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Ryan picks Packers apart in dominant opening half

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

If there was so much as one lingering doubt about Matt Ryan's MVP candidacy, perhaps the first half of Sunday's NFC title game can serve as confirmation of what the football world saw throughout the regular season.

The star quarterback was downright surgical in dissecting the Green Bay Packers' defense, guiding the Atlanta Falcons to a comfortable 24-0 lead at the break.

Ryan completed 22-of-32 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns through two quarters, also finding the end zone on a 14-yard scamper to cap off a nine-play, 80-yard scoring drive.

No lead is safe against a Packers offense led by Aaron Rodgers, so the Falcons certainly can't afford to let up when the two sides return for the second half.

The early dominance is simply much of the same from a Falcons team that has been lighting up the scoreboard throughout the year, as Ryan and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan remain in perfect sync.

Whether it's the New England Patriots or Pittsburgh Steelers emerging victorious in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday evening, next month's Super Bowl appears to be shaping up as a shootout.

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