I actually have a great deal of sympathy for the Dallas Cowboys. Objectively, they did almost everything they had to to win. Zeke ran for 125, Dez Bryant played a championship type game, Dak controlled the ball well. In the end, they succumbed to Aaron Rodgers and his wizardry. That's all I can really say.
New England, on the other hand, really did not look 'great' against Houston. That game should have been a blowout. They will have to pick it up to win the Hunt trophy this week.
Side note: Kudos to the NFL for returning the Pro-bowl to AFC v. NFC. That never should have been changed to such a ridiculous 'fantasy' format in the first place. Fandom has it's own peculiar hierarchy of engagement, Team, opponents-division, conference then players seems to be the norm. In the realm of fantasy football, players are useful tools. Fantasy 'owners' are engaged with aggregate points, not the game on the field or the score at the end. That's why they call it "fantasy".
NFC:
Green Bay (4) at Atlanta (2)
The expert consensus seems to be that the Falcons will make their second Super Bowl. The betting and fan consensus would have the Packers making their sixth. I'm finding it hard to even remotely remain analytic about this game, because the only word I can use to describe the play of Aaron Rodgers and the packer offense is "magical". Atlanta 'should' be able to run away with this on the legs of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, stopping the pressure and setting up Matt Ryan for a 350 yard passing performance. Still, Green Bay just finds the right play at the right time, against a suspect defense. I gotta follow the sorcery on this.
Green Bay - 34, Atlanta 31
AFC:
Pittsburgh (3) at New England (1)
The Steelers season in a nutshell: at Heinz field three rivers, Pittsburgh methodically scored 3 touchdowns on their first 3 possessions. They clubbed Miami over the head with what can be the most impressive offense in the league. At Arrowhead, Pittsburgh scored zero touchdowns, and yet strangely won on a record 6 field goals. 18 points of offense, all on the foot of the Boswell. Away from home, the Steelers have looked anemic all season, relying on a super human effort by LeVeon Bell and the kicking of Boswell to get the AFC championship. It will take more than that to beat the Hatriots in Foxborough. James Harrison played like a man possessed against KC, but Brady isn't Smith. The only way to beat New England is consistent pressure which I doubt the Steelers can muster. And Belichick/McDaniels won't settle for only two touchdowns. The Hatriots will be going to their record 9th show.
Pittsburgh - 17, New England 31