Green Bay Packers face their second-toughest game of the season as they head to New England to take on the Patriots on Sunday night. You heard all the hype about Aaron Rodgers vs. Tom Brady all week. You’ll hear it leading up to the game and during the game. The hope with the preview is that we’ll be talking about things that aren’t related to Brady and Rodgers. Do I think both players will have a significant impact on the game? Absolutely. Let’s not be fucking stupid. But there are other players that are worth mentioning in this major matchup.

All eyes on the Packers safeties
With the departure of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, people will be paying very close attention to what happens in the defensive backfield. We already know that Tramon Williams will be moving to safety, but it’s not going to be a full-time thing. Jermaine Whitehead will likely start at strong safety. A player that some are comparing to Micah Hyde which is high praise. We’ll see Josh Jones finds his way on the football field. This probably also means added time for Bashaud Breeland on the outside.

Will this be an MVS coming out party?
Last time the Packers-Patriots met, a young Davante Adams went off at Lambeau Field surprising the masses. People forget now that he’s good, but Tae struggled early on in his career. With Geronimo Allison on the injury report again, this time with a groin injury, the opportunities are going to be there for Marquez Valdes-Scantling to go off Sunday night. Patriots will likely put JC Jackson on him who is 6’1 but still MVS holds a height advantage.

Offense needs to finishes drives
Simply put, this is the biggest problem for the Packers this season. Way too many times this year, we’ve seen the Packers start a drive only to kick a field goal because they stall out. They need to finish. It’s a huge problem for this team, and there’s biggest one on the team. There isn’t a recipe to fix it. Maybe Rodgers takes a few shots on downfield to see if they can get quick scores and not have to deal with lack of finishing.

Prediction
Last week, I spelled out how I thought the Packers would play a solid game and come up short. Sadly, it pains me to say it’s going to happen again. I’m taking New England 34-30. Patriots end up getting by barley. I’m not going to be surprised if the Packers win and I think this is the game that’s easier from a talent perspective. It should be a classic and a fun one to watch.