Green Bay Packers: Predicting the five toughest games of the 2017 season
By John Dales
Packers @ Falcons, Week 2
Why it’s important
Coming off a home game against the Seahawks, the Packers will be facing yet another high quality opponent. The Packers got destroyed the last time they played at Atlanta, and will look to redeem themselves this year.
This is likely the most difficult road game of the season for Green Bay, and it comes early in week two. This game will show if the Green Bay defense truly has improved over the offseason. They are going against one of the best offenses in the NFC.
On top of that, if the Packers end up losing the game at home to the Seahawks in week one, they will need to win this one. An 0-2 start to 2017, is not at all the way that Green Bay would want to start this season.
On the other hand, if the Packers end up winning both, or even just one of these first two games, they will be in great shape for the rest of the season.
Last time they met
The Falcons overwhelmed the Packers 44-21 in last year’s NFC Championship. This one wasn’t close for too long after the opening coin toss.
The Packers faltered early in the game. Their offense seemed out of sync from the start. This was exemplified by Aaron Ripkowski‘s fumble and Mason Crosby’s missed field goal in the first quarter.
On the other side of the ball, the Green Bay defense just couldn’t get a stop. They fell into a 24-0 hole at halftime, and were unable to recover from this deficit in the second half.
Matt Ryan had a masterful performance at quarterback, going off for 392 passing yards and four touchdowns. Atlanta would go on to the Super Bowl for the second time in franchise history, and the rest is history.
Score Prediction
Falcons 34, Packers 28
Just like how the Cowboys come into the week six game with a bit more motivation, the Packers will come into this match-up with a chip on their shoulders.
A week one game against the Seahawks will certainly have the Packers ready to play in this one.
On the other hand, Atlanta starts the year off with a tune-up game against the Bears.
The Packers take the early lead, but Atlanta works their way back into the game with an offense coming off a Super Bowl appearance the year before.
A week after the Packers win against the Seahawks for the third straight time, the Falcons give the Packers a taste of their own medicine.
Next: Top 30 moments in Green Bay Packers history
Matt Ryan leads a skilled offensive unit, with an experienced receiving core past the inexperienced defensive backfield of the Packers. For the third time in as many tries, the Falcons best the Packers.