Green Bay played their most complete game of the season – at least vs. a worthy opponent – by getting out to a perfect start. The Packers set the tone off their first 2 drives of the game by running 18 plays for 143 yards, taking 10:30 off the clock and scoring 14 points on them…absolutely beautiful.

The Packers were able to stick with the run game gaining 140 yards on 34 rush attempts (4.1 avg.), and controlled the game from the onset. QB Jordan Love didn’t have an incompletion until the 3^rd drive and even at that the pass was right there and had Doubs picked it up in the air, it would’ve been a TD.

The other player that flew under the radar was Christian Watson. #9 had 3 receptions for 56 yards plus a huge pass interference penalty for another 39 yards. Essentially finishing with 4 grabs for 95 yards…he really stresses the defense with his speed and when he shows a knack for catching the ball – as he did on that sideline throw – he’s a weapon.

In the postgame locker room speech, Head Coach Matt LaFleur gave out two game balls:

1. Romeo Doubs: 3 catches; 40 yards; 2 TD (he too had a PI for 34 yards, and didn’t see his other target which would’ve been another TD).
2. Edgerrin Cooper: 7 tackles; 2 tackles for loss; 1 sack; 1 INT
   1. Cooper played his best game as a pro and this is why many have wanted him playing all season long. He can cover the pass and rush the passer creating havoc in the backfield.

Another player who’s performed fairly well for his expectations this season has been Keison Nixon. While known as a solid kick returner, he’s filled in admirably for the Packers in their secondary. He made a few plays that aren’t memorable, but during the game he shows his solid tackling ability. That’s a huge part of this defense is limiting YAC (yards after catch), and he’s been very solid all year with this.

Also, while I’m not a huge fan of PFF (Pro Football Focus), they have solid ratings from time to time and when they align with what my eyes tell me, it’s worthwhile to share. I always thought Carrington Valentine was our #2 corner coming into the season (behind Jaire Alexander) and am happy to see him get a ton more snaps, he showed it against Seattle. He had a pass defensed in the red zone that he could’ve intercepted, then on the very next play dropped off his man in zone coverage and picked off his 1^st pass in the NFL. Valentine getting these crucial snaps in big games can only help Green Bay for a deep playoff run.

Current Standing

The top 3 teams in the NFC didn’t change, however Minnesota clinched a playoff berth with the Packers victory over Seattle, then went on to crush Chicago to stay 2 games ahead (and own the tiebreaker) of Green Bay. Should the playoffs begin today, Minnesota would travel to Los Angeles to take on the Rams, Washington would head to division rival Philadelphia to face the Eagles, and the Packers would meet up with the red-hot Buccaneers in Tampa.

As for New Orleans, they started the season as hot as anyone in football, blasting the Panthers in Week 1, 47-10, then boat raced the Cowboys 44-19 in Week 2. Since then, they lost 7-straight, got their Head Coach fired, and currently sit at 5-9 with only a -3-point differential (thanks to those first 2 weeks). While technically still alive for a playoff spot, the Saints are in shambles and don’t resemble a team fighting for its playoff lives. This is a good team for Green Bay to face to “keep the momentum rolling” heading into a huge matchup next week (mainly for the 5-seed in the NFC) in Minneapolis.

Matchup

On paper, this is an epic mis-match. Green Bay “shouldn’t” have any issues taking it to this team. However, that’s why they play the game… The Packers outrank the Saints in every category other than giving the ball away, which Green Bay has vastly improved with Jordan Love not tossing picks. The Packers have lost a fumble in each of the last 2 games, and that must improve as turnovers are absolute killers in the postseason.

New Orleans may be missing some of their playmakers which will give them an opportunity to build for 2025, but they do have some quality players on this team…mainly Alvin Kamara (HB #41) and a young stud Kool-Aid (yes his real name) McKinstry (CB #14) – but both are listed as QUESTIONABLE to play. In addition to them not being good, they’re also banged up and as long as the Packers treat this like they did Seattle, they should obliterate them in every facet of the game. Keep winning the time of possession, turnover battle, and penalties and the Packers should come finish off Week 16 on Monday Night Football with an 11-4 record.

Prediction