Tag: keys

5 keys to Packers beating Eagles in NFC Wild Card Round

Five keys to the Packers beating the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in the NFC Wild Card Round on Sunday.

The Green Bay Packers will attempt to pull off an upset as the No. 7 seed for the second consecutive season when Matt LaFleur’s team goes to Philadelphia to play the 14-3 Eagles on Sunday to open the postseason.

The Eagles have won 12 of the last 13 games, including seven straight at Lincoln Financial Field. Last year, the Cowboys were unbeaten at home before the Packers went scorched earth at AT&T Stadium in a 48-32 upset victory.

Repeating the feat on Sunday will be extremely difficult.

Here are five keys to the Packers beating the Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round:

Get run game rolling early

The Packers have been at their best this season when Josh Jacobs sets the tone early. While the Packers struggled to get Jacobs going early in the first meeting in Week 1, Jacobs ended up rushing for 505 yards (best among the four quarters) and averaging 4.8 yards in the first quarter across all games in 2024. The offensive line must win battles up front early and ensure the Packers can play two-dimensional offense for four quarters. The Eagles are strong against the run and will be expecting the run-heavy Packers to get established on the ground, but landing a couple of early punches in the run game could get the Packers rolling. Last year in Dallas, Aaron Jones hit the Cowboys early and everything else opened up.

Early takeaway, win the ball overall

The Packers don’t have to replicate last year’s blueprint in Dallas, but getting an early takeaway would certainly help the cause. Jalen Hurts hasn’t played a full game in over a month and might be a little rusty or slow with the football, and the Packers must pounce if he provides an early takeaway opportunity. In Brazil, the Packers got a first-half pick from Xavier McKinney but turned it into only three points. In Dallas last January, Jaire Alexander’s interception of Dak Prescott set up a touchdown that gave the Packers a 14-0 lead. Even if the takeaway doesn’t arrive early, the Packers must win the ball. The Eagles turned the ball over three times in the opener and lost a few games in September when losing the turnover battle. Hurts threw only five picks, but he also lost five fumbles. Can the Packers get a big turnover or two, and can Jordan Love keep the ball out of harm’s way for four quarters?

Beat man coverage

The Eagles don’t play a ton of man coverage, but they are very effective when playing man, and it won’t be surprising if Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio plays more man coverage with Christian Watson out of the lineup. The Packers really struggled against man coverage without their top deep threat this season, including during a discouraging performance from the passing game in Week 17 in Minneapolis. Matt LaFleur and the Packers better have more man-beaters in the queue because there’s a good chance the Eagles will challenge the Packers to consistently beat man coverage in big passing situations. Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks can be separators. Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave both have winning attributes against man. And maybe Jordan Love can use his legs to create outside of structure if the Eagles are more man-heavy on Sunday. In a few big spots, the Packers must find answers in the passing game.

Win 1-on-1s inside

Beating left tackle Jordan Mailata and right tackle Lane Johnson will be tough business on the edges, so the Packers must find ways of creating disruption and pressure from the inside. Devonte Wyatt, Kenny Clark and Karl Brooks must all be game-wreckers on the interior. They also need to hold up against the run to prevent Saquon Barkley from getting free access to the second level, where he’s made a living this season. Wyatt, in particular, needs to be at his best. He has the speed and power to win battles, get in the backfield and create negative plays. With the Packers likely pass-rushing to contain Jalen Hurts in the pocket, collapsing the interior will be vital.

Survive second half Saquon

Incredibly, Saquon Barkley rushed for 1,245 yards and averaged 6.9 yards per attempt during the second half of games in 2024. While effective in the first half, he often wore out defenses and busted big plays with the Eagles holding leads in the third and fourth quarters. A similar script played out in Week 1, when Barkley erupted in the second half in Brazil. The Packers have been a good run defense in 2024, but it’s tough to keep Barkley contained for four quarters. Linebackers Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker will be in the spotlight, and Cooper’s playmaking ability could be the differentiating factor for the Packers. One thing can’t happen: the Packers can’t fall behind in the first half. In fact, the Packers probably need to have a lead in the second half to force the Eagles out of their typical way of engineering games.

5 keys to Packers beating Bears in 2024 regular season finale

Five keys to the Packers beating the Bears at Lambeau Field in Week 18.

The Green Bay Packers will attempt to finish the regular season with a 12-5 record when the Chicago Bears — who have lost 10 straight games — arrive at Lambeau Field for Sunday’s Week 18 showdown.

