Who is ready for a shootout in Atlanta on Sunday? With an over/under like that, Vegas sure is! Never has this writer seen an over/under so high, as the higher end of that scale usually lies somewhere around 54. But not in this game, as two teams with stellar offenses will be going against sub-par defenses, leading to a predicted 61 points. It is a hefty number to reach, as each team will need to reach 30 points, or fairly under as long as the other is over that number. Despite the lofty number, if any two teams can reach it with ease, the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons are the perfect fit.
Aaron Rodgers is playing at the highest level I have seen in a long time, and that is surely saying something. The quarterback continues to make great throws and drive his team down the field with ease. He may be without young wide out Davante Adams however, who is not expected to practice until Saturday at the earliest, putting his status for Sunday in serious question. Jordy Nelson has an outside chance of suiting up for the game, but I would not count on it. But none the less, Rodgers is still in charge, and Jared Cook proved last week he is capable of coming up with the clutch catch if needed.
[Kenny]
As for the Falcons, they will be relying on the offense just as much. Matt “Matty Ice” Ryan, who is certainly a favorite for the MVP, will be leading the charge. It sounds like Julio Jones will have no issues suiting up, despite his toe issue and a missed practice on Wednesday. But even if he were limited, Ryan has plenty of other options. Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman form one of the best running back combos in the NFL. Taylor Gabriel and Mohammed Sanu are both capable receivers as well.
Given neither team has a defense that is very good, the expectation is these two quarterbacks will be marching their offense down the field on virtually every drive. So even with such a high number, it is hard not to take the over. When all is said and done, I simply cannot go against Rodgers with the way he is playing, especially when he is getting four and a half points. The winner goes to the Super Bowl in two weeks.
You can catch this game at 3:05 on FOX on Sunday, January 22nd, 2017.
Line: Atl -4.5, O/U: 61
Prediction: Packers 35- Falcons 28, Packers and the over