Packers vs. Falcons: Tale of the tape ahead of NFC Championship

Receivers and tight ends

If your roster features Julio Jones, the likelihood is you will always have an upper hand over your opponent at the wide receiver position. This is true of the NFC Championship, although a fully healthy Packers receiving corps isn’t one to turn your nose up at.

We’ll come onto Green Bay in a moment. First let’s look at Atlanta’s array of pass catchers. Jones led the way with 1,409 receiving yards and six touchdowns, with support coming from free agent acquisition Mohamed Sanu (653 yards, four touchdowns), Taylor Gabriel (579 yards, six touchdowns) and running back Devonta Freeman (462 yards, two touchdowns). When healthy, rookie tight end Austin Hooper emerged as a matchup problem.

The Packers could be without their top two receivers on Sunday; Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams combined for 2,254 yards and 26 touchdowns in the regular season. Randall Cobb added 610 yards and four scores.

Tight end Jared Cook, signed off the street last March, has proven to be a difference maker down the stretch. Finally healthy, Cook has piled up 151 yards and a touchdown in the postseason.

As long as Jones isn’t limited by his toe injury on Sunday, it’s advantage Atlanta in the receiving game.

Advantage: Atlanta