While the Packers don’t have much to play for in the finale in terms of playoff positioning, coach Matt LaFleur is still planning to play healthy players coming off last week’s loss in Minnesota. And with a win over the Bears — and a big favor from Mike McCarthy and the Dallas Cowboys against the Washington Commanders — the Packers can avoid being the No. 7 seed and can clinch the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff field.

Here are five keys to the Packers beating the Bears in Week 18:

Sack the QB

The Packers’ pass-rush has a legitimate opportunity to bounce back from last week’s disappointing performance in Minnesota and go into the playoffs on a high note. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has been sacked an NFL-high 67 times and is holding the ball on average over 3.0 seconds. Also, the Bears won’t have left tackle Braxton Jones, who is on injured reserve. Last week, Williams took seven sacks and was under pressure on 22 of 40 dropbacks against the Seahawks. The Packers need to disrupt the rookie quarterback early and often on Sunday.

Follow the script

The Packers need to get back to what they do best: create explosive plays on offense and take the ball away on defense. The Packers rank in the top five of the NFL in both categories. While it’s unclear how long Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs and the rest of the offense will play, the Packers must find ways of creating big chunks against a defense that limited the Seahawks to just six points last week and the Packers to only 20 points in the first meeting. The Bears have protected the football well this season, and Caleb Williams has thrown only six interceptions. Can Xavier McKinney or one of the other defenders get a pick on Sunday? The Packers got several explosive plays but didn’t produce a takeaway in the first meeting.

Defend the short passing game

Last week, Caleb Williams had an average depth of target of only 3.5 yards from clean pockets. He was at only 5.9 yards on 28 attempts from clean pockets in the first meeting against the Packers. The Bears want him getting rid of the ball fast, likely as a way to limit sacks and pressure. Can the Packers do a better job of defending the quick, short passing game this time around? Williams completed 19 of 22 passes thrown under 10 yards in the air in the first meeting, which kept the Bears on track and negated the rush. Forcing Williams to get to his second and third reads while holding the football in the pocket will be key this time around.

Unleash Edge

Rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper played one of the worst games of his otherwise spectacular rookie season in the first meeting in Chicago. Caleb Williams broke contain of the pocket twice and out-ran Cooper for first downs, and the rookie also got picked on a little bit in coverage. Don’t be surprised if Cooper — who has been one of the NFL’s best off-ball linebackers over the last month — bounces back in a big way in the finale. His playmaking is so important to the Packers creating negative plays on defense.

Final red zone test

The Bears will provide a final situational challenge for the Packers. Chicago still ranks in the top 10 in both scoring touchdowns in the red zone on offense (61.1 percent, seventh) and preventing touchdowns in the red zone on defense (46.7, third). The Packers offense has been terrific down the stretch of the 2024 season in the red zone, in large part due to Josh Jacobs’ ability to score touchdowns inside the 5-yard line. Engineering a few long drives that end in touchdowns in the red zone would be a nice way for the Packers offense to get a lead over the Bears and finish the regular season the right way.

5 keys to Packers beating Vikings in Week 17

Five keys to the Packers beating the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 17.

The Green Bay Packers will attempt to score the team’s biggest win of the 2024 season when they travel to Minneapolis to take on the 13-2 Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Both the Packers and Vikings have clinched a playoff spot and are fighting for postseason positioning in what will be a historic matchup. Sunday’s showdown will mark the first time in the rivalry’s history that both teams have at least 11 wins, and the Packers and Vikings have 24 combined wins, another record for the rivalry.

Can the Packers avenge a 31-29 defeat at Lambeau Field to the Vikings — who led 28-0 in the first half of the first meeting — and snap Minnesota’s current eight-game win streak?

Here are five keys to the Packers beating the Vikings in Week 17:

Stopping Sam

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold ranks 23rd among qualifying quarterbacks in both pressure-to-sack ratio and turnover worthy play percentage, per Pro Football Focus. While highly efficient from clean pockets, Darnold lacks escape ability under pressure and will provide turnover opportunities. He’s not a statue, but he wants to hang in the pocket for as long as necessary to deliver the ball downfield. The Packers must convert pressures into sacks — creating potential drive-enders — and take advantage of the 1-2 big-play turnover opportunities likely to happen on Sunday afternoon. Beating the Vikings might require 3-4 well-timed sacks and 1-2 takeaways against Darnold. The defensive front must lead the way.

