Packers Question of the day - Expectations for Sunday

The Packers are preparing for the NFC Championship. Over two months ago, these aren't words I expected to be writing mid-January, but here we are.

They'll travel into Atlanta with a battered receiving corps and likely without their veteran safety in Morgan Burnett unless he's good to go by Sunday. A high-powered Falcons offense that has been historically efficient in 2016 - spearheaded by quarterback Matt Ryan - may be too much to overcome for the green and gold, but this is precisely why they play the game.

What are your expectations for Sunday? Will the Packers represent the National Football Conference in Super Bowl 51?

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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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Comments (60)

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vj_ostrowski's picture

January 20, 2017 at 09:24 am

Don't mistake me for COW, but I think this is where the table ends for our team. Not because I think Clay Matthews is the most overrated defensive player in the league, or because I think Ted and Mike should be fired, or because "12" didn't play in enough preseason games...

Simply because we're too banged up for Rodgers to pull a rabbit out of his hat again. He's the greatest of all time, IMO, and a win with these kind of odds against him would cement that. If he took this team to the Super Bowl, how could anyone doubt it?

It's been a hell of a ride. I hope to god I'm wrong.

Expectations: 38-24 - the game gets away from us late in the 3rd quarter

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KenEllis's picture

January 20, 2017 at 10:40 am

Pretty much agree.

Aaron Rodgers is playing QB better than any QB I can remember the position.

Nonetheless, given the injuries at WR & CB and general lack of talent on the D, I think the run comes to an end against a very talented Falcons' offense.

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GVPacker's picture

January 21, 2017 at 09:58 am

Matthews has a very serious shoulder injury that will require offseason surgery!

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vj_ostrowski's picture

January 24, 2017 at 12:53 pm

Sadly, I was pretty close. Didn't expect to go down 17-0 that quickly, but results were pretty much as expected.

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dobber's picture

January 20, 2017 at 09:29 am

I expect to watch most of the game from my hiding spot behind the couch.

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NickPerry's picture

January 20, 2017 at 09:36 am

Ummmm dobber. Could you PLEASE post your "Prediction" as soon as the story is up this week? You made me wait a little bit last week and I got anxious. I'm already anxious enough, could I ask you to please not add to my anxiety?

Thank you!

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chugwater's picture

January 20, 2017 at 12:09 pm

Yeah, I may curl up in the fetal position if things go bad too. I'm not expecting it, but I didn't expect to get blown out by Dallas at home in October either.

That's why we watch.

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Tundraboy's picture

January 20, 2017 at 08:41 pm

Lol

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Bert's picture

January 20, 2017 at 09:32 am

I "expected" the Packers to win the last few weeks. I think I predicted a 34-30 win over the Cowboys. This week I "hope" we win. If Burnett AND either Adams/Nelson play effectively I think we win this game. If two of those three are out then I have to say that I "expect" a loss.

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RCPackerFan's picture

January 20, 2017 at 09:39 am

I expect this to be a battle!

I think Atlanta will put up a lot of yards. The question I have is how many points do they put up?

If the defense can bend but not break and force them to kick FG's, and get a couple of turnovers along the way. I think the Packers win.

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vj_ostrowski's picture

January 20, 2017 at 10:01 am

We need to watch those sideline outs Matty likes to throw. The one that Tramon housed him on during the SB run. Ryan has a more complete game these days, and more options to spread the ball to, but I still see him using the deep Out to Julio as a safety valve when he gets in trouble.

Would be nice if we could rush him into throwing one of those a little short

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RCPackerFan's picture

January 20, 2017 at 11:28 am

Pressure up the middle will likely be key for this. Also if the DL can bat down some passes that would really help.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

January 21, 2017 at 01:19 am

Agree with @RC

Going over our last game vs the Falcons that is what was lacking. Ryan was stepping into all of his throws.

Example: that deep pass against Goodson that went for 6.

Jones
Pennell (was the only one to get push)
Clark
Elliott

Were the 4-rushers on that particular play.

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dobber's picture

January 20, 2017 at 01:31 pm

Defense must play fast and tackle. If the Packers have a bad tackling day against this offense it will be a long day overall.

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NickPerry's picture

January 20, 2017 at 09:48 am

Without Nelson and a banged up Adams & Allison the Packers could trot out Janis, Davis, and Cobb with Cook at TE and Montgomery in the backfield for much of the game. The Packers aren't telling anybody how bad Adams ankle or Allison's hamstring is. I don't believe for a second Nelson will play. It's to dangerous at this point for him I'd imagine (Not a M.D.) but since the Packers are so cautious with injuries, I can't see Nelson out there.

