Almost exactly one year ago, the Atlanta Falcons played the Green Bay Packers in Lambeau Field on December 8, 2013. It was a marvelously close game, as the Falcons were able to go toe to toe with the Green Bay Packers, before the Packers ended up winning in comeback fashion by a final score of 22-21. But there are some other factors to consider from that game. Aaron Rodgers was missing at that time due to his broken collarbone, so Matt Flynn was in at quarterback for the Packers. Obviously, Rodgers plays at an elite level, and Matt Flynn is a significant dropoff at quarterback, and Flynn even threw a pick 6 in that game, when Sean Weatherspoon had a 71 yard interception return for a touchdown. The now retired Tony Gonzalez also scored a touchdown in the contest.
All of that is probably irrelevant now, as 2014 is a new season and the Green Bay Packers start the month of December looking for a chance at home field advantage as they are tied at 9-3 with the Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles. Obviously, with how outstanding Green Bay has been at home this season (6-0, scoring 41 points per game and allowing only 17) they want to have the first round bye and home field advantage that comes by being the top overall seed in the NFC. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons are sitting at 5-7 are are currently leading the mangled mess of the NFC South. They are fighting to stay ahead of the Saints who are also 5-7 to possibly host a playoff game.
The Packers have a few people listed as questionable before Monday's game, including both starting Guards, Josh Sitton and TJ Lang. Having both of them healthy is a big key for Green Bay going forward since the Packers need to be able to run the ball with Eddie Lacy and protect Aaron Rodgers. They should both play as they were questionable before the Patriots game as well. One player that the Packers defense should hope that they have back is Sam Shields, their fastest cornerback. He went out with a concussion against the Patriots and could be very instrumental against either Julio Jones or Roddy White.
When you factor all of the different aspects of this game in though, this writer simply leans on the fact that the Packers are the better team and should be able to take good care of the Falcons in this contest. Expect a Monday Night blowout as the Packers should take control early, and then be able to beat the injury riddled offensive line of the Falcons to get pressure on Matt Ryan. This writer predicts a final score in this contest of Packers 45, Falcons 17.