Keep the game script

In the first meeting, the Packers fell behind by multiple scores early and essentially had to abandon the run game. Josh Jacobs averaged 5.7 yards per rushing attempt but received only nine total carries, a season low. That kind of game script can’t happen on Sunday. The Packers are run-based and need to maintain balance to survive against Brian Flores’ exotic scheme. Back in September, the Packers moved the ball early but failed to convert in several scenarios, missing two field goals and turning the ball over twice. By the time the Packers found their footing, it was 28-0. A much faster start is required in Minneapolis.

Protecting the football

The Vikings lead the NFL in takeaways with 30, including 22 interceptions. Jordan Love threw three of those picks and the Packers had four total giveaways back in Week 4. Protecting the ball is vital every week but it’s going to be especially important against a ball-hawking Vikings defense. Minnesota has a takeaway in every game this season, but both of the team’s losses came when the defense produced only one takeaway. Love hasn’t thrown an interception since Nov. 17, but he’ll be challenged to keep the ball out of harm’s way on Sunday. It’s possible that being healthy — he was still hobbled by a knee injury back in September — will help him avoid turnovers when pressured this time around.

Keeping lid on vs. Jefferson, Addison

Sam Darnold leads the NFL in completions on passes thrown 20 or more yards in the air, and 24 of his 29 completions have gone to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Can the Packers defense, which has done a terrific job of preventing deep completions this season, keep the lid on the coverage of Jefferson and Addison on Sunday? The Packers have question marks at safety with Evan Williams and Javon Bullard both dealing with injuries, so it’s possible Zayne Anderson will have to play another big role next to Xavier McKinney on Sunday. Jeff Hafley’s coverage group can’t allow Jefferson and Addison to create explosive plays down the field.

Win with 4 rushers

This game might come down to the performance of the Packers defensive front. Jeff Hafley’s defense must be able to pressure Sam Darnold without having to bring extra blitzers, putting the front four in the spotlight. Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, Devonte Wyatt, Kenny Clark and Brenton Cox Jr. have all been more disruptive since the bye. The Packers need a few game-wrecking performances on Sunday. In wins against the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium over the years, the Packers have received big-time disruptive efforts from the likes of Za’Darius Smith, Kenny Clark and Preston Smith. Who is going to step up and provide the game-changing performance on Sunday?

5 keys to Packers beating Saints in Week 16

Five keys to the Packers beating the Saints at Lambeau Field in Week 16.

The Green Bay Packers will attempt to get win No. 11 when they host the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field for a “Monday Night Football” showdown in Week 16. While the Packers will have a chance to clinch a playoff spot with a few results before Monday night, a win over the Saints would also do the trick.

The Packers are big betting favorites against the 5-9 Saints, who are all but eliminated from playoff contention and expected to be without several key contributors. While the Saints started 2-7, interim coach Darren Rizzi is 3-2 over the last five games, and rookie Spencer Rattler was a two-point conversion away from upsetting the Washington Commanders last week.

Here are five keys to the Packers beating the Saints in Week 16:

Feed the psychos

A cold night game at Lambeau Field against a defense that has struggled to get ball-carriers on the ground, especially after the catch? You know what time it is. Feed the psycho trio — Josh Jacobs, Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft. The Packers used this formula to steamroll the visiting 49ers and Dolphins during a five-day stretch to end November. The same can be done against the Saints, who are bleeding yards after the catch while also giving up 4.9 yards per carry in the run game. This is a game to get the ball to playmakers and let them do the tackle-breaking work they love.

Attack the rookie QB

Spencer Rattler, who is expected to start for the Saints, has been sacked 10 times on 140 dropbacks. Like most young players at the position, processing speed and pocket awareness have been hurdles for Rattler to getting the ball out on time. The Packers defense must take away the quick first reads and force the rookie to hold the ball. Last week, the defensive front did a terrific job of winning one-on-one matchups and disrupting the pocket. Watch the edges — both of the Saints offensive tackles have allowed 30 or more pressures this season. Another sack-fest could ensue if Rattler get rattled early. Don’t be surprised if the Saints’ plan is built around screens and underneath stuff to protect the rookie.

Win the LOS on offense

The Saints aren’t lacking talent up front on defense. Both Carl Granderson and Chase Young have more than 50 pressures, and 2023 first-round pick Bryan Bresee and veteran Cam Jordan can disrupt from various alignments. It’s tough to imagine the Saints winning this game without a dominant effort from the front — both in terms of stopping the run on early downs and pressuring Jordan Love in passing situations. The Packers must lean on the run game — the Saints are giving up almost 5.0 yards per carry and rank near the bottom in most meaningful run defense metrics. Expect Matt LaFleur to give Josh Jacobs another chance to feast, especially if the weather isn’t ideal for throwing the football.