ALL I hear about all week is the how great Atlanta's offense is and how bad the Packers defense is. NEWS FLASH... The falcons defenses sucks too!!!

This is why I've been thinking McCarthy almost HAS to run the ball and they HAVE to run it well. Montgomery, Michaels, and Rip combine for over 200 yards. McCarthy has outcoached his opponent for 8 weeks in a row now, it's not stopping this weekend either. 5 years from now we'll be talking about this weekend and the job MM and his Staff did on the Falcons.

Yes, I actually believe that.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

January 20, 2017 at 10:57 am

McCarthy has a lot more experience with this situation than Dan Quinn does. McCarthy and Capers actually have a much better track record of dealing with adversity IMO than success. When they have to deal with injuries they seam to really attack the other trams weaknesses and play to thier players true skills. When they have all of thier starters they get stubborn. Add to all of this the fact that Kyle Shannan is reportedly actively interviewing for the 49ers HC spot and I feel like the coaching advantage is squarely on the Packers. Also, there could be an awful lot of green in the stands Sunday.

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RCPackerFan's picture

January 20, 2017 at 11:27 am

I agree with everything except for the Packers Having to run the ball... While I think it would be huge for them if they could run the ball, I don't think its an absolute must.
With the way Rodgers has been playing, and the way the offense has been good. Really good passing it.

That being said it would really take some pressure off of Rodgers if they could run the ball really well. And also it might throw off Atlanta too because for the last however many games the primary offense has been passing, not running. If they run it well it could be big.

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chugwater's picture

January 20, 2017 at 12:22 pm

Yep. Green Bay does what it does. They serve Pass as a main course with a Run garnish. Don't shy away from what brought you. AR is playing lights out.

I for one believe both Allison and Adams will play, and be effective. However, AR will be able to get Janis and Austin the ball should they be pressed into service.

ATL's defense is awful. They have Beasley and...ten other average guys. Nobody you have to scheme against. Nobody you can't beat one-on-one.

This game will come down to a critical turnover, penalty, or special teams play. l give GB the edge.

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RCPackerFan's picture

January 20, 2017 at 01:05 pm

Exactly... Do what got you hear...
That being said, It woudln't surprise me to see more runs especially if they are having success with it.

Another key, is field of position. Who wins the Field of position battle might win. The little things in these games usually are what wins.

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Pacmac's picture

January 20, 2017 at 10:11 am

I feel this game will be decided with time of possession and turn overs, If Rodgers stays on the field for long drives and scores. The Pack will win. If the Pack defense gets some turn overs Pack will win. It will be a shoot out.
Keep Ryan off the field. Pack will win.

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pacman's picture

January 20, 2017 at 10:28 am

Too many unknowns on the injury side for expectations - only guesses.

I think more depends on our D rather than our offense. If Atl's O line is a bit more porous, then we have a better chance. I think Dallas' D played better than their reputation and got to AR a bit. Pls, AR, take what they give you, especially if we are down WR's.

My guess - maybe Crosby hits a 65 yarder to end it (he had the leg last week). Or maybe it goes into triple overtime and then a shoot-out.

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Pack88's picture

January 20, 2017 at 10:37 am

If everyone remembers the Oct game against the Falcons Gb had Nelson, Davis and Janis as WRs and led 24-19 at the half. It was a long quiet 3rd qtr that doomed GB in that game and I am hoping there is none of that on Sunday. ARog reminds me of a great shooter in their zone and I am hoping he is as laser focused as he was in the 1st half against the Cowpukes.
I am not impressed by the flaying the Falcons laid on the Seasucks and for me the key will be like in the Oct game have the lead at half and score 1st in the 3rd qtr and make Ryan become one dimensional. Perry and Matthews need to really show up in this game.
I do agree the ability to run the football would really whipsaw the Falcons so pray that 32 and 22 look like Taylor and Hornung
Most important, remember how sad you were when GB was 4-6! Enjoy the rebound and hope it takes them to Houston and if not revel in the grit and guts it took to climb from the abyss

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FITZCORE1252's picture

January 20, 2017 at 11:13 am

NFL Network just replayed the game from earlier this season, I caught the tail end. We were very close to picking Ryan twice (one would've likely gone for 6, out route Gunter just missed) and the other was down by the end zone just before they got what ended up being the game winning TD. What I'm getting at is Ryan gave us a couple opportunities and we failed to capitalize. I think he gives us a couple more chances Sunday, if we make the play I think we can win, even being shorthanded, if we don't, the offense may need 7 every possession.

