NFL 2017 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP PICKS
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
LAST WEEKS RECORD: 3-1.
PLAYOFF RECORD: 6-2.
Green Bay @ Atlanta (-4.5): This game is sure to be a high scoring affair. Atlanta has the number one ranked offense in the league, with the likely NFL MVP Matt Ryan under center, while the Packers have Aaron Rodger’s who’s been playing out of his mind for these past eight games. Reports have come out that Jordy Nelson is expected to play, which will be a big boost to the Packers offense. Matt Ryan picked apart a Seattle defense that is battle tested and has been involved in countless big games over the past four or five years. While they were without All-Pro safety Earl Thomas, that defense was still made up by many pro bowl players who could pose problems for any offense in the league, and Atlanta dismantled them at home. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are coming off a tremendous game against the top-seeded Dallas Cowboys, although they did come close to blowing a 21-3 lead. I love overall what I am seeing from the Packers and Aaron Rodgers, but I have a feeling the Falcons are going to pull this one out in a shootout. Atlanta 34 Green Bay 28
Pittsburgh @ New England (-5.5): This game is going to be far closer than many people believe. For weeks, Patriot fans and media have been saying it is a sure thing the Pats will be playing in Houston for Super Bowl LI. This Pittsburgh team may have something to say about that though. They have a two-time super bowl champion at quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, a dynamic wide receiver in Antonio Brown, and a running back in Le’veon Bell who is putting up astounding numbers of late. The Steelers have the ability to create sustainable drives with their running game, and with Big Ben at quarterback, will have a chance at being able to convert on some key third downs. This game will come down to how well the Patriots run defense, which was a top three unit this year, can contain Bell in an effort to somehow make the Steelers one-dimensional. The Patriots are in an NFL record sixth straight conference championship this year which is truly amazing. They lost last year in Denver to Peyton Manning and the Broncos, but I do believe they pull this game out. Tom Brady against the Steelers since Mike Tomlin took over for Bill Cowher: 5-1 record, 19 touchdowns to 0 Interceptions. Give me Tom Brady in this matchup against a Steelers defense who over the past ten years hasn’t shown any signs of having the ability to even slightly slow down TB12. Patriots 28 Steelers 27
