NFC Championship Game Preview

Headline:
Colin Kaepernick and the Niners travel to the Georgia Dome to face Matty ice and the Falcons for a ticket to the Super Bowl

San Francisco 49ers:
Just like the Patriots, everyone is picking the Niners. Is it because of their over powering physicality compared to the Falcons? Or is it because Colin Kaepernick ran like a wild man last week? Whether its either of those things, the 49ers do have a lot going for them. Last year when they had Alex Smith at the helm, they made it to the same NFC Championship game. Obviously, that is a credit to their defense who clearly remains as the top unit in the playoffs. Now imagine the possibilities. Instead of a very good game manager, San Fran can win the game offensively which was never an option before. The Atlanta Falcon defense is a bit underrated but on the "fast track" Kaepernick will show his explosive speed. Finally, I want to point out two things that could hold the Niners back in this game. A report this weekend came about that WR Michael Crabtree was being investigated for sexual assault. While no one has been arrested or prosecuted, something like this so close to game day will always be at least a minor distraction. My last point comes by way of coach Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh went against all popular decision in the regular season when he decided to go with Kaepernick. Up to this point it has been an excellent decision. But what if this game comes down to the last drive, I know for sure Matt Ryan leads his team down the field but I don't know about Kaepernick.
Atlanta Falcons:
As a Falcon player, coach, or fan I would feel humiliated that my team is a huge underdog (by Championship game standards) in my own building. But then again, isn't this the story of Atlanta's season? Once again, the Falcons will have to prove that they belong and I feel like they've been playing with a chip on their shoulder. If this game was at Candlestick (SF home stadium) their is no doubt in my mind San Fran wins but Matt Ryan simply doesn't lose at home. I think the key to this game will be Julio Jones stretching the defense while Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez survey the open area underneath. I believe Atlanta has an excellent chance of protecting their home turf.

Prediction:
I will again go against the grain and pick the Falcons. They proved me right last week and I expect the same today. This game, as they all do, will come down to 2 drives at the end of the game. First it will be Matt Ryan leading the Falcons to take the lead and then Kaepernick's inability to get the job done. Falcons in a tight one.

Final Score:
Atlanta-27 San Francisco-23

Line:
San Fran -4.5

Over/Under:
49.0

Seattle Seahawks vs. Atlanta Falcons Prediciton

Headline: The #5 seed, Seattle Seahawks travel to the Georgia Dome to face the top-seeded Atlanta Falcons.

Seattle Seahawks:
The surprise of the year is Russell Wilson, and even though I don't think he will win Rookie of the Year because voting occurred before the playoffs, he has a chance to advance to the NFC Championship game Sunday. The Seahawks will be without team sack leader, Chris Clemons but will have top corners Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman. These players will be part of the best matchup of the Divisional Round. Browner and Sherman will be lined up against stud Wide Receivers, Roddy White and Julio Jones. The winner of this matchup will win this game and even though I'm leaning towards the corners, I think the home field advantage will mightily help the Falcons.

Atlanta Falcons:
Now for the top seed. If Atlanta does not win this game, Matt Ryan will fall into the category of choker or "can't get it done". Matt Ryan has been excellent making the playoffs 4 out of his first 5 years in the league but he has yet to win a playoff game. Matty "Ice" will have to shut up all the critics and win this game. I am a fan of Matt Ryan and I think the key to their victory will be Mike Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers' success against the front 7 of Seattle. If they can run the ball successfully, that will open up space for the Julio and Roddy against the pro-bowl corners.

Prediction:
I think this game will be tight throughout and it will take a Matt Ryan to Tony Gonzalez connection to push Atlanta to a matchup with San Francisco next weekend.
Final Score:
Atlanta-31
Seattle-27

Line:
Atlanta -3

Over/Under: 
47.5

Sportacular Sports Sunday Night Football Recap

Final Score: Falcons-19 Cowboys-13

While I anticipated a much higher scoring matchup, my prediction that Matt Ryan would improve his unbelievable home record was accurate. Besides a somewhat shocking drive where Tony Romo led the Cowboys straight down the field, the Cowboys offense was stagnant. Not much better was the Falcons offense. 

