The Green Bay Packers are the hottest team in football. Last week, the Packers topped the New England Patriots 26-21 at Lambeau Field to improve to 9-3, maintaining a one-game lead over the Detroit Lions in the NFC North. On Monday night, Green Bay hosts the Atlanta Falcons in a contest rife with playoff implications.
Falcons vs. Packers 2014 picks and predictions: Green Bay is heavy favorite
The Packers are the best team in the NFL right now, and get another chance to prove it on Monday night.
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The Packers are currently the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoff picture. Green Bay has been solid on both sides of the ball this season but is led by MVP candidate Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has not thrown an interception at home since Dec. 2012 and this year has amassed video-game numbers, tossing 32 touchdowns and three picks.
Atlanta is 5-7 but actually leads the NFC South. The Falcons might have a tough time slowing Green Bay down, considering they rank last in passing yards allowed at 284.9/game. Atlanta will rely on its own passing game behind Matt Ryan, who has thrown for 3,427 yards and 21 touchdowns. Ryan's favorite target has been Julio Jones. Jones has notched 82 catches and 1,169 yards with five scores, leading the team in all categories.
Over at ESPN.com, the Packers earned the sweep of 13 analysts who expect another home win for the cheeseheads. The same can be said for all eight of CBS Sports’ analysts, although Pete Prisco and Dave Richard believe the Falcons will cover the 12.5-point spread. Two of the seven analysts at USA Today not only picked the Packers but made them their lock of the week.
Here at SB Nation, Green Bay is the popular choice. Needless to say, it will be a massive upset if the Falcons can somehow escape the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field with a win.
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