This weekend is championship weekend in the NFL, and four teams battle for two spots in Super Bowl LI in Houston. The New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, and Green Bay Packers are the four teams remaining. Each team arrived at this point in different ways, moving through slow starts, injuries, and even suspensions. Let's take a look at both championship games.
AFC Championship Game
The AFC Championship puts the Patriots against the Steelers. The Patriots are coming off of an impressive win over the Houston Texans. Dion Lewis was a true x-factor, scoring three different ways in the postseason.
Tom Brady seemed off during that game, throwing two interceptions against the Texans. Not to worry, Tom Brady will be ready when they take the field. This Patriots team is well-rounded, showing throughout the season that they can run it down your throat with LeGarrette Blount. They can shred your defense with Brady, and their defense is very solid, allowing 15.6 PPG in the regular season. The Pats are coming in with home field advantage, a solid defense, and Tom Brady. I would take that any day of the week.
The Steelers are coming off of a tough road win at Arrowhead against the Chiefs. The three B's stole the show again, putting up great performances. Le'Veon Bell racked up another 170 yards in the victory and set the record for the most rushing yards by a player in their first two postseason games (367).
Bell is one of the most patient backs in the game, making it so effortless to find a crease and take off. Antonio Brown is coming off of a 108-yard game, but that's not what is being talked about this week. He posted a Facebook Live stream of him in the locker room after the win, and in the background was Coach Mike Tomlin giving his postgame speech, which had some choice words about the Pats.
Tomlin wasn't pleased with Brown. Brown did apologize over Twitter and now that this all behind them, they can focus on the upcoming game.
So who wins the game? I'm going to have to side with the Steelers. The Steelers have such a versatile offense and will beat you in many ways. Their defense is playing some good Football when it matters most, and I believe they will get to Brady and force him into mistakes.
Steelers win, 27-20.
NFC Championship Game
This NFC Championship game features two high-octane offenses going at it. The Atlanta Falcons are coming off of a rather dominant win over the Seahawks in the Georgia Dome. Matt Ryan played amazing football, throwing for 338 yards and three touchdowns. Matt Ryan has carried this Falcons crew into the playoffs and is an MVP candidate. Julio Jones had a great regular season, with over 1,000 receiving yards. The two-back team of Freeman and Coleman are giving defenses fits and running all over the place. The defense is playing playoff football, led by Vic Beasely Jr. This Falcons team was due for a season like this, and is making it happen, giving the ATL something to cheer about.
The Green Bay Packers, what a story they are this season. You might've forgotten that they were 4-6, and were longshots to make the playoffs. Well, they rattled off six straight wins, not only making the playoffs, but also winning their division. Aaron Rodgers has been simply magical. He literally threw the Packers to a win over the Cowboys, making sensational throw after throw. It's not all good for the Packers, though, as they are decimated at defensive back. With the Packers running on Rodgers and a little luck, will it be enough this weekend?
Who wins the game? I'm siding with Matt Ice and the Falcons. That offense against those defensive backs is a death sentence for the Packers. Falcons win 31-20.
Question: Which QB would you take? #BigBen #AaronRodgers #TomBrady #MattRyan #ChampionshipWeekend pic.twitter.com/hsySTPRF55
— Fans Favorite FAN (@FansFavoriteFan) January 18, 2017