Last week the Green Bay Packers clinched the Central division. This week they have a chance to clinch a first round bye in the playoffs. But first they have to beat the Oakland Raiders.
This is a game the Packers should win but if they aren’t ready, it is one they can lose.
The Raiders rank middle of the pack in the league for pass defense and near the bottom for run defense so they may have a hard time slowing down the Packers offense.
This could be a game where Packers fans see an actual running game from their team. The temperature is sure to be low which can make it harder to throw the ball. Getting a running game going could take some pressure off Rodgers. The Raiders average giving up 141 yard rushing per game. This is something the Packers should try to take advantage of.
While the Raiders only give up 231 passing yards per game on defense, Aaron Rodgers hasn’t been slowed by any other defense. His “worst” game, going by QB rating, was last week and he still threw for four touchdowns and 369 yards. Look for more of the same from Rodgers this Sunday.
On the defensive side of the ball the Packers run defense will have to remain strong. The Raiders like to run the ball and are very good at it, they average 140 yards rushing a game.
The Packers will also be looking to increase their lead for defensive takeaways by intercepting Carson Palmer a couple times this game. Palmer can prove dangerous but he has also proved that he can be very turnover prone which is something the Packers should be able to take advantage of.
The Packers have been prone to giving up big yards passing and there is a possibility that Charles Woodson won’t be able to play after suffering a concussion last week. Reports are saying that Woodson is hopeful for Sunday but it remains to be seen if he will be on the field or not.
The Raiders could pull off the upset and there is a chance they might. The Packers are coming off a very close and physical game against the New York Giants and the Raiders will be brining it all as they try to give the Packers their first loss.
The Packers are the better team and should win this one. They have the ability to control the Raiders run game and force Carson Palmer into some turnovers. But the Raiders are good at running and Palmer can put up big yards on the Packers, especially if Woodson has to sit out.
I’m giving the edge to the Packers because they are at home and they are my team. Just don’t be surprised if this game is close or if the Raiders shock the NFL with a win.
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