NFL Expert Predictions 2017: Picks For Patriots vs. Steelers, Packers vs. Falcons

Tom Brady Patriots Steelers — Most experts are picking the New England Patriots to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship did, just as Tom Brady and Co. did at Heinz Field on Oct. 23, 2016 in Pittsburgh. Getty Images

There isn’t a clear consensus regarding what two teams will meet in Super Bowl LI. While most experts agree on the outcome of the 2017 AFC Championship Game, opinions on the 2017 NFC Championship Game are split.

The Green Bay Packers are underdogs against the Atlanta Falcons, though both teams seemingly have an equal chance to win Sunday afternoon. Atlanta enters the contest on a five-game winning streak, and Green Bay hasn’t lost since Week 11.

The NFC title game pits the league’s hottest quarterback against the signal caller that played better than anyone in the regular season. Aaron Rodgers has thrown 24 touchdowns and one interception in his last nine games, and Matt Ryan is the favorite to win the MVP award. The two quarterbacks combined for seven touchdown passes when the Falcons beat the Packers 33-32 on a score in the final minute in Week 8.

Over in the AFC, however, most experts are picking the New England Patriots to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers. New England has been the AFC favorite all season long, and they are six-point favorites at home Sunday.

The Patriots didn’t have much trouble beating the Steelers in Week 7, though Pittsburgh was forced to start Landry Jones over the injured Ben Roethlisberger. Roethlisberger gets the start in the playoff rematch, playing opposite Tom Brady, who has thrown for 15 scores and no interceptions when playing the Steelers at Gillette Stadium.

Both home teams won in last year’s conference title games. It’s been four years since a home team lost on Championship Sunday, though it was both the Patriots and Falcons who suffered home losses in 2013.

Below are expert predictions for the 2017 conference championship games:

Dave Richard, CBS Sports

Picks: Packers, Patriots

Jamey Eisenberg, CBS Sports

Picks: Packers, Patriots

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports

Picks: Falcons, Patriots

Will Brinson, CBS Sports

Picks: Falcons, Patriots

Dan Graziano, ESPN

Picks: Falcons, Patriots

Adam Caplan, ESPN