41-38 PACK

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EdsLaces's picture

January 20, 2017 at 11:16 am

As usual I predict a barn burner. If we win and it's a big if Cook is going to have to have a monster game. Cook has at least 120 yards or we are headin to the couch. Go Pack Go. 34 27 good guys!

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Robinant2's picture

January 20, 2017 at 11:22 am

This team is not as good as the Cowboys team we just played I know regular accounts for nothing come playoff time but we had our back ups backup in at the skill positions an still lost by 1 point an that was when Altanta was at full strength. An again this defense is horrible an they lost a key to their D-line last week. An I've played with turf toe before an let me tell you it hurts just to spell turf toe so look for them to keep Jones tarped most of this game. An if you hit "Matty Ice" enough he gets flustered. I expect the Packers to be physical with their receivers outside of Jones it can reroute them to cause enough disruption for Ryan. An their O-Line is good but the Packers pass rush got pressure all day on Dak last week even though they didn't get alot of sacks they were in his face all day. Which applause to Dak cuz he played lights out. I think Perry will be a huge factor along with Ryan and Peppers. Cook will play a ginormous role again and the Falcons defense will ultimately do them in cuz last game Ryan almost threw 3 picks but GB dropped the int's. An last week they could've had 4. But I think the run game and surprisingly the defense will do enough to get us to Super Bowl 51.

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dobber's picture

January 20, 2017 at 08:00 pm

Absolutely must not lose track of Coleman and Freeman catching balls out of the backfield. Why is #2s completion percentage so high and average time he holds on to the football so low? Because he always has them as outlets, and they're dangerous in space.

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Packmaniac's picture

January 20, 2017 at 11:25 am

IMO, their best shot of hanging in there for a victory will be to start more like they did against Dallas and a whole lot less like they did against the Giants. They got away with it against the Giants because of the Giants ho-hum offense. If they do experience a slow spell, better to have it in the 3rd quarter (like the regular season game) than in the first quarter.

Beyond that, creating a turnover or three plus having at least a semblance of a clock-chewing running game would likely be good medicine. The best "player" on the Packers D might need to be whatever bench Matt Ryan is sitting on. Keep him there as long as possible.

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chugwater's picture

January 20, 2017 at 12:28 pm

The start should be easy. We are not facing Olivier Vernon, ARC, Janoris Jenkins, or Eli Apple. They don't have the horses to stop us.

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Marcos Martínez Sánchez's picture

January 20, 2017 at 11:59 am

I expect McCarthy and Capers to prepare good gameplans and put this team in position to win in the 4thqtr, I expect 200% effort from all the players and a little Rodgers magic. 33-30 GB

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dobber's picture

January 20, 2017 at 01:30 pm

Haven't run the Janis sweep for several weeks now. I bet we see it on Sunday...mostly because Janis will be on the field more than in past weeks. Otherwise, you're telegraphing the sweep just by his being on the field.

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RCPackerFan's picture

January 20, 2017 at 01:42 pm

I wouldn't doubt if we see some sort of trickery.

In one of the last games they ran Cobb around, I wonder if they may run it and have him throw it.

Maybe they do something with Davis this time. I wouldn't doubt if they tried to do something along those lines.

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LayingTheLawe's picture

January 21, 2017 at 12:21 am

I've waited for years for the former QB Cobb to throw a pass. If they finally uncork that now I will be very surprised.

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Pack204's picture

January 20, 2017 at 12:30 pm

You know the offense will do its thing and score around 30. It will be up to the defense to find another level and get a pass rush on Ryan.

I just dont want to lose because Dom is sitting back and playing zone. Please just one game without. 3 and long first down from a 2 man rush... Time for the D and Dom to dial it up and go all out!

Im calling on Clay to step up and create chaos like back in 2010 when he forced that fumble in the super bowl and Julius to play like he wont ever get this chance again to make it into the big dance.

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johnnyd17's picture

January 20, 2017 at 12:35 pm

predicting 38-32 Packer win...

