Green Bay Packers: Five Keys To Beating the Atlanta Falcons

When the Green Bay Packers hit the road to take on the Atlanta Falcons this weekend, it will be a showcase of two of the best teams in the NFC.

The Packers have a record of 7-3, good for second place in the NFC North, as the Chicago Bears hold the tiebreaker.

Meanwhile, the Falcons have the best record in the NFC, 8-2.

The Falcons are undefeated in the Georgia Dome this year and have been tough to beat at home under quarterback Matt Ryan.

So, what do the Packers have to do in order to pull off the win? Here are five keys to victory for the Packers.

5. Don't Let Crowd Noise Affect Offense

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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 19: Fans of the Atlanta Falcons wave flags during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Georgia Dome on September 19, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Georgia Dome gets loud. It's up to Aaron Rodgers and the offensive linemen to make sure they stay disciplined and avoid false-start penalties.

The Packers have shown they are prone to penalties at times this season.

They'll need to play a flawless ballgame to pull off the upset this weekend.

The Packers played in Minnesota at the Metrodome last week, so they have some recent experience in domes.

4. Clay Matthews

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 31: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers tackles LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets on October 31, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Packers defeated the Jets 9 - 0. (P

Clay Matthews is a beast.

He's playing like a defensive MVP this year.

He'll need to keep playing well and get pressure on Matt Ryan this week. If Ryan has time, he will find open receivers.

Matthews needs to keep Ryan off balance for a majority of the game.

3. Brandon Jackson

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GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 07: Brandon Jackson #32 of the Green Bay Packers runs against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field on November 7, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Cowboys 45-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Brandon Jackson and the Packers' running game are on the verge of becoming respectable again, but they are not quite there yet.

The backs will need to play a good game this week to open windows for Aaron Rodgers and the receivers.

2. Greg Jennings

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 31: Greg Jennings #85 of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball against the New York Jets on October 31, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Greg Jennings had a career-best game last week, catching three touchdowns.

He won't produce like that for the rest of the season, but he needs to continue being productive this year.

At times this season, Jennings has been a non-factor on offense. He can't do that down the stretch with the tough games the Packers will be playing.

1. Stop Roddy White

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 11: Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons against the Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on November 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Roddy White is probably the best wide receiver in the NFL this year.

But, the Packers have a dynamic cornerback duo in Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams.

It will be up to Williams and Woodson to limit the damage from White.

White will get his catches, but if he's held to under 100 yards and fewer than two touchdowns, the Packers will be in good shape.

Prediction

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GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 07: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers rolls out to look for a receiver against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field on November 7, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will go into Atlanta and pull off the upset, handing the Falcons their first home loss of 2010.

Rodgers will throw three touchdowns and the Packers will shut down Michael Turner on defense.

Prediction: Packers 24, Falcons 21