It didn’t take long for the world to find out who was for real between the Steelers and the Ravens and between the Packers and the Falcons. Chicago put an end to the Seahawk’s Cinderella dance party and now it’s time for the Conference Playoffs.
New York Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers- January 23 2011- 6:30pm EST
The Jets playoff magic continues. They sent a message to the Patriots and any bettors who thought the Pats would cover that -9 point spread most sportsbooks were offering.
Now they head to Heinze field hoping to take advantage of a banged Pittsburgh offensive line. For many bettors, that’s now twice this postseason that the Jets have stung them, for others that’s now twice on the scoreboard that the Jets have come through big. Can they turn the trick against the Steelers? Dare to bet against Rex Ryan?
Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears- January 23 2011 -3:00pm EST
Regardless of what happens on Sunday, in light of the season that Brett Favre just had, and the one Rodgers is still working on, the Green Bay Packers can yell out a big fat “we told you so”. Rodgers is the real deal and he is the future of that franchise, that can no longer be questioned. But are the Packers ready to take the next step? Rodgers has proven he’s a winner, but is Aaron Rodgers a champion? A champion marches his team into Soldier Field on Sunday and beats Jay Cutler in his backyard, and then moves on to the Superbowl and wins that too. Those are the shoes Rodgers has to fill in Green Bay, but he has some help. The Packers defense lead by Clay “Bloodline” Mathews and Charles Woodson is dynamite, and no one has been able to keep Mathews out of the backfield making big plays. If Rodgers can get that offense humming the Packers look damn tough.
This game carries the weight of history behind it. It’s only the second time in history the Packers have met the Bears in the playoffs, and the last time the Bears were the ones who came out on top. Cutler will be no doubt looking to have history repeat itself, as this game adds a little more incentive for him to fully establish himself the premier QB in the NFL.
