The Green Bay Packers are facing a huge challenge bouncing back from their worst game in years. The undefeated Carolina Panthers own the best record in the NFC and a lost by the Packers, should they make the playoffs, would likely end any chance they have of getting home field advantage, which was one of the biggest goals this team had after losing the NFC Championship game last year in Seattle.
A loss by the Packers would leave them two games behind the Panthers and losers of the tiebreaker, should it be necessary. To say this game has playoff ramifications is an understatement. I’m shocked this game wasn’t moved to primetime.
So, how do I feel about this game? Well, I do think that Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will gain more than 140 yards. In fact, I think they will bounce back well. The Panthers are a different matchup than the Broncos and the Packers’ offense has been put through the ringer this week. It’s do or die time.
My biggest concern is the Packers’ defense, which has been nonexistent two weeks a row. That and the fact that the Panthers remember well the beatdown they took in Lambeau last year.
The Packers will rebound with a good performance, but the Panthers will eke out a 27-24 win.