The Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will battle Sunday for the right to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LV.
Kickoff for the NFC Championship Game is at 2:05 p.m. CT from Lambeau Field.
Our final prediction:
Prediction: Packers 31, Buccaneers 27
Back in October, the Packers’ worst day met the Buccaneers’ best day, creating a 28-point blowout that featured a 38-0 run from Tampa Bay to finish it off. The guess here is that presumptive MVP Aaron Rodgers and the highly-efficient Packers passing offense plays a game closer resembling how they’ve operated all season, and the Buccaneers make a few more mistakes – after not having a turnover or penalty or allowing a sack in the first meeting – that help change the game. The key for Matt LaFleur’s team will be avoiding turnovers against a disruptive defense and creating consistent pressure on future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady. The Bucs won both the takeaway and pressure battle three months ago. If the Packers win both Sunday, they advance to the Super Bowl. Remember, Green Bay had just 11 turnovers all season, and the pass-rush – which was still finding its way back in October – is now healthy and fully operational, with Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary both coming on strong late. I think Rodgers understands the importance of this moment to his legacy and channels the enormous pressure the right way, and some of the veteran members of this team use the passing of former general manager Ted Thompson as one final piece of inspirational motivation. Finally, the 8,000 or so fans and dropping temps at Lambeau Field provide an early spark, helping the home team build another early lead. The Packers start fast, survive a mid-game lull by battling adversity with hard-earned mental toughness, and then slam the door shut with one big stop and one big drive. Send Tampa Bay packing, and then start packing for Tampa Bay.
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