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MarkinMadison's picture

January 20, 2017 at 12:38 pm

I expect to see Peppers play more snaps than he has all season. I expect CM3 and Daniels to combine on some inside stunts and create havoc for Matty Ice. I expect to see two-TE sets a lot. I expect the Packers to find a way to win 31-28.

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porupack's picture

January 20, 2017 at 12:51 pm

I don't agree with posters above who downplay Atlanta's defense. They are good, fast.
Overall, Atlanta should win it, even without the recent injuries to Burnett and Adams. GB is just too depleted. Atlanta just has too good of a run game, and they can slow down this game and wear out GB by halftime.
However, I like GBs chances coming in as underdog. Remember that cocky 15-1 season, when GB was just flat from the beginning. If I was Atlanta, I'd be scared of this wounded dog, and especially that they beat GB earlier in the year sets some unease. Some of MM finest gameplans were as underdog....and yes, MM, you are sometimes the underdog. So, MM and DC go for broke without Nelson (of course) and Adam's tries but doesn't do much..., burnett is out, so the scrubs come in...and with nothin further to lose. Atlanta tries to change up too much and gets too cute. They make a couple costly mistakes. GB plays this one for Jordy, Burnett, and all the walking wounded, cuz the wounded fire up passion on the sidelines. It isn't as high scoring as we all expect. Defense hits hard even though they get some penalties. Atlanta loses a couple players unfortunately...though I'm not hoping for it...and loses some composure. GB wins.

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LayingTheLawe's picture

January 21, 2017 at 12:30 am

I don't watch a lot of games other than packer games but looking at the results I don't see where Atlanta is any good on D. They have given up 30 + points 6 times this year. And some of that was to offensively average teams like Tampa and Carolina. The Packers terrible problems on D and they have given up 30 + points 6 times this season. So they are a defense on par with the Packers D. That bodes for a lot of points in this one by both teams.

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Bearmeat's picture

January 20, 2017 at 01:05 pm

All the injured guys. Once again. At this point, you're so close. Find a way. That is all.

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stockholder's picture

January 20, 2017 at 01:08 pm

A-rod is not going to lose this game. The defense is not going to falter. MM can coach. Some people are so short sighted. ( Talk about job appreciation. ) The WRs are still the Key. If this does become a shoot out, They must CATCH. I expect them to do well. I am expecting a win.

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JDK52's picture

January 20, 2017 at 05:56 pm

Who's on here disliking this comment??

I agree, Stock. The fire isn't dying this week. Not with Mr. Rodgers playing out of his dang mind.

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PortlandMark's picture

January 20, 2017 at 01:19 pm

Atlanta will be driving for the game tying TD in the closing seconds. Peppers breaks through and wraps up Matt Ryan who tosses a wobbler into the endzone and it's picked off by Randell. Just like what happened 50 years ago in Dallas.

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dobber's picture

January 20, 2017 at 01:28 pm

Damarious Randall is 70+ years old? That explains the dropoff in his play this year...

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Paul Ott Carruth's picture

January 20, 2017 at 01:59 pm

The strength of the Packer team is the offense. In the first meeting, the offense missed two opportunities to put distance between them and the Falcons. At one point, the Falcon offense was 0-4 on 3rd down. The Packers can ill afford to miss taking advantage of those opportunities. The 3rd quarter was especially dreadful.

Green Bay had an opportunity to close the door on Dallas in the 3rd quarter following Hyde's INT and failed to cash in. They must cash in this weekend. I believe they do when presented the opportunity.

Packers 28 - Falcons 23

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4thand1's picture

January 20, 2017 at 02:31 pm

GB 41- Atlanta 35

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Since'61's picture

January 20, 2017 at 02:43 pm

I expect Victory! The Packers OL can dominate this game and keep Matt Ryan off the field. Build a lead and then play keep away with a solid ground game. Our defense does not need to be perfect but hold down Atlanta's ground game and harass Ryan as much as possible. Leave the rest to A. Rodgers and our OL. Our STs may be a factor as well. No let ups, no excuses, no prisoners. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

January 20, 2017 at 03:05 pm

Make No Mistake About it!! This is a Tough Game. I hope I've got this game figured right. IMO, it's Tougher than last week. I'm hoping that is how it is being perceived. The game has now gone to GB+5. As a better, you'd have to be crazy to bet GB with that number, but I have. It's pretty hard to go Over 61 as well. I thought this game out, & rethought it. I feel like I'm the wrong way both ways on this game. I've over-thought it, but I am where I want to be.

