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The Green Bay Packers claimed the NFC 1st seed to nobody’s surprise and are now going to have the Wild Card weekend off. This bye week comes at an important time for the team as star player Aaron Jones showed signs, he could definitely use a little rest. The same goes for the offensive line even for Aaron Rodgers who at a point was out due to illness and a toe issue.
Still, let’s not make it sound like the Packers are not healthy because they are in pretty good shape. But can they finally go the distance? We are at a point where we do expect them to win the Super Bowl, but we also at least think it’s high time they won the NFC Championship game.
The bad news for Rodgers is that each one of the remaining 6 teams can beat the Packers. Some have lesser chances, but others are not to be trifled with.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs claimed the 2nd seed in the conference in week 18 after the Rams lost to the Cardinals. The Super Bowl Champions are banged up but the presence of Tom Brady under center will always give them toughness. Tampa ranks third against the run with 93.6 rushing yards allowed per game. While the receivers are not in top conditions, the linebacking corps is as good as they come. If the Packers meet the Bucs, Rodgers will have to be impeccable with the throws.
LA Rams
A very hard and versatile opponent. However, quarterback Matthew Stafford has been wildly inconsistent this season and has thrown 8 interceptions over the last 4 games. With Cam Akers potentially back, though, this run game will be tough to stop and the Packers rank 11th in rushing yards allowed per game (109.1). Their passing defense is 10th with 219.1 yards allowed per game.
Dallas Cowboys
The ‘Boys also fall into the inconsistent category mainly because of their rushing attack woes. It is clear that running back Ezekiel Elliott is not at 100% having rushed for an average of 48.0 yards in the last 4 games of the season. Dak Prescott has also struggled to distribute the ball lately so it appears that the Packers can beat this team handily. That is unless the Cowboys’ defense has something to say about it. They can’t say a lot though. Dallas is 20th against the pass allowing an average of 238.2 yards per game. Rodgers may have a field day against them and historically has done just that.
Arizona Cardinals
Even though the Cards play a fun type of football, we fail to see their toughness. If quarterback Kyler Murray operates under pressure and if the QB spy works, this offense may be shut down. As far as the defense goes, they are top 10 against the run and 20th against the run. This is a good matchup for Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.
San Francisco 49ers
The Packers have struggled against this team lately and this is where their defense and not the offense will be the deciding factor. Kyle Shanahan runs the ball like no other coach and has advanced blocking schemes. If Jimmy Garoppolo can step up, the Packers may go home early.
Philadelphia Eagles
If you stop their run, you will beat this team. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is not very good in the pocket and always looks for escape routes. The Eagles are 25th in the league in passing yards per game (200.2). Force Philly to pass the ball and you should have no problems winning if you are the Packers.
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