Score touchdowns in the red zone

The Saints rank eighth in the NFL in touchdown percentage allowed in the red zone this season, creating a big reason why New Orleans ranks 30th in yards allowed but only 13th in points allowed. The Packers can’t march up and down the field and then settle for field goals. Matt LaFleur’s offense has done a better job converting opportunities in the red zone, mostly thanks to Josh Jacobs’ ability to find the end zone from inside the 5-yard line. The Packers need to score touchdowns early and not keep the Saints in the game.

Win the ball

Turnovers are so often an equalizer in games like this one. Jordan Love has just one turnover in the last five games and four straight games without an interception, and he needs to continue the streak against the Saints on Monday night. Can the Saints win this game without getting a takeaway or two? The New Orleans offense is going to be starting a rookie quarterback and will be without most of its top weapons. They will need short fields and momentum-changing plays. The Packers can’t provide them. Protect the ball, win the ball, and the Packers are going to win this football game.

5 keys to Packers beating Seahawks in Week 15

Five keys to the Packers beating the Seahawks at Lumen Field in Week 15.

After going 2-1 during a pivotal three-game stretch across just 12 days, the Green Bay Packers are headed to Seattle to play the NFC West-leading Seahawks following a mini-bye. And there’s a big opportunity to not only take a big step towards clinching a postseason spot, but also prove capable of going on the road and beating a good team in a playoff-like environment.

Can the Packers bounce back from last Thursday night’s loss in Detroit, improve to 10-4 and all but punch their ticket to the NFC playoffs?

Here are five keys to the Packers beating the Seahawks in Week 15:

Get Josh Jacobs rolling

Jacobs has scored a remarkable eight touchdowns over the last four games, but the Packers know they haven’t blocked well up front in the run game overall. Jacobs is averaging just 3.6 yards per attempt over 81 attempts since the bye, and he’s had to work (see: break tackles) for just about every yard. The Packers must do a better job of moving people along the line of scrimmage on Sunday night in Seattle. The Seahawks are giving up 4.7 yards per attempt and have been vulnerable between the tackles this season, but the Packers must be better up front to take advantage. On the road in primetime, the Packers need to establish the line early and get Jacobs rolling. One-dimensional offense won’t fly against a Seahawks defense that has dominated against the pass over the last month. This has to be a big Jacobs game.

Win the QB pressure battle

Like most weeks, the team that better pressures the opponent’s quarterback is going to create a huge advantage. Geno Smith has been sacked 40 times this season and the Seahawks have big question marks along the offensive line (especially on the right side), so there’s a real opportunity for the Packers’ pass-rush to affect the game against a heavy pass team. Can Jeff Hafley’s defense finally start pressuring the quarterback with only four rushers? On the other side of the ball, the Packers offensive line — which didn’t play well collectively against a backup version of the Lions front last week — will face a defensive front that has five rushers with 30 or more pressures this season, including Leonard Williams, an elite player. This is a big test, especially on the road.

Limit JSN

Even in a passing game with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba — who the Packers liked coming out of the 2023 draft — leads the team in targets, catches and receiving yards. He has 70 or more receiving yards in five straight games, highlighting his importance to Geno Smith. With mostly a slot receiver, JSN can line up just about anywhere and affect the game. Considering JSN’s ability to get open from multiple alignments, Metcalf’s ability to stretch the field and Lockett’s route-running savvy, the Packers secondary is approaching a big challenge on Sunday night. Covering the middle of the field has been a challenge as of late, but the Packers are likely returning Jaire Alexander, which changes the whole dynamic of the coverage scheme.

QBs protecting the football

Geno Smith and Jordan Love represent two of the five quarterbacks with at least 11 interceptions thrown this season. Both seem to be trending in the right direction in terms of protecting the ball — Smith has thrown only two picks in his last four games, while Love has just one interception since the bye. So, which team can force the other quarterback into a big mistake? The Seahawks are 4-1 when Smith doesn’t throw a pick this season. The Packers, with 24 takeaways, have been the better turnover-creating defense (Seahawks have 15 in 13 games). Also, keep this in mind: Smith has fumbled seven times this season without losing one. He’s been loose with the ball, and his fumble luck can’t continue forever.