I think the key to this game, is starting quickly. We do not want to play from behind. Turnovers are key, like in every game, but absolutely crucial in this one. I think GB can pull this out, but they need to play every down. I don't want to see any 3rd & 1's up the middle. I want the ball in AR's hand. We have the superior offensive line, & QB. That's all we really need to win this. I care about winning this game, but I need to get in that SB. The 5 pt's scare me, but they scared me last week as well. I think I've got the game figured right, & I think GB wins this one, but it may not be pretty. My biggest fear, is that the Refs decide it!!
LVT

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4thand1's picture

January 20, 2017 at 04:49 pm

Right on Tom

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Finwiz's picture

January 21, 2017 at 08:39 pm

Actually the latest line I'm seeing is Atlanta -6. There must be a TON of people loading up on ATL, because this opened at 4.5.

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4thand1's picture

January 20, 2017 at 04:46 pm

Go back and watch the looks on the defensive backs faces in the Giants And Cowboys games. I've watched both games a few times. The look of being beaten is on their faces. The DB's for Atlanta will have the same look of shock and disbelief.

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Norm's picture

January 20, 2017 at 04:58 pm

"...and likely without their veteran safety in Morgan Burnett unless he's good to go by Sunday."

Umm, thanks for clearing that up for us Zach. I predict a Green Bay win unless Atlanta scores more points than them.

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GVPacker's picture

January 20, 2017 at 10:39 pm

I wrote this Packers team off after the loss to the Skins and they have gone on a tear since. This is a Packer team that's on a mission and they will not let anyone or anything stop them from completing their goal. They have made a believer out of me. These guys are going all the way and bringing the Lombardi Trophy back with them. Lets Roll!

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Lphill's picture

January 20, 2017 at 08:31 pm

Dear COW Atlanta has the 32 Nd ranked red zone defense or did you miss that?

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MarkinMadison's picture

January 20, 2017 at 08:58 pm

Rodgers is ill. Ugh.

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Tundraboy's picture

January 20, 2017 at 09:38 pm

"Flu or something? Your post made me stop and think and in the process realise that for the first time in 3 or 4 years that Rodgers is fully healthy. Who knows now what we can accomplish, even with all the injuries! This year can not be explained and it sure is starting to feel more like 2010. Could end up being even better.

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TommyG's picture

January 20, 2017 at 09:18 pm

I expect a hard fought shootout, from which one fan base will be left demoralized. Which one you ask?? Why of course that anguish will belong to the fans of the dirty birds. Their super bowl run comes to an end this Sunday (Monday morning for us here in Japan). They will be left shrieking (in bird like manner) about blown calls, roughing the passer, pass interference, and NFL conspiracies. The truth is that despite the edge on skill (with the notable exception of one position) they will simply be out coached. MM seems to thrive when the deck is stacked against him, when his team's expectations are low. This is the situation he finds himself in again this week. On paper the falcons should walk away with this game. They should have 500 yards through the air and score 70 points... but they won't. They will make mistakes, fail under pressure, and the fans (as usual for that crowd) will be gone with 7 minutes yet to play. In their last game the falcons used up all their luck. Did you see some of those pass deflections? They had a season of lucky bounces all wrapped up in 60 minutes. They needed it. Teams do not get that fortune two weeks in a row. The falcons meet their nemesis this weekend: a team with nothing to lose. The packers, our packers, win.

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Tundraboy's picture

January 20, 2017 at 09:41 pm

"Teams do not get that fortune two weeks in a row. The falcons meet their nemesis this weekend: a team with nothing to lose."

Like being discounted. Thats when we have played the best.

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Tundraboy's picture

January 20, 2017 at 09:42 pm

Oh what the hell. Packers 42 Falcons 24. After, 4-6, and now after beating the Vikings, LIons, Giants and Dallas, I should be happy enough. But I'm not . Go Pack GO. Super Bowl here we come.

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LayingTheLawe's picture

January 21, 2017 at 12:33 am

#RunTheTable

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Finwiz's picture

January 21, 2017 at 08:16 pm

God guys, I am so nervous about this game, I'm going to be a wreck by tomorrow afternoon. Going to church at 10:30 to pray. I want this one badly to make up for the one we should have had in 2014. Get it done men.

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Tundraboy's picture

January 21, 2017 at 10:58 pm

Same here. Leaving work early. Have to be home to watch this one and want this as bad as you. Last two weeks have washed a lot of the bad taste from 2014. We're due.

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