NFL Playoffs: James Starks and The Green Bay Packers' Newfound Running Game

During the 2010 regular season, the Green Bay Packers were 24th in the NFL with just over 100 yards rushing per game. In yesterday's 21-16 wild card win against the Philadelphia Eagles, the rookie sixth round draft pick James Starks totaled 123 yards rushing by himself.

Now the question is, can this be what the Green Bay Packers need to get to the Super Bowl?

The answer is yes.

This Saturday, the Packers will be on the road to take on the No. 1 seed, the Atlanta Falcons. These two teams met in Week 12, a game in which the Falcons topped the Packers 20-17 with a field goal with just nine seconds remaining.

The divisional round, though, should present a different result, as a lot has changed since Week 12. The Green Bay Packers have tremendous confidence heading into Atlanta, and they also have a new weapon: rookie running back James Starks.

Starks had 123 yards rushing on 23 carries against the Eagles, the 15th ranked rush defense during the regular season.

Starks will face an even tougher test against the Falcons this Saturday: They were ranked No. 10 in rush defense during the regular defense.

The fact remains, however, that if Starks runs well, the Packers can win this game.

The running of Starks allowed quarterback Aaron Rodgers to throw for just 180 yards on 27 attempts.When these two teams met in Week 12, Rodgers threw for 344 yards on 35 attempts.

Starks and the Packers' running game will give the offense some balance like it did against the Eagles in the wild card round.

The Falcons gave up 226 passing yards per game in the regular season, 22nd in the league.This is important because the success of Aaron Rodgers will allow running lanes to open up for the rookie Starks.

Look for the Packers to pass the ball early and then mix in the run to keep the Falcons' defense off balance, ultimately exacting revenge for their Week 12 loss.

Prediction: Packers 28, Falcons 24