Green Bay Packers are playing on Saturday night for the first time since 2017. I remember that day well. Green Bay got shitpumped by Minnesota in one of the worst losses in Packers’ history. Aaron Rodgers didn’t play in that game. Part of the reason he didn’t play is they lost to Carolina the week prior. Funny how that all works out. Green Bay will now play Carolina in Lambeau as their sights are now set on becoming the one seed in the NFC. Here are some questions I have headed into this one.

1. Where is the Packers’ motivation this week? – Green Bay clinched the NFC North over the weekend. Last year, they had a near meltdown the week after almost losing to Detroit. This doesn’t feel the same. A couple of reasons why. One, Green Bay is hellbent on getting the one seed. Aaron Rodgers talked with the NFL Network’s Kay Adams about how he’s tired of playing championship games on the road. Two, that happened right around Christmas and everyone’s minds were elsewhere. It’s not happening this week.

2. How much should Joe Brady versus Mike Pettine scare you? – Look, it’s a big mismatch. Football nerd Twitter will likely jerk off to the thought of Brady being a magician against Pettine. But honestly, Green Bay matches up pretty well with Carolina’s offense. They don’t have a middle of the field threat with Christian McCaffery on the sidelines. Robby Anderson is the ideal matchup for Kevin King. Same for Jaire Alexander against D.J. Moore. Green Bay could be in a good spot.

3. Will Aaron Rodgers get to let it loose? – Last week, Green Bay did not pass enough. That’s shocking to say. But it’s true. Green Bay could have beat Detroit by two scores or more if they threw the ball 10 more times. Green Bay needs to consider that strategy this week. Carolina’s pass defense is on par with Detroit. Green Bay should take advantage of that. Davante Adams should be poised for another big day.

4. What will the defense do without Chandon Sullivan? – Pettine said that he would play more man when King, Alexander, and Sullivan were all on the field. Sullivan is out with a hip injury. Josh Jackson hasn’t played in weeks but may get the call. Does Green Bay go with more zone again after being very successful with man-to-man? Or do they keep it up. My hope would be the latter. Green Bay did a great job at pressuring the quarterback the last few weeks. I’d hate for that to go away.

5. How frisky is Carolina? – The answer is here is a horny 21-year-old looking to make a mistake at Jo-Cats. Therefore, they’re very frisky. Carolina took Kansas City, Minnesota, New Orleans to the end of games. They don’t play around. Green Bay cannot let these guys hang around.

Prediction
While I do worry about the Panthers’ offense, Green Bay will force a turnover or two which gives them an extra possession. The letdown is not happening in this game. Rodgers has another great game and the Packers come out on top with a nice Saturday night victory. GB 34-23

Charlie.