A Four Team Race to Super Bowl Glory
Road teams both found success after home team favorites won six straight in post season. Green Bay and Pittsburgh advanced to the conference championships beating Dallas and Kansas City in their home parks. Both will have to continue that road success to make it to Super Bowl 51 in Houston. The Packers will travel to Atlanta and the Steelers will go to New England.
Which of these four teams has an edge ?
The old cliche “defense wins championships,” is the basic premise that has proven itself over many battles in the NFL trenches. However, this year the NFC championship game will be decided by which superstar quarterbacks do more damage through the air. Aaron Rodgers has rallied the Packers to eight consecutive wins with a high scoring fourth quarter heroics putting up over 30 points each time.
Matt Ryan and the Falcons attacking offense is leading the league in points scored. Green Bay will be trying to win a third consecutive playoff game on the road and Atlanta plays their second game at home after an solid win over Seattle putting up 36 points against a strong Seattle defense.
An NFL betting record posting of total points (over/under) for NFC championship is 60 points !
This NFC game is an exception to the old cliche “defense wins championships” since their best defensive efforts will only slow down both offenses a little. Both defenses will look to tip balls for interceptions to help their cause. Each team needs a defensive touchdown to win this game. However, both quarterbacks can strike quickly and demoralize a strong defensive effort. The NFC team that advances to the Super Bowl will have the slight edge in the passing game.
During the season the Patriots seemed nearly unstoppable but they are not invincible. The Pittsburgh Steelers are a formidable playoff team that can derail the Patriots quest for another Super Bowl appearance. Their balanced offense is led by Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown. It will be New England’s 11th appearance in the A.F.C. championship game in the 16 seasons.
Will father time catch up with the great Tom Brady as his team chases another Super Bowl ring. The Steelers won two Super Bowls with Roethlisberger and they are playing their best ball down the stretch.
There are three legendary teams left with one new upstart in the Atlanta Falcons. Who has any edge is a question with a lot of opinions and answers.” Now is the time that tries bettors` souls”.
Getting down to the last four games of the NFL season is only a prelude to the biggest sporting event of the year. The Super Bowl with all the hype, hoopla and analysis is a cultural icon.
The ring and all the glory is a battle for the ages. The match ups for the AFC and NFC games are the four best teams with hall of fame quarterbacks looking to add to their profile of greatness. Whoever has the edge is a mystery and a slight edge does not guarantee victory.
One more victory is needed to play in the biggest game of the year. The journey is harder than the destination. Bettors beware !
