Green Bay Numbers (1...and 130)
If the Packers are going to beat the Seahawks and get to the Super Bowl, they must dictate terms to the Seahawks.
Game 1...Aaron Rodgers was 23-33 for 189 yards. (Just 5 passes thrown 15 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. 1 completion for 23 yards)
Seahawks safety Cam Chancellor was free to play as an extra linebacker and shut down the Packers running attack ... 80 yards on 21 carries...(3.8 average)
Green Bay has to challenge the Seattle secondary in order to open up their run game. Randall Cobb down field, and Jordy Nelson from the slot more to negate Richard Sherman.
The key to beating Seattle in Seattle over the past two seasons is dictating terms to them Arizona 2013 - Rushed for 132 yards. Dallas 2014 - 162 yards (4.5). Carolina 2015 - 132 yards (4.4)
Seattle Numbers (13.5...and 0)
The Seahawks have won 11 of their past 12 ball games, including their past 6 home games. Seattle's averagee margin of victory at home in those six games has been almost two touchdowns at 13.5 points.
The defense at home is giving up just 12 points per game in their past 6 games.
Since losing to Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys on October 12th, the Seahawks have not seen another top 10 rated passer in the NFL. (0)
The best quarterback they've seen since Romo from a ratings stand point was Alex Smith, who had the 12th highest rating in the league, and he delivered the Seahawks their last loss.
Colts Numbers (7-1...and 23)
The Colts are looking to break-through the Manning and Brady AFC road block.
The Colts were 11-5 in 2014, losing four games to Manning, Brady, Roethlisberger and Romo.
Since losing to New England on November 16th, The Colts are 7-1.
In going 7-1, the Colts beat five teams that were under .500. Their one loss was to Dallas who beat them 42-7. Their playoff run began with a banged up Bengals team and has reached this point by facing a very hobbled Peyton Manning.
We always talk about the importance of 27 points. Avg 27, you tend to be a good team. Score 27, good enough to win most ball games. Over the past 8 games, the Colts are averging 23 points per game.
New England Numbers (28)
I have no bad news for New England. They've reached this point where they look like the only legit challenger to Seattle. The Patriots are 6-2 since November 16th when they matched up on Sunday night against the Colts.
Including that game, they have now beaten Luck, Rivers, Stafford, and Flacco.
Interestingly enough, The Patriots are averaging 28 points per game over their last 8 games.