NFL Divisional Playoff Betting: Green Bay Packers @ Atlanta Falcons

[Betfair]

Hi guys, some info for your football picks.

Could the Packers pull off another road win to follow last week's toppling of Philadelphia? Don't discount it, says Andy Richmond

Match odds: Green Bay [2.26], Atlanta [1.78]

In a Divisional Round that features two unbelievably potent AFC rivalries, the NFC might actually have the most compelling rematch when the Packers return to the Atlanta to try and avenge a 20-17 Week 12 defeat. At that point some thought that would it would be a preview of the NFC Championship Game - well we got there a week early, but that doesn't diminish the fact that this should be another close and fascinating contest.

The difference in that first meeting was marginal with two key plays essentially deciding the game - an Aaron Rodgers fumble and a crucial fourth down conversion by the Falcons. That Rodgers fumble occurred while he was playing the role of "rusher" within the Packers offence, with the emergence of James Starks against the Eagles he may not be prone to that sort of error again.

Speaking of rushing offence, it will the Falcons running back Michael Turner who will provide the foundation to their offence. Not only are they undefeated when Turner rips off 100 yard plus games but the Packers' aggressive defence - they love to blitz - won't find as many holes in Atlanta's offensive sets when Turner lines up, affording QB Matt Ryan time and space to make decisions. So to say that the rushing game is important for the Falcons is mildly understating things. Against Green Bay the first time, Turner ripped off three runs of 14 yards or more (and a slew of five-plus-yard runs) en route to a 4.8 yards per carry average (his season YPC was 4.1).
If the Packers manage to limit the run game their odds of exiting the Georgia Dome with a win increase markedly.

Offensively the Packers are not short of weapons through the air and QB Rodgers has plenty of receiving options, led by Greg Jennings and the ever reliable and dependable Donald Driver. Sustained drives incorporating the running game are the order of the day for the Packers, that will allow them to take some dangerous and potentially match-winning shots downfield.

Continued:
NFL Divisional Playoff Betting: Green Bay Packers @ Atlanta Falcons : NFL : Betfair.net