3 Packers-Buccaneers Matchups to Watch in the NFC Championship Game

The Green Bay Packers will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday with a Super Bowl appearance on the line. While weather may have a big impact, this game will be decided by the star players on both teams.

With that in mind, here are three matchups to watch in the Packers-Buccaneers NFC Championship Game.

2021 NFC Championship Game Matchups to Watch

1. Aaron Rodgers vs. Ndamukong Suh

Aaron Rodgers vs. Ndamukong Suh is one feisty matchup to watch. / Tom Lynn/Getty Images

Aaron Rodgers and Ndamukong Suh clearly don't like each other. Suh committed some egregious penalties while with the Detroit Lions, and Rodgers was on the receiving end. Suh stepped on the quarterback's ankle twice. The two jawed at each other when these teams met previously in Week 6, and there's sure to be some fireworks between the longtime rivals as they fight for a Super Bowl berth, even if Rodgers is downplaying the matchup.

2. Mike Evans vs. Jaire Alexander

The Mike Evans vs. Jaire Alexander showdown will be key to the NFC Championship Game, / Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Another key matchup throughout the conference championship will be between Bucs wideout Mikes Evans and Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander. It was the Green Bay CB who got the best of this matchup earlier in the season, shadowing Evans for almost 80% of his routes and allowing zero receptions while covering him. Evans was mostly shut down in the Divisional Round, but his one catch was for a touchdown, so he's a threat to have an impact even if his reception total is low. Holding Evans to as few catches as possible will be key for Alexander and the Packers' defense.

3. Packers RBs vs. Vita Vea

Packers RBs vs. Vita Vea is an intriguing part of the Packers-Bucs clash. / Stacy Revere/Getty Images

The Buccaneers are getting a huge reinforcement for Sunday's game in the form of 6-foot-4, 347-pound defensive tackle Vita Vea, who could pose serious problems for the Packers' running back corps. The Packers' RB trio of Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams and AJ Dillon totaled 191 yards and 1 TD against the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round, giving the Packers a two-approach attack that opened up their passing game. The Bucs' run defense is already the league's best, allowing just 80.6 yards per game, but that figures drops to only 58.4 yards per contest with Vea in the lineup this season. The DT could swallow up Green Bay's RBs and put added pressure on the Packers' passing attack.

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