Win (or just survive?) the big situations

When the Packers lose this season, the defeat can usually be directly connected to a big failure situationally. Third down, fourth down, red zone. The Packers gave up four fourth-down conversions to the Lions last week and lost. The Packers were 1-for-4 in the red zone in the first meeting against the Lions and lost. The Packers were 4-for-14 on third or fourth down against the Vikings and lost. Get the picture? Dominating all the situations is tough, but the Packers just can’t lose one decisively. The Seahawks haven’t been an elite team in any one situation this season and aren’t as aggressive as the Lions, but winning the money downs is tough work on the road. The Packers need to be at their best on third down and in the red zone on Sunday night.

5 keys to Packers beating Lions in Week 14

Five keys to the Packers beating the Lions at Ford Field in Week 14.

The Green Bay Packers will play their third game in 12 days and attempt to score a huge win in the NFC North when Matt LaFleur’s team goes on the road to play the division-leading Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Thursday night.

The opening game of Week 14 features the 9-3 Packers — who have won three straight and seven of the last eight games — against the 11-1 Lions. Can Green Bay snap Detroit’s NFL-leading 10-game win streak and get back into the division race with four games to go?

Here are five keys to the Packers beating the Lions in Week 14:

Win the turnover battle

In the first meeting early last month, Jordan Love threw a back-breaking pick-six to end the first half while the Lions played a mostly clean game. Last year at Ford Field, the Packers got three takeaways, including a defensive touchdown. The Lions are averaging over 40.0 points per game when they don’t turn the ball over this season, so winning the ball will be vital in the rematch. If the Packers can play a clean game and get a takeaway or two, they’ll have a real shot at escaping Ford Field with a win.

Keep breaking tackles

The Packers are starting to impose their will as a physical, tackle-breaking offensive unit. Can Josh Jacobs, Tucker Kraft and Jayden Reed keep powering through tackle attempts indoors at Ford Field? The Lions are beat up on defense and may lack the same physical edge that has powered the group all season, so the Packers need to take the fight right to the hosts on Thursday night. Set the tone early. Both teams have played three games in 12 days, so the more physical team — especially early on — will create a huge advantage.

Attack the left tackle

Lions left tackle Taylor Decker isn’t expected to play with a knee injury, so the Packers must find a way to attack the backup, who is likely to be Dan Skipper. Can Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness and the other pass-rushers win consistently from the right edge? Keeping Jared Goff under pressure is a must. A couple of early wins against Skipper or the left tackle might force the Lions to adjust the plan offensively. Gary has 2.5 sacks in his last four games, while Van Ness has a sack in back-to-back games.

Walker vs. Sonic and Knuckles

Packers linebacker Quay Walker is coming off one of the best two-game stretches of his pro career. Now he’ll face the best running back duo in football in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, plus a dynamic play-action passing offense featuring tight end Sam LaPorta. Can Walker continue playing fast against the run while not giving up big plays in the middle of the field? This will be Walker’s biggest test of the season. It’ll officially be a breakout second-half of the year for Walker if the 2022 first-rounder is once again a dominant, game-changing player on Thursday night.

Win the red zone

In the first meeting, the Packers were 1-for-4 scoring touchdowns in the red zone and managed just six points on their first three trips inside the 20. Since the bye, the Packers have come alive inside the red zone. The trend needs to continue on Thursday night at Ford Field. The Packers should be able to move the football against a banged up defense, but finishing drives with touchdowns will be tough on the road. Offensively, the Lions were just 2-for-5 finishing touchdowns in the red zone against the Bears, so it’s possible Detroit’s offense has hit a little funk inside the 20. The Packers must capitalize and find an edge in the red zone.

5 keys to Packers beating Dolphins in Week 13

Five keys to the Packers beating the Dolphins on Thanksgiving Night at Lambeau Field.

The Green Bay Packers can improve to 9-3 and run the win streak coming out of the bye to three games if Matt LaFleur’s team takes down the visiting Miami Dolphins on Thursday night at Lambeau Field.

The Dolphins are surging since Tua Tagovailoa returned from a four-game absence. In fact, Miami has won three straight games and is back in the playoff hunt after a 2-6 start.

Short weeks challenge everyone — both physically and mentally. Can the Packers get the job done at home on Thanksgiving Night?

