Green Bay Packers: 5 Bold predictions vs. Buccaneers in NFC Championship

3. Alexander shuts down Evans, but Gronk, Godwin combine for 200+ yards

Considering that the Buccaneers scored 38 points in the regular-season meeting between these two clubs, it’s a bit shocking how pedestrian Tampa Bay was on offense in the game. Yes, Ronald Jones II had one of his best games of the year with 113 yards and two scores on the ground. However, the passing game wasn’t anything to write home about.

Packers star cornerback Jaire Alexander largely drew the matchup with Mike Evans for the game and, frankly, he did his job well with a fantastic performance. Continuing what’s been a top-shelf season from the former first-round pick, Alexander held Evans to just one catch for 10 yards on just two targets.

Don’t expect that to change. Though he doesn’t necessarily get the respect that the other elite cornerbacks in the league do, Alexander has played every bit as well as them this season. Unfortunately, he can’t cover everyone and, as the Bucs will need to throw the ball a bit more in this game, Green Bay will allow two other players to show up.

Rob Gronkowski and Chris Godwin combined for 10 catches (on 15 targets) for 126 yards and a touchdown in the first matchup between Green Bay and Tampa Bay. Expect to see more of that in this matchup. With the clamps put on Evans and more passing involved in the offense, that duo will combine for 200+ yards in the NFC Championship Game.