Highlighting the Biggest Mismatches of NFL Conference Championship Weekend
Each team has at least one matchup that features an overwhelming advantage.
Parity is the name of the game in today’s NFL, but the upcoming slate of conference championship games features a slew of potentially lethal mismatches. Each team has at least one matchup that features an overwhelming advantage. Can the Ravens secondary hope to contain Tom Brady? Is there any way to slow down the dual-threat capabilities of Colin Kaepernick? Let’s break down the five biggest mismatches of conference championship weekend.
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Torrey Smith vs. Patriots Cornerbacks
The New England Patriots are favorites against the Baltimore Ravens. New England is stronger than Baltimore in many key areas (including one that will be highlighted), but Baltimore has one crystal clear mismatch. Torrey Smith can absolutely tear up New England’s secondary. This is not just mindless rambling; it’s a statement of fact based off of Smith’s performance earlier in the season. Back in Week 3 against the Patriots, Smith had six catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday Night Football. He has the type of speed that New England is not built to handle. Smith will likely be lined up for most of the day against Aqib Talib, a player he did not see in Week 3. Talib is strong and physical, but he is not on the level of Smith. Smith will stretch the Patriots secondary and open up lanes for All-Pro running back Ray Rice to work through.
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