Championship Sunday Warmup: Patriots back again; Can the Packers endure?

The Championship Sunday Warmup takes an in-depth look at the NFL's most intriguing storylines ahead of the conference title games.

The Rundown

What defense?

A pair of MVP favorites lead their explosive offenses against one another in what figures to be an incredibly high-scoring NFC title game. Aaron Rodgers and Matt Ryan will be trading shots from the opening kick, and one clearly outplaying the other would certainly go a long way toward deciding this game. Given the similarly dominant level they've both enjoyed throughout the year, though, all eyes should actually be on the two underwhelming defenses. A key turnover that gets one side an extra possession may end up deciding which team represents the NFC in Houston.

The dynasty continues

Bill Belichick and Tom Brady once again find themselves just one win away from the Super Bowl. Is anyone the least bit surprised? The Patriots have been on an absolute tear since getting Brady back under center in Week 5, and the superstar coach-quarterback duo could very be well on its way to a fifth Lombardi Trophy. But let's not be too quick to mark down a win this week. As was the case against the Broncos last year, running into the Steelers is the least favorable matchup New England could have encountered in the AFC. Pittsburgh boasts one of the few NFL offenses capable of keeping up.

Who catches passes from Rodgers?

The Packers wouldn't be in the NFC title game if it weren't for a number of superhuman efforts from their star quarterback during an eight-game winning streak. Uncertainty surrounding the wide receiver position could call for some more Rodgers magic if Green Bay is to advance to football's biggest stage. Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, and Geronimo Allison are all officially listed as questionable to play. Nelson is still recovering from broken ribs suffered in the wild-card round, while both Adams and Allison picked up injuries in last week's win over the Cowboys. The MVP is a regular-season award, but Rodgers has a chance to show everyone why he should have been the pick.

Must-see Matchups

Le'Veon Bell vs. Bill Belichick

Belichick-led defenses have long found success in taking away what an opponent does best. Le'Veon Bell is the clear centerpiece of Pittsburgh's offense, and quite possibly today's premier running back, so all eyes should be on how New England defends him. Loading the box would leave the secondary undermanned against Antonio Brown in the passing game, so the Patriots will have to pick their spots.

Ty Montgomery vs. Falcons LBs

Regardless of how many Packers receivers end up playing, it goes without saying that the group is at far less than 100 percent. Green Bay will be forced to rely on other playmakers as a result, and that starts with Montgomery. The receiver-turned-running back has the potential to be a matchup nightmare for the Falcons linebackers in the passing game. Rodgers could end up looking his way more than ever before.

Patriots O-Line vs. Steelers D-Line

Pittsburgh's chances of limiting a high-powered Patriots passing attack will depend on the front seven's ability to create natural pressure. That means, without having to pull additional players out of coverage, James Harrison, Bud Dupree, and Stephon Tuitt will have to get to Brady with some relative consistency. Doing so against an offensive line that surrendered just 24 sacks during the regular season makes for a challenging task.

Upset Watch

Packers (+5.5) over Falcons

With injury issues impacting the passing game on both sides of the ball, the odds are certainly stacked against Green Bay heading in. But that's not really anything new for this team. The Packers, often times exclusively carried by the all-time great play of Rodgers, have overcome one difficult circumstance after another in rebounding from a 4-6 start to the season. Why should that stop here? When you're hot, you're hot.

Stat of the Week

Unexpected Star

Taylor Gabriel, Falcons

Julio Jones could quite easily dominate this game from start to finish no matter the coverage he gets. He's just that good. But with Green Bay almost certain to dedicate multiple defenders to that side of the field, Ryan will be best suited attacking elsewhere more often than not. Gabriel, a burner that can beat defenses both underneath and over the top, should take full advantage of the single coverage en route to a particularly productive day.