NFC Championship Game preview

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP Green Bay (12-6) at Atlanta (12-5) 2:05 p.m. today • Ch. 9 • Line: Falcons by 6

These two teams met Oct. 30 in Atlanta with the Falcons prevailing in a shootout when Matt Ryan hit Mohamed Sanu with an 11-yard touchdown pass with 31 seconds remaining in a 33-32 victory.

The Packers are the third team since 1970 to reach the conference championship after starting 4-6 or worse thanks to an impressive eight-game winning streak. They would be the first of those teams to reach the Super Bowl.

This is also the first matchup (regular season or playoffs) since 1970 featuring teams that scored at least 30 points in each of their five previous games. In their past seven games, the Falcons are averaging 36.6 points. Atlanta was also the highest-scoring team in the NFL in the regular season, averaging 33.5 points.

Both teams have injuries at the wide receiver position, but that doesn't seem to matter.

Punters, stand down.

The Packers are averaging just over 32 points per game during their eight-game winning streak, which coincided with Aaron Rodgers' suggestion that Green Bay would "run the table." Rodgers has thrown for 24 touchdowns with just one interception over the past nine games, making the impossible look easy. It's hard to imagine a quarterback playing any better, but up against Ryan, Rodgers will need to keep it up. Ryan, who probably will be named the NFL's MVP, directs an offense that has scored points on 52.6 percent of its drives (by far the league's best mark) and averaged an NFL-high 6.6 yards per play.

Blitzing isn't always the brightest idea, given Rodgers' rapid release. But consider one weak link: RB Ty Montgomery, a converted WR who too often gives blitzing defenders the bullfighter's wave and lets them race right by him.

The Packers defense must also find a way to pressure the quarterback into attempting regrettable throws, but they ranked 31st against the passing game in the regular season.

The Falcons offensive line has had the same five players start every game this season and includes C Alex Mack, who has turned out to be the steal of free agency after coming over from the Cleveland Browns in the offseason.

• Green Bay is looking to earn its sixth Super Bowl berth.

• The home team had won 12 straight playoff games before Green Bay's 34-31 win over Dallas last week.

• The Packers' other wide receivers on the roster are Randall Cobb, Jeff Janis and rookie Trevor Davis.

• WR Julio Jones practiced for the first time Friday since aggravating his sprained left toe last week.

• Ryan would set an NFL record by passing for at least three TDs in a fourth straight postseason game.

• Devonta Freeman has 10 rushing TDs in Atlanta's past six home games.

• It will be Atlanta's final game at the Georgia Dome.