Playoff matches galore filled week eight of the NFL season putting the league's best teams on display.
Offenses were the key to success in those games as the winner scored no less than 28 points in the five possible playoff match-ups.
Todd Gurley powered the Rams passed the Packers to the dismay of Aaron Rodgers and now enemy to the entire state of Wisconsin, Ty Montgomery. The Rams and Packers game was the closest out of the five potential playoff match-ups coming down to a field goal difference.
Alvin Kamara and the Saints wanted to no business of a close game as New Orleans man-handled the Vikings. A rematch of the "Minneapolis Miracle" was destined to prove worthy of a watch but once halftime hit, it was all New Orleans.
The Saints shaky defense did not waiver in the second half and only allowed 20 points in total while winning the turnover battle via a P.J Williams interception and forced fumble.
Alvin Kamara also had another big night totaling two touchdowns once again proving to be one of the NFL's most versatile offensive weapons. The surprising factor was Drew Brees.
Brees threw his first interception of the season last Sunday, his first out of 232 passing attempts in 2018. The future Hall of Fame quarterback was also held under 130 yards through the air.
Two other future Hall of Fame quarterbacks square off this Sunday in a battle of the G.O.A.T's.
GREEN BAY PACKERS vs NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers are arguably the most prolific and physically talented quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen. A combined six Super Bowls between them and nearly similar career averages makes this Sunday's match-up a must-see for football fans.
Rodgers has the led the Packers to a 3-3-1 record through week eight and, if not for a Ty Montgomery fumble, could have handed the Los Angeles Rams their first loss of the season.
Sitting at third place in the NFC North, the Green Bay Packers are an average team with a top-three quarterback. The passing offense behind Aaron Rodgers ranks fifth, according to NFL.com. The fifth-ranking masquerades the problems with Green Bay's offense.
Green Bay cannot run the football on a consistent basis. Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones, the latter being the teams leading rusher, have combined for 507 yards on the ground. Including Aaron Rodgers' 116 yards, the Packers rank 25th in the league with 623 rushing yards.
Even Green Bay's passing offense has struggled in 2018. Tied for 18th with 13 touchdowns, the Packers' passing game does not stand out. Yards and yards per game is where the Packers make their money. Placing in the top ten in both categories, Green Bay can move the ball at will through the air but have trouble finishing a drive in the end-zone.
A red-zone efficiency of 52.17 percent has Green Bay ranked in the top 12 worst in the NFL, according to teamrankings.com. Their opponent this weekend, places in the top ten.
The New England Patriots currently hold the number two seed in the AFC and have won five games in a row. Until Monday night's game against the Buffalo Bills, New England had scored an average of 39 points in the previous four games.
Led by annual MVP candidate Tom Brady, the New England offense is top three in the NFL and has put up an average of 29.9 per game. Brady has been fantastic this season completing 67.5 percent of his passes while spreading the wealth. 13 different receivers have caught a ball from Brady this season, six of those being touchdown passes to James White.
White has been dynamic on the ground and through the air with eight total touchdowns and a combined 663 yards from scrimmage. According teamranking.com, White is tied for the sixth most touchdowns in the NFL once quarterbacks are removed. An unstoppable force for New England, Jame White is the key to success for the Patriots.
The key to the Packers' success is and has always been Aaron Rodgers. Unfortunately, Rodgers' pro-bowl-esque play still has Green Bay sitting at 0-3 on the road. On the upside, the Packers are consistent. The home and away splits are nearly identical and if not for a few one-possession losses, Green Bay could be sitting at 5-1-1 on the year.
On the defensive side of the ball is where Green Bay falters and trading away 2016 pro bowl safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix makes a win on Sunday even less feasible. The secondary for Green Bay has outperformed expectations. It is the front seven's inability to stop the run that has cost the Packers.
Allowing an average of 122 yards, the Packers' front seven ranks among the worst in the league. Bill Belichick and the Patriots must be licking their lips in anticipation for America's Game of the Week.
Verdict:
Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady have only met once in their illustrious careers. The 2014 match-up was decided by five points and more specifically two Mason Crosby field goals in the fourth quarter.
The margin of victory will be the same but in New England's favor. The Patriots offense is elite through the air and above average on the ground. The floodgates will be open against Green Bay's defense.
James White and Sony Michel will be all systems go which opens doors for the rest of the high powered New England offense to do damage. A 30 point game is not out of the question.
Green Bay will have their hands full but Aaron Rodgers never goes down without a fight. The game will be decided in the fourth quarter as Brady and Rodgers go toe to toe with each other.
A true battle between two of the greatest quarterbacks to set foot in the gridiron ultimately with a site too familiar-Brady on top.
FINAL SCORE: Patriots 34, Packers 28
Week 9 Predictions:
Raiders vs. 49ers: Raiders 26, 49ers 16 (Thursday Night)
Falcons vs. Redskins: Falcons 28, Redskins 24
Lions vs. Vikings: Vikings 30, Lions 20
Steelers vs. Ravens: Steelers 27, Ravens 23
Chiefs vs. Browns: Chiefs 36, Browns 20
Jets vs. Dolphins: Jets 20, Dolphins 16
Bears vs. Bills: Bears 33, Bills 9
Buccaneers vs. Panthers: Panthers 27, Bucs 23
Chargers vs. Seahawks: Chargers 29, Seahawks 24
Rams vs. Saints: Saints 33, Rams 30
Titans vs. Cowboys: Cowboys 26, Titans 16 (Monday Night)
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