger's overall numbers were not impressive against the Jets but he made clutch plays when his team needed them.

So the Packers will need to execute in their passing game and take advantage of the Steelers offensive line on defense. The Steelers will have to keep the Packers offense in check and not fall behind by a large margin. The Steelers also will have to get their running game going and stay away from going heavy in the passing game (though I do think the Steelers speedy wideouts can cause havoc on the Packers secondary). While I do believe this game could go either way, I think Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will stay hot for one more week and bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Green Bay. Take the Packers and give the -2.5 points.