NFL Playoffs: Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers Is the Game of the Week

The Atlanta Falcons were the best team in the NFC this season, but the Green Bay Packers are the hottest team in the conference right now.

These two teams battle in a game where the winner will likely represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Matt Ryan of the Falcons and Aaron Rodgers of the Packers are two of the better quarterbacks in the NFL, and will be the reason for victory or defeat today.

Rodgers has to play well because the Packers have a very weak rushing attack, but thankfully for Rodgers, he has a great corps of receivers. 

Greg Jennings and James Jones are two very good receivers, and both are deep threats. Rodgers needs to be protected well by his offensive line to make the difficult throws.

The Packers offensive line has been suspect at times, and if the Falcons blitz, the Packers must pick it up.

Matt Ryan has perhaps the best wide receiver in the league, Roddy White. White had a fantastic season in 2010, and made the Pro Bowl. Only Andre Johnson has accumulated more receiving yards than White the past few seasons.

The Falcons' best weapon against a very active Packers defense is running back Michael Turner. After a great 2008 season, Turner had an awful season in 2009. 

But he has returned to his all-pro form, and was massive in the Falcons success on offense this year. 

Packers linebacker Clay Matthews has been nearly unstoppable this season, and the Falcons offensive line and running backs will need to pick him up when he blitzes, which will be often.

This game could easily become a shootout, and whichever quarterback manages the game better will win. The turnover battle is the most important battle within an NFL game, and the winner of this, will likely advance to the NFC Championship game.

The Falcons offense is better than the Packers offense, and will be under less pressure to score. The home field will also help, and the presence of a solid running game, will be the difference for Atlanta.