Whereas Vegas has taken a hit this postseason _ favorites started 6-0 against the spread (ATS) and then the Packers and Steelers, two popular public teams, won as underdogs _ the NFL has hit the jackpot. In a season that started with talk of low ratings, expect these numbers to be through the roof. Packers-Falcons and Steelers-Patriots, with Aaron Rodgers vs. Matt Ryan and Ben Roethlisberger vs. Tom Brady, is a ratings bonanza. The conference championship games always rate well, but this is a dream final four that the NFL is probably pinching itself over.
How hot have these teams been? Starting in Week 12, they're a combined 29-1 overall, with the lone loss being a one-point defeat for the Falcons.
Think about it: No matter the outcomes this Sunday, the NFL is guaranteed a great Super Bowl matchup. If the NFL had its wish, Packers-Patriots has to be the most-wanted game, but the other three are also top notch. Falcons-Patriots was my pre-playoff pick, and I'm sticking with it for many reasons.
