By Odeisel

Slow and steady often wins the race and the Atlanta Falcons have been steady all year, marshaling the best record in their conference. While not outright dominating, they win with precision football that’s light on mistakes, and long on execution, with a strong running game and Matt Ryan becoming an elite quarterback.

Aaron Rodgers has his first playoff win under his belt and has dragged the Packers to this point by force of will. Green Bay has fought through three must-win games in a row to force their way into the playoffs. They are healthier than they’ve been all season and come into Atlanta a closely fought loss in week 12.

Key Matchups:

Quarterback: Matty Ice had a career year posting career highs with 3,705 yards and 28 touchdowns. He’s been all but unbeatable at home in the confines of a dome, going 7 and 1 during the season (20 and 2 in his career). He doesn’t give the game away, he can make thebig throw and he has Michael Turner and his 1371 yards to dump that ball to should his lanes get clogged.

Aaron Rogers is knocking on the doors to Bradymanningville. He can make any throw there is to his trio of gifted receivers as well as make plays outside the pocket with his legs. With the added support of a new found running game, his margin for error has gained a lot more space. And that’s outside. On turf in a domed stadium in 72 degree controlled environment, he’ll have every advantage on his side as well.

Advantage: Green Bay

Defense: Clay Matthews has no regard for human life, particularly if you aren’t a cheese head then watch your nuggets. The secondary is no slouch either with Green Bay as cornerback Tramon Williams intercepted a pass in the end zone last week to seal the win. You already know about Charles Woodson. Watch for him on the blitz.

Atlanta is stronger against the rush, allowing 9 less yards per game than Green Bay. That won’t figure much into a game featuring Aaron Rodgers at QB. Atlanta is decidedly weaker against the pass, which plays right into Green Bay’s style.

Advantage: Green Bay

X-Factor: Tony Gonzalez

The greatest tight end of all time stillhas gas in the tank and Green Bay is soft in the middle of the field. If Gonzalez can get open on slants and quick routes, they can chop up the field and keep Aaron Rogers off the field.

X-Factor: James Starks

He’s got the freshest legs of any running back in the post season and seemingly came from nowhere to pile up 123 yards of offense on the ground against a stingy Eagles run defense. If he can deliver like that today, Green Bay will likely win the game.

Advantage: Falcons

Look for Aaron Rodgers to continue his ascent from the shadows of Brett and put up big numbers against a porous Falcon secondary. Look For Matt Ryan to stare him down and play well enough to win. The game will come down to a defensive stand and Green Bay os more likely than Atlanta to make that happen.

Green Bay 30-24

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