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Green Bay Packers vs Atlanta Falcons: 5 matchups to watch

By Gage Bridgford

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 25: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers on the field after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Packers 24-17. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 25: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers on the field after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Packers 24-17. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images
Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images /

2. Jaire Alexander vs Julio Jones

Ideally, this matchup would say Kevin King vs Julio Jones. However, due to a lingering groin issue, King was placed on injured reserve for the second consecutive season. He was drafted to match up with guys like Jones, but he hasn’t been on the field enough to do so. Fortunately for the Packers, they have a pretty good replacement to slot in for him. First-round rookie Jaire Alexander has been one of the absolute best corners in the NFL this season.

Heading into Week 14, he ranks 13th per Pro Football Focus, which puts him above guys like Jalen Ramsey, Casey Hayward and Marshon Lattimore. Alexander has shown a certain level of fearlessness and aggression this season that the defense has lacked in recent years. He will match up with whatever wideout the coaches put him across from, and he will battle with them until the whistle sounds.

Against Jones this week, he will be facing one of the toughest tests of his season. From a purely physical standpoint, Jones is a physical freak that we rarely see in the NFL. His size and speed make him a tough cover for even the best corners. Alexander plays bigger than he is listed, but he will still be at a distinct disadvantage in this matchup. Jones has killed the Packers in recent years, but they can’t let that happen this week.

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