Predicting the final score of Falcons vs. Packers in the Conference Championship

This is a difficult week to make a score prediction, because the one thing that seems certain is that both of these teams will score a lot of points, and the thing that seems uncertain is where we should set the ceiling.

Consider the facts: The Falcons have the best offense in football and just put up 36 points against the Seattle Seahawks, one of the league’s most challenging defenses. The Green Bay Packers made good on their promise to run the table and have now won eight games in a row since falling to 4-6, while Aaron Rodgers has been arguably the best quarterback in football (and at least top three) over that span. Scoring? It’s happening!

I’ll freely admit to you that I’m nervous about this game, and that I’m thinking the Falcons may very well lose it. I don’t say that lightly, or to be a contrarian, or to put in place some sort of powerful reverse jinx (though I hope for that). I say that because Rodgers is exceptionally difficult to stop, and because a turnover one way or the other could swing a game that’s likely to be a shootout, and the Falcons have been extraordinarily light on turnovers all year. This is a team that seems more likely to lose against a great offense than a great defense, given their strengths, and Green Bay is so hot right now I think they can pull this off.

The Falcons can win this game, and I hope with all my might that they will, but I’ve got the Packers by a score of 34-31, reluctantly. Share your score, be gentle with your criticism, and go Falcons.