Here are five keys to the Packers beating the Dolphins in Week 13:

Force Dolphins to tackle in cold

The Dolphins are entering Week 13 with the third-lowest tackle grade at PFF. Can the Packers spam Josh Jacobs, who just forced 15 missed tackles against the 49ers (the second worst tackling team, per PFF), and find ways to get the ball to playmakers in space? In the cold, and on a short week, the Packers must force the Dolphins to prove they can get people on the ground. Jacobs just carried the ball 26 times against the 49ers, but he might need another big performance after contact on Thursday night.

Defend the in-breakers

Maybe no team creates explosive plays off in-breaking routes better than the Dolphins. Tua Tagovailoa is accurate and throws with excellent anticipation, the Dolphins use motion pre-snap at a high rate to complicate coverages, and Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are two of the fastest receivers in football. The Packers must muddy passing windows to the middle of the field and prevent Tagovailoa from hitting Hill and Waddle in stride on in-breakers. A big test looms for the Packers linebackers and safeties in the middle of the field. Disguising coverages pre-snap will be vital.

Tackle, tackle, tackle

The Dolphins won’t be the only team challenged to make tackles. The Packers must do the same against what is likely the fastest group of skill position players in football. Tagovailoa prefers to throw fast and on time — he has the fastest average time to throw in the NFL this season, per Next Gen Stats. Defending the quick passing game — and preventing yards after catch — will be vital. The Packers must also keep the small but electric De’Von Achane bottled up in the run game. Miami has struggled to move people along the line of scrimmage this season, so the Packers have a chance to make the Dolphins one-dimensional and slow moving if they can tackle well on Thursday night.

Protecting Love

The Dolphins present a big test for the Packers offensive line in passing situations. Rookie Chop Robinson has 22 pressures in his last three games, veteran Calais Campbell is still winning inside consistently and Zach Sieler has 27 pressures next to Campbell from the interior, and the Dolphins haven’t been afraid to use blitzes from the second level. Linebacker Jordyn Brooks has 13 pressures on 58 blitzes, while Jalen Ramsey leads all NFL cornerbacks with 12 pressures and three batted passes on blitzes. Tackles Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom must handle Robinson’s speed, the interior must match the Dolphins’ physicality inside and the running backs must be prepared to pick up blitzes.

Win on third down

The Dolphins rank first in third-down conversion rate with Tua Tagovailoa as the starter, while Miami’s defense ranks fifth in defending third downs. The Packers need to find ways to create disruptive plays on first or second down to create third-and-long situations and chances to get off the field. Offensively, staying on schedule and out of obvious passing situations will be vital. The Dolphins defense is giving up a passer rating of 63.1 and have 10 sacks on third down this season. The Packers appeared to solve some red-zone issues against the 49ers last week, but can they master another big situation against an underrated Dolphins defense this week?

5 keys to Packers beating 49ers in Week 12

Five keys to the Packers beating the 49ers on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

The Green Bay Packers will welcome the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers to Lambeau Field for a pivotal battle in the NFC playoff race in Week 12. The Packers, now 7-3 after surviving at Soldier Field last week, have a chance to deliver something close to the kill shot on the 49ers, who are 5-5 and coming off a home loss to the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday.

The Packers can put themselves in “near lock” territory for the postseason with a win over the 49ers while also dealing a devastating setback to the team that sent them home in dramatic fashion last January.

Here are five keys to the Packers beating the 49ers in Week 12:

Reed vs. Lenoir

Geno Smith and the Seahawks had success in the passing game targeting slot receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who caught 10 passes in last week’s win, including a couple on the game-winning drive. Can the Packers get Jayden Reed going this week? Deommodore Lenoir is the 49ers primary slot defender, and he’s a good one overall. The 49ers have only allowed one touchdown pass on targets to the slot this season, in large part because of Lenoir’s coverage, so Reed — a top playmaker for the Packers — will be challenged Sunday. Don’t be surprised if the Packers attempt to get him a few shots down the field. As always, explosive plays will need to power the offense.

Defending extended plays

The Packers defense needs to be ready to play plaster coverage and defend against quarterback scrambles on Sunday — assuming Brock Purdy can play through a shoulder injury. Purdy is holding the ball past 2.5 seconds on almost 62 percent of his dropbacks this season, one of the highest rates among quarterbacks, and his 37 scramble attempts rank second among quarterbacks overall. Purdy is averaging 9.6 yards per attempt on extended plays and is dangerous as a scrambler, but he’s also thrown all eight of his interceptions while holding the ball past 2.5 seconds. Can the Packers shut down his scrambling and force a mistake or two on Sunday?

