The New Orleans Saints travel to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers in a prime-time Monday Night Football showdown.
This Week 16 matchup has significant implications as the Packers look to solidify their playoff position while the Saints cling to their slim postseason hopes. Of all the teams still in the running for a shot at the playoffs, the Saints are the lowest ranked with a less than 1% chance of making it. That faint hope could be snuffed out entirely on Monday.
Here’s everything you need to know about this intriguing contest.
Game details
- Date and Time: Monday, 23 December at 8:15 PM EST
- Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Expect a frigid evening under the lights at one of the NFL's most iconic venues. Lambeau Field’s cold December conditions are likely to favour the Packers, who are accustomed to the uncomfortable weather.
Team records
- New Orleans Saints: 5-9, third in the NFC South
- Green Bay Packers: 10-4, third in the NFC North
The Packers are in the driver’s seat for a playoff berth, but a victory on Monday could secure their spot. Meanwhile, the Saints are fighting to stay mathematically alive in the playoff race.
Key injuries
New Orleans Saints:
Chase Young was ill on Thursday but is expected to bounce back ahead of the clash.
Derek Carr’s hand is still an issue and he is unlikely to feature on Monday, with coach Darren Rizzi saying rookie Spencer Rattler is likely to start.
Updates from the camp suggest Alvin Kamara’s groin injury could be worse than initially thought and it’s going to be a late call to see if he makes it.
Green Bay Packers:
Jaire Alexander – Will he or won’t he be fit to play? He practiced in the snow on Thursday but then he also practiced last week on Wednesday and Thursday, only to miss the win over Seattle. However, a session in the snow with its treacherous underfoot conditions suggests he will be in the mix.
The questions about Alexander aside, the only other significant doubts ahead of Monday are linebacker Quay Walker and safety Javon Bullard, who both have ankle issues. Neither featured at Thursday's training.
Key matchups to watch
- Packers' passing game vs. Saints' secondary:
Green Bay QB Jordan Love has been impressive, with seven touchdowns and zero interceptions in his last four games, but without Alexander, the Saints' secondary will need to step up to limit big plays.
- Saints' run game vs. Packers' run defence:
Alvin Kamara remains a crucial weapon for the Saints and exploiting Green Bay's inconsistent run defence could be their best path to victory – that is, if he’s fit enough to play.
Weather conditions
Snow showers and temperatures in the 20s are expected. Green Bay's familiarity with cold weather could provide a significant edge, especially if the Saints' offense struggles to adapt.
Players to watch
- Jordan Love (QB, Packers): The young signal-caller has matured throughout the season and will look to lead Green Bay’s offense efficiently.
- Alvin Kamara (RB, Saints): Kamara's versatility as a runner and receiver will be critical against a Packers defence that has shown vulnerabilities.
Why this game matters
For the Packers, a win solidifies their playoff position, keeping them in contention for a higher seed. For the Saints, it's a must-win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Predictions
- Score Prediction: Packers 27, Saints 14
- MVP Candidate: Jordan Love
Analysts overwhelmingly favour the Packers based on their home-field advantage and more consistent performances throughout the season.
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