Green Bay Looks to Clinch Playoff Spot on Monday Night Football Against the Saints
For Packers fans, this Christmas Eve comes with a special gift: a home game at Lambeau Field against the New Orleans Saints. Fresh off their win over the Seahawks, the Packers are looking to secure a playoff spot with another victory. Meanwhile, the Saints are coming off a tough loss to the Commanders, despite a late-game rally. With only five wins on the season, New Orleans is struggling, but in the NFL, no game is ever a sure thing.
The Saints' tough season can largely be attributed to injuries across their offense. Running back Alvin Kamara, who picked up a groin injury against the Commanders, will be out for Monday’s game. Quarterback Derek Carr is also expected to miss his second straight week due to a left-hand injury. That means rookie Spencer Rattler will get the start under center. This will be Rattler's fourth NFL start, so he's no stranger to stepping in when needed. However, if Green Bay’s defense plays like they did last week, they should have no trouble rattling the rookie and disrupting the Saints' offense.
The Packers’ pass rush has a prime opportunity to exploit some weaknesses in the Saints' offensive line. This season, offensive tackles Trevor Penning and Taliese Fuaga have each allowed over 30 pressures and combined for 20 penalties. After dominating the Seahawks last week, Green Bay’s pass rush has a chance to show that performance wasn’t a fluke. With the playoffs in sight, knowing the pass rush will show up can give the Packers the confidence they need as they push toward that do-or-die postseason atmosphere.
Speaking of prime opportunities, running back Josh Jacobs has the chance to add another monster game to his resume. New Orleans has struggled mightily against the run this season, ranking 27th in rushing yards allowed per game. The Saints have also given up 16 rushing touchdowns, so Jacobs could be in for some Lambeau Leaps. With the weather forecast calling for a high of 33, a low of 23, and the possibility of snow, the running game will be even more important, especially since the Saints' pass defense has been solid. Expect Jacobs to play a key role in controlling the game on the ground.
The Packers will play their first Monday Night Game of the season. The Saints are by no means a Super Bowl contender, so the Packers should be able to take care of business and secure their spot in the playoffs. Will the Packers’ pass rush come alive again? Can Josh Jacobs deliver another monster performance? Tune in on Monday, Dec. 23rd, 2024, at 8:15 EST on ESPN to find out.