Protect Love

Nick Bosa might not play while dealing with hip and oblique injuries, and the 49ers pass-rush becomes one of the worst in football when he’s not on the field. The 49ers are also without Javon Hargrave, a top interior disruptor. This could be an opportunity for Jordan Love to consistently play from clean pockets. Love looked improved dealing with pressure last week, likely due to having two healthy legs, but the Packers want him playing on time from the pocket. The passing game will feel good about the matchups available downfield if Love is consistently protected on Sunday. On the other side, the Packers had success pressuring Purdy from the interior last January.

Win the turnover battle

The 49ers have 16 takeaways, including 11 interceptions (from nine different defenders), so it might be difficult for Jordan Love to snap his interception streak on Sunday. But winning the turnover battle — and avoiding giveaways — will be huge. The 49ers are 1-3 when producing one or zero takeaways this season. They are also 1-3 when turning the ball over multiple times. Winning the ball at home has to be a top priority. After losing the turnover battle in losses to the Vikings and Lions at home, the Packers need to prove they can protect the ball against a contender on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

Red zone

The red-zone winner might end up being the winner Sunday. Both of these offenses are struggling to get the ball in the end zone from inside the 20. The Packers are 19-for-39 scoring touchdowns in the red zone (48.7 percent); the 49ers are 20-for-41 (48.8 percent). Neither defense is particularly dominant inside the 20, so this is an opportunity for one (or both) offenses to get back on track in the scoring area. The Packers desperately need to show some consistency in the red zone after blowing two more scoring opportunities — with an interception and turnover on downs — last week. Moving the ball hasn’t been an issue and probably won’t be an issue Sunday. Now it’s time to start heating up inside the 20.

5 keys to Packers beating Bears in Week 11

Five keys to the Packers beating the Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field.

The Green Bay Packers will attempt to come out of the bye week and score another victory over the rival Chicago Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field.

Matt LaFleur’s team is healthy after a week off and should be ready to go on a second-half run. The Bears are riding a three-game losing streak and just made a big change at offensive coordinator. This should be a game where the contender imposes its will against a reeling opponent.

Can the Packers go down to Chicago and win the team’s 11th straight game over the Bears on Sunday?

Here are five keys to the Packers beating the Bears in Week 11:

Win the ball

The Bears don’t do a lot right offensively, but the group has only eight giveaways this season, including just two since Week 4. The Bears defense also has 16 takeaways, so Matt Eberflus’ team is winning the ball most weeks this season. In fact, the Bears are 4-2 when producing two or more takeaways in 2024. Can Jordan Love — now with two healthy legs — protect the football coming out of the bye? And can Jeff Hafley’s defense get rookie quarterback Caleb Williams to make a mistake or two? It’s hard to imagine the Packers winning the turnover battle and losing the game on Sunday.

Pound the rock

While the Bears defense is stingy against the pass, teams have run successfully on Chicago this season. In fact, during the Bears’ current three-game losing streak, opponents are averaging 175 rushing yards and a success rate over 50 percent in the run game. This could be a game where the Packers employ a lot of under center calls in an effort to win the line of scrimmage early and set up the play-action pass. In last year’s season finale, Love completed eight passes for 148 yards and a touchdown off play-action passes. Don’t be surprised if Josh Jacobs handles 20 or more carries and the Packers take a few shots down the field off run action.

Put the game on the rookie’s shoulders

A big part of Chicago’s issues on offense has been an inability to get consistency out of the run game, which is averaging 4.0 yards per carry and a success rate under 50.0 percent this season. This reality has put immense pressure on rookie quarterback Caleb Williams to find answers in tough down-and-distances. Can the Packers stop the run early, keep the Bears behind the sticks and force Williams into obvious passing situations? An improvisor at heart, Williams is trying to make every play on every dropback. If the Packers can keep him in second-and-long and third-and-long, pressures and sacks will be likely. Keep in mind, the Bears are averaging just over 10 points per game when rushing for under 80 yards this season (41 points in four games).

Red zone challenge

The Packers were one of the NFL’s worst red-zone offenses through the first nine weeks. The test coming out of the bye week? The NFL’s No. 1 red-zone defense. The Bears have allowed only 10 touchdowns on 27 trips inside the 20-yard line this season. Can the Packers take advantage of touchdown opportunities? It’s not difficult to envision the Packers consistently moving the ball but also settling for field goals and not taking control of the game. Sunday will help show if Matt LaFleur and the Packers found any answers for the issues inside the red zone. Against a top red-zone defense, the Packers can’t afford penalties or drops in the scoring area.

