NFC & AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES

PACKERS AT FALCONS

Time: 2: 05 p. m. Sunday, Fox- 32. Line: Falcons by 5. Total: 60 ½ . Records ( overall/ ATS): Packers 12- 6/ 11- 6- 1; Falcons 12- 5/ 11- 6. Outlook: The Falcons’ Matt Ryan has statistically been the better QB ( 131.8 rating, 14 TDs, 0 INTs in his last four games), but the uncanniness of Aaron Rodgers ( 117.5, 14 TDs, 1 INT in his last four games) makes him the people’s choice after a clutch performance vs. the Cowboys last week. Packers’ defense again is the X- factor — extremely vulnerable in a situation like this but often just good enough to win. Falcons won 33- 32 at the Georgia Dome in Week 8. But the Packers under Rodgers, Mike McCarthy and Dom Capers are almost always better in rematches after having lost the previous game — in fact, 5- 3 SU/ 8- 0 ATS since 2013, including the playoffs ( 1- 3/ 4- 0). Potash’s pick: Falcons 31, Packers 28. Marc Silverman’s pick: Packers. Mike North’s pick: Falcons.

STEELERS AT PATRIOTS

Time: 5: 40 p. m. Sunday, Ch. 2. Line: Patriots by 6. Total: 50 ½ . Records ( overall/ ATS): Steelers 13- 5/ 11- 7; Patriots 15- 2/ 14- 3. Outlook: With the Patriots and Tom Brady on a mission after Brady’s Deflategate suspension ( 14- 3 ATS — an amazing record for a team as respected as the Patriots), this seems like a fait accompli. But like the Ravens and Broncos, the Steelers under Mike Tomlin have the gumption to stand up to Brady, Bill Belichick and the Pats. Belichick’s knack for taking away the opponent’s strength will be tested in this one, with Le’Veon Bell ( 146.5 ypg, 5.3 ypc, 8 rushing TDs in his last 8 games), Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown all lethal offensive threats. Tomlin seems to be able to will his team to do whatever it takes, but this time he’s up against the master. Potash’s pick: Patriots 30, Steelers 23. Silverman’s pick: Patriots. North’s pick: Patriots.