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Sorry for stealing this thread title, which seems to be used a lot, but no one has started it yet, so here we go. In the NFC, you really have to think big picture.
Packers at Falcons
Yes, the Packers are the bigger threat to the Patriots. They have a great defense that is athletic and can cover quicker players pretty well. They have already faced the Patriots this year and gave them a run for their money. Call the '01 Patriots and '07 Giants if you don't think that December effort will inspire confidence to knock them off. However, it is still in the best interest of the Pats to root for the Packers, because...
Seahawks at Bears
...the Bears matchup very well with the Packers, especially at Soldier Field. The Bears will likely beat the Seahawks tomorrow, giving them a decent chance to win the NFC. The Seahawks have little chance to win the conference, so it is better for the Pats, statistically, if the Bears win. Meanwhile, the Pats matchup extremely well with Chicago, as that snowstorm annihilation was no fluke at all.
Here's the way I see the Pats chances against the NFC teams.
1. Bears- Best chance to win in a SB matchup.
2. Seahawks- Do you really want to play a 7-9 team on a Cinderella run?
3. Falcons- Tough team; I would like the Pats chances against them, but not enough to wish for it.
4. Packers- Not sure how Pats-Packers Super Bowl would be decided by more than a touchdown, and more likely a field goal.
Ravens at Steelers
Why do the Ravens seem to give the Patriots more problems than the Steelers? They are the better team in the AFC North. The Ravens can't beat the Steelers because Roethlisberger makes timely plays down the stretch, while Flacco does not. In addition, the Steelers are a team that gets by on its stars; the Ravens have a ton of athletic players all over the place that give you fits. Naturally, gameplanning against the Steelers is easier. On offense, you need to neutralize Polamalu and Harrison. On defense, you need to keep Roethlisberger in the pocket and take away the deep pass. Now, gameplanning against Baltimore? Haloti Ngata, for one, makes this a different beast. On offense, Ray Rice can create some major problems (Mendenhall's style runs right into the Patriots' strengths.)
Supposing the Patriots beat the Jets, here is how I'd put point spreads in the AFCCG.
Steelers (+6.5) at Patriots
Ravens (+3.5) at Patriots
Packers at Falcons
Yes, the Packers are the bigger threat to the Patriots. They have a great defense that is athletic and can cover quicker players pretty well. They have already faced the Patriots this year and gave them a run for their money. Call the '01 Patriots and '07 Giants if you don't think that December effort will inspire confidence to knock them off. However, it is still in the best interest of the Pats to root for the Packers, because...
Seahawks at Bears
...the Bears matchup very well with the Packers, especially at Soldier Field. The Bears will likely beat the Seahawks tomorrow, giving them a decent chance to win the NFC. The Seahawks have little chance to win the conference, so it is better for the Pats, statistically, if the Bears win. Meanwhile, the Pats matchup extremely well with Chicago, as that snowstorm annihilation was no fluke at all.
Here's the way I see the Pats chances against the NFC teams.
1. Bears- Best chance to win in a SB matchup.
2. Seahawks- Do you really want to play a 7-9 team on a Cinderella run?
3. Falcons- Tough team; I would like the Pats chances against them, but not enough to wish for it.
4. Packers- Not sure how Pats-Packers Super Bowl would be decided by more than a touchdown, and more likely a field goal.
Ravens at Steelers
Why do the Ravens seem to give the Patriots more problems than the Steelers? They are the better team in the AFC North. The Ravens can't beat the Steelers because Roethlisberger makes timely plays down the stretch, while Flacco does not. In addition, the Steelers are a team that gets by on its stars; the Ravens have a ton of athletic players all over the place that give you fits. Naturally, gameplanning against the Steelers is easier. On offense, you need to neutralize Polamalu and Harrison. On defense, you need to keep Roethlisberger in the pocket and take away the deep pass. Now, gameplanning against Baltimore? Haloti Ngata, for one, makes this a different beast. On offense, Ray Rice can create some major problems (Mendenhall's style runs right into the Patriots' strengths.)
Supposing the Patriots beat the Jets, here is how I'd put point spreads in the AFCCG.
Steelers (+6.5) at Patriots
Ravens (+3.5) at Patriots