Love’s accuracy and mobility

The bye week came at a good time for Jordan Love, who had a sprained MCL early in the season and an injured groin to start November. Now, Love should be as close to 100 percent as he’s been all season. Two things to watch: Is Love more accurate with two healthy legs, and can he move around and extend plays better? While hurt by drops, Love wasn’t nearly accurate enough during the first half of the season. A healthy throwing base should help. And while Love isn’t a dangerous scrambler, he can — when healthy — break contain of the pocket and create off-schedule plays. The LaFleur offense has movement for the quarterback baked into the playbook, especially on run action. Expect to see Love make more plays with his legs, starting Sunday.

5 keys to Packers beating Lions in Week 9

Five keys to the Packers beating the Lions at Lambeau Field in Week 9 on Sunday.

The Green Bay Packers are hosting the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions on Sunday at Lambeau Field. The Packers have won four straight games and are surging at 6-2, but the Lions have won five straight and currently lead the division at 6-1. The winner on Sunday will assume control of the NFC North entering Week 10.

Matt LaFleur’s team will be wearing throwback uniforms on Sunday, and it might take a throwback-type performance to take down the high-powered Lions at Lambeau Field.

Here are five keys to the Packers beating the Lions in Week 9:

Hold, protect the ball

With an injured starting quarterback and rain expected in the forecast, the Packers must find ways of sustaining drives with the run game and avoiding turnovers. Winning time of possession and the turnover battle will be vital. The Packers must keep the explosive Lions offense off the field and avoid giving the Lions short fields with giveaways. Consider this: when the Lions win the turnover battle this season, they are 3-0 with an average margin of victory of almost 30 points. This might be a game where the Packers need to have zero giveaways on offense while producing 1-2 takeaways on defense to win. It’s worth noting that the team that won the turnover battle won both games last season, including a 3-0 turnover advantage for the Packers in the Thanksgiving win at Ford Field.

Tackling rebound

The Packers defense needs to bounce back after what was likely the team’s worst tackling performance of the season in Jacksonville. The upcoming test is a tough one. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are a dynamic running back duo, while Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta can both create big plays after the catch. The Lions are going to run the football and consistently find completions in Ben Johnson’s scheme. The key for Jeff Hafley’s defense will be making tackles and limiting explosive plays. The Packers must force Jared Goff to engineer long, methodical drives, especially if the weather isn’t good. Explosive plays are the lifeblood of Detroit’s No. 1 ranked scoring offense, but tackling well on Sunday could limit the damage.

To blitz, or not to blitz

Jared Goff and the Lions have been one of the best passing teams against the blitz this season. Goff is averaging 12.2 yards per attempt against the blitz, and he was perfect completing passes against extra pressure last week, per Next Gen Stats. The Packers have struggled to pressure the quarterback with only four rushers, but blitzing — especially with second-level linebackers — has been Jeff Hafley’s best way of disrupting quarterbacks, especially on money downs. Keep a close watch on the line of scrimmage Sunday. Can the Packers get pressure with four, or will Hafley have to risk giving up big plays by sending extra pressure? With Jaire Alexander and Evan Williams both battling injuries in the secondary, the Packers defensive front must dominate.

Third down

The Lions are the No. 1 defense in the NFL on third down this season. The Packers are No. 8. This ties into controlling the football — which team can convert third downs consistently? Not having to face Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson (injured reserve) is a boost for the Packers because he can wreck the game in obvious passing situations. But the Lions have two ballhawks in the secondary (Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph), so the Packers need to stay on schedule and have play-action calls available in big spots on offense. On defense, pressure will be vital on third down. Goff has been sacked nine times on third down already this season.

Be on the lookout for specials

Jared Goff currently leads the NFL in completion percentage and yards per attempt, but offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will cook up a gadget play once or twice a game in the passing game. Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery have both thrown touchdown passes this season, and even punter Jack Fox has a passing attempt. Kalif Raymond, who returned a punt for a touchdown last week, can be a dangerous player on gadget plays. The Lions force a team to defend a lot of different things. It might be tougher to pull off a trick play against a division opponent, but the Packers must be on the lookout for the specials in the Lions playbook. Allowing even one successful trick play could change the game Sunday.