NFL Week 2: Top 5 quarterback battles fans will want to watch

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ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 22: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons speaks to Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers after the NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome on January 22, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Falcons defeated the Packers 44-21. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Aaron Rodgers (GB) vs. Matt Ryan (ATL)

Ah, yes. Grudge-match games are the best, aren’t they?

Well, that’s what we have on Sunday Night Football in Week 2, as the Green Bay Packers look to avenge their NFC Championship game loss to the Atlanta Falcons last season.

It’s impossible to overlook any game featuring last year’s MVP, Matt Ryan, going up against future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. Add last year’s playoff drama, and Sunday night’s game is only going to be that much more entertaining.

Both teams are 1-0 — the Packers coming off a home win over the Seattle Seahawks, while the Falcons managed a gritty road win over the Chicago Bears to start their season.

Will history (somewhat) repeat itself, or will Rodgers and Co. get revenge?

Matt Ryan

Ryan was his typical self to open up the season, calmly throwing for over 300 yards and a touchdown to tight end Austin Hooper.

A good chunk of focus will be Atlanta’s debut of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but I’m a bit curious to see how well Ryan’s offensive attack — the Falcons’ attack as a whole, for that matter — does without it’s former offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, who left for the San Francisco 49ers last offseason.

Current Atlanta coordinator Steve Sarkisian’s offense will be under scrutiny, but it helps having players like Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones to make it work.

Aaron Rodgers

Well, what’s there to say about Rodgers? He’s good. Very good.

Defense dominated Green Bay’s first-half efforts against Seattle, with the Seahawks up 3-0 at halftime.

Rodgers wasn’t particularly stellar or great during the contest, although he did finish with over 300 yards passing and a touchdown versus one interception.

But that one touchdown strike to wide receiver Jordy Nelson was an absolute dime:

Atlanta’s defense might be improved this year over last season, but it’s certainly not on par with that of Seattle.

So, yes. Rodgers could have a big game Sunday.