In this postseason edition of Garden State Gridiron, we will be previewing each game on the playoff slate leading toward the Super Bowl. Below you will find a breakdown of the key matchups in each game of Conference Championship Weekend.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Green Bay Packers
Sunday– January 24, 2021 – 3:05 PM ET
Opening Spread: Tampa Bay (+3.5) at Green Bay
The Case for Tampa Bay
Tom Brady had a tremendous regular season and followed it up with two road victories in Washington and in New Orleans and led the team to 30+ point totals in each of those games. He has more playoff experience than any quarterback in the league, and more than most other active quarterbacks combined. He has been here before and he is on the verge of making history: the only team to potentially host a home Super Bowl game.
The Tamba Bay defense runs through linebacker Devin White. White has played every single snap on defense for the Buccaneers this season and has emerged as a star over the course of the year. He led the team with an impressive 140 tackles and finished 2nd with 9.0 sacks. White will be tasked with countering the Packers’ dangerous rushing attack which features Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams, and emerging rookie A.J. Dillon.
The Case for Green Bay
Aaron Rodgers assembled one of the most dominant seasons in NFL history. He led the league in touchdown passes with 48 when nobody else in the league posted more than 40. Rodgers has his first opportunity to host a Conference Championship Game in his career and will be motivated to put on a show. The biggest factor in that show will likely be Davante Adams, who led the league with 18 receiving touchdowns in the regular season and picked up another last week in the Divisional Round. Aaron Rodgers’ accuracy rating in the regular season was .1% off the league lead at 81.2% while Tom Brady ranked 31st at 73.9%.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Packers boast one of the most dangerous secondaries in the NFL. Former first round selection Jaire Alexander ranked near the top of the league in nearly all advanced metric categories. He leads a tremendous group that features Kevin King, Adrian Amos, and Darnell Savage. This group is dynamic, and they line up all over the field. They will make it very difficult for the Tamba Bay Receivers to have big games.
Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday – January 24, 2021 – 6:40 PM ET
Opening Spread: Buffalo (+2.5) at Kansas City
The Case for Buffalo
Josh Allen is considered one of the top candidates for the NFL MVP this season, and is the quarterback remaining with the shortest resume. Allen and Patrick Mahomes have two of the strongest throwing arms in the history of the NFL and Allen will be up for his toughest challenge yet. Prior to this season, Allen struggled with his accuracy, but thanks to a tremendous coaching job, much of which is being credited to Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll, Allen has provided some of the most exciting highlights of the season. He is leading a team that has unlocked their potential and is operating as a unit.
While Josh Allen is the leader of the offense, Tre’Davious White is the lead man of the defense. White is one of the best shutdown cornerbacks in the league with his ability to shadow receivers all over the field. In their previous matchup, in October, White the Chiefs’ star wide receiver Tyreek Hill to a mere 3 receptions for 20 yards. Containing Hill, Kansas City’s most dangerous skill player, will be crucial to Buffalo’s chances in this game.
The Case for Kansas City
Patrick Mahomes is the not-so-secret sauce that gives the Kansas City Chiefs’ their explosive nature. Unfortunately, Mahomes was forced out of last week’s victory with a head injury and his status for the game is unknown. So far, there have been positive signs in practice this week with Mahomes taking part in portions of practice on Wednesday and Thursday. If Mahomes plays, he is as dangerous as anyone in the league. He can create a score on any play and throw the ball anywhere on the field.
Tyrann Mathieu is the heart of the Chiefs’ defense. He is especially dangerous because he can line up anywhere on the field. He has experience at both safety and corner and even lines up at linebacker in certain passing situations. Mathieu has a nose for the ball, leading the team with 7 turnovers. He will likely spend several snaps covering John Brown and Cole Beasly from the slot and could be involved in some key plays that either stop or save drives for Buffalo.
