Prediction: Packers Will Rebound Against the Falcons

There is one word I want you to remember Sunday when the Green Bay Packers take on the Atlanta Falcons; confidence. That is what this game means to both the Packers and their fans.

Heading into the 2008 season, that confidence was tested because they had a first year starter at quarterback. And, after a 2-0 start against division opponents, people started feeling better about their team. But, after an embarrassing home loss to the Dallas Cowboys and getting beaten up on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; that confidence is once again being tested. A loss Sunday to a re-building Falcons' team will probably destroy it.

After Aaron Rodgers was injured in the game against the Buccaneers, there was some concern the Packers would have to start their first rookie quarterback since Don Majkowski in 1987. But, the fact the shoulder is just sprained and not dislocated makes me feel confident Rodgers will start. All the team really needs to do is limit how much he throws during the week, give him some Tylenol before the game and he'll be fine. He may not be in sync with his receivers right away, but he'll be OK.

I think the bigger concern going into Sunday is going to be on the defensive line, which lost starter Cullen Jenkins for the season and has already had issues defending the run. Falcon's running back Michael Turner is proving to be worth the money the team spent on him in free agency and the depth is going to be tested. The good news is the Falcons have a rookie passer and, if they can continue to generate a pass rush like they did against Dallas and Tampa Bay; that should help the secondary produce turnovers.