Atlanta moved the ball nicely but once nearing the endzone, the Falcons offense would stall. Atlanta only scored one TD on the ground by Michael Turner and Tony Romo didn't even turn the ball over. Meanwhile, the Cowboys still found themselves on the losing end pushing their record to 3-5. Atlanta remains unbeaten but only one game up on Chicago for the 1 seed in the NFC. Atlanta keeps on winning as does Chicago. 

The team who truly needs the number 1 seed is in fact the Falcons. Here are my reasons why.

Reason 1- Matt Ryan does not lose very often at home. With Matty Ice under the helm, Atlanta has only lost 6 total games in the Georgia Dome. Even though Atlanta did lose once at home in the playoffs, from their 24-2 defeat last year on the road to New York, it definitely shows they need to play in Atlanta when it comes playoff time. 

Reason 2- The other reason I believe Atlanta needs the home field advantage is the dome advantage they have. Chicago is a much better balanced team. The Bears can run the ball through Matt Forte, throw the ball to Brandon Marshall, and the Bears defense can put up points themselves. Unlike Chi-town, the Falcons rely heavily on their passing attack. While that is very effective, playing outside in the rain or swirling winds in Chicago, per say  would be very difficult for this Atlanta squad. 

If Atlanta can remain atop the NFC they will have an excellent chance of bringing the Lombardi trophy back to Atlanta.


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Sportacular Sports Sunday Night Football Preview

Sunday Night Football on NBC 
Dallas Cowboys vs. Atlanta Falcons

Let's lay down the facts for this game.

Cowboys 3-4

Falcons 7-0

Falcons are at home.

Matt Ryan is 25-4 at the Georgia Dome in his career.

Tony Romo throws a lot of interceptions.

Now that we have established the facts for this game, we are going to look at the line created by Vegas. 

Falcons -4

In my mind, I have no possible idea how the line can be a meer 4 points in Atlanta. Lets get this straight, it is the NFL and the phrase "any given Sunday" was created for a reason. So yes the Cowboys could defiantly win this game. But if you look back at Dalla's last two games you would say no way. 2 weeks ago Dallas traveled to Baltimore and almost took them down. If not for a blown field goal by Dan Bailey, they would have been victorious. The amazing thing is, is that Romo was almost perfect. Besides the Week 1 defeat of the Giants, it was his best game of the year yet resulting in a L. Next, you transition to the inconsistent Tony Romo who last week opened up the game at home with 3 consecutive interceptions. It is always a mystery which Tony Romo we will see. Hopefully the viewers will get the great Tony Romo setting up an excellent matchup tonight.

A pleasant surprise this season has been the excellent play of the Atlanta Falcons. Sitting as the NFL's only remaining unbeaten, the Falcons are led by home stud Matt Ryan. Matty Ice has been very productive this season with much help from his many capable targets. A little background really quick. Two winters ago the Atlanta Falcons basically traded their entire plethora of draft picks to acquire star WR Julio Jones from Alabama. While a bold move at the time, the move has quickly paid off. In addition to Jones, the Falcons find number 1 WR Roddy White along with 16 year veteran Tony Gonzalez. Out of the backfield, Michael Turner leads the rushing attack with change of pace back Jaquizz Rodgers complementing well. The defense has held its own and the Falcons are almost unbeatable at home. 

Prediction: Falcons-34 Cowboys-21

Analysis: The Dallas Cowboys have so much talent but for some reason never get the job done. The Atlanta Falcons have struggled in the playoffs but at home during the regular season Matt Ryan is almost automatic. Watch a close game in the first half but a Romo turnover will cost the 'Boys and Atlanta will pull away late.