2011 NFC Divisional Round Preview

This weekend is the divisional playoff round, and the excitement and anticipation are increasing as the days pass. This year’s four match-ups are all rematches of previous regular season games, including a pair of NFC games that should provide plenty of enjoyment. The Packers are excited to have beaten the injury bug and make it this far behind Aaron Rodgers’ exceptional play and are ready to go against number one seed Atlanta in the Georgia Dome, where Matt Ryan has been nearly untouchable. The Seattle Seahawks were counted out weeks ago, but are still fighting and are set to continue their unexpected run against the Chicago Bears with a chance to play in the NFC Championship game at stake. The games this weekend will set up what will be a wild ending to the season and here are previews and predictions to the two NFC Divisional Round games:

SEA @ CHI (-10)

Preview: This matches a game in which many are shocked to see, with the Seattle Seahawks, out of the pitiful NFC West making it out of the first round by defeating the defending champs New Orleans Saints, against the NFC North winning and number two seed Chicago Bears.

Statistically this game should lean in favor for the Bears, as they only allowed 18 points a game while giving up only 90 yards a game on the ground with their stout defensive front led by the Brian Urlacher. The Bears defense should have little problem containing the Seahawks from moving the ball consistently but, if the Seahawks stick to the script they have used over the past two weeks, than this game could turn out to be more interesting than most think.

The Seahawks have been affectively chipping away with Mike Williams leading the charge as Seattle’s leading receiver, and with Marshawn Lynch’s apparent ability to break any run. The Saints defense a week ago is not comparable to the Bears, but the confidence may loom high for a Seattle team that has nothing to lose.

The focal concern for the Bears will be the ability of Jay Cutler to not turn over the ball. If Cutler stays focused and tries not to throw into windows that are not there, combined with a solid dose of Matt Forte than the Seahawks may have trouble holding up the entire game. Seattle’s defense has been getting pressure to the quarterback over the past two weeks which should not change this week and may force Jay Cutler into bad throws. If this happens expect a sloppy game with the outcome dependent on the team that does not turn over the ball.

Prediction: Sea 27 Chi 25

I am going to take Seattle winning this game by a slim margin, as they are playing a Chicago team that many expect to make a run deep into the playoffs. Seattle beat this team in Chicago in October and I believe that they have enough left in them to do it again. The high expectations and the week off may hurt this young and relatively inexperienced Chicago team that is facing a Seattle team that seems to not want to go home yet.

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GB @ ATL (-2.5)

Preview: This NFC divisional game is another rematch in which Atlanta won at the waning seconds of the game moments after Aaron Rodgers drove down the field to tie the score. The Falcons have been ultimately unbeatable at home ever since Matt Ryan came to town, and they are ready to prove it this postseason.

The Falcons have been one of the most well rounded teams, with Michael Turner providing a great running attack along with stud wide receiver Roddy White being the deep threat down the field. The Falcons have averaged 26 points a game this year, second out of teams remaining in the playoffs, trailing only New England.

Green Bay has a chance with their outstanding offensive attack to match Atlanta, as they did in their previous meeting. Aaron Rodgers has only been stopped this year by concussions, and Atlanta can only hope to contain him as they have allowed opponents to gain 226 yards a game through the air.

Cornerback Dunta Robinson, has been rock solid this season, his first in Atlanta after starting his career in Houston, but he cannot stop all of Green Bay’s weapons. Green Bay has also found a nice surprise in rookie running back James Starks, who has come along to help the Packers establish something on the ground.

The game might come down to who can put pressure on the quarterback and who can establish the run. Everybody knows both of the teams can throw the ball, but the game is won in trenches, and this may be of most importance in this game. Atlanta may have the advantage on the ground with Turner’s ability to chip away yards, but the Packers defense, led by Clay Mathews, has been getting stronger each week. If Atlanta can keep Mathews out of the backfield than this game could come down to the last possession.

Prediction: GB 24 Atl 23

I really have enjoyed watching Aaron Rodgers command his offense this year, and I think this team has benefited from battling through the injuries becoming better as the season has gone on. Atlanta will be ready to play and the game will be a good one, but the Packers defense has been playing extremely well after containing Mike Vick and the speedy Eagles, they should be ready to take on Atlanta’s attack.

By Jason Stein
ProFootball-fans.com Washington Redskins Correspondent