The Green Bay Packers (3-2) are back at home and set to host the Arizona Cardinals (2-3) on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
One of these two teams will exit Week 6 with a two-game winning streak. The Packers took down the Rams in Los Angeles last week, while the Cardinals came from the behind to beat the 49ers in San Francisco.
Can Matt LaFleur’s team find consistency and create some much-needed momentum entering a key stretch of the season?
Here are five things to watch and a prediction for Week 6:
All eyes on the pass rush
The Packers’ inconsistent pass-rush will be in the spotlight against Kyler Murray, a dynamic playmaker who can extend plays and create off-schedule. The challenge will be keeping him in the pocket and preventing the improvisational moments that create so many explosive plays for the Cardinals offense. Condensing the pocket without getting too far up field or allowing escape routes will be key. The Packers have to walk the fine line between disrupting the quarterback and inviting off-schedule plays. With past experience against Jalen Hurts and Anthony Richardson, the Packers know how to rush an athletic quarterback and limit running opportunities.
Love to Wicks
The Packers offense needs to cut down on penalties, but another key to unlocking the potential of the passing game is the connection between Jordan Love and Dontayvion Wicks. Both players are too talented for this current level of disconnect to continue. Love needs to be more accurate, and Wicks must finish more plays. Could this be the week it happens? Wicks is a master separator, and the Cardinals defense ranks 31st in separation allowed per target in 2024, per Next Gen Stats. A breakout game from Love and Wicks could power a breakout game from the passing game overall.
Can the takeaways continue?
The Packers have multiple takeaways in all five games and rank first in the NFL with 14 total takeaways entering Week 6. Can the takeaway party continue a team that has generally protected the football this season? Kyler Murray has thrown only two interceptions, and he ranks ninth best in turnover-worthy play percentage this season. At some point this season, the Packers defense will need to get stops consistently without relying on takeaways. Maybe Sunday’s visit from Murray and the Cardinals is an opportunity to prove capable.
All-Pro vs. top pick
The potential return of Jaire Alexander could provide an excellent 1-on-1 matchup when the Cardinals have the football. Alexander, a two-time All-Pro, would see plenty of first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr., who leads the Cardinals in targets, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. The rookie receiver is big, understands leverage within routes and has big-time ability in contested catch situation. Returning Alexander on Sunday could help the Packers take away one of Kyler Murray’s top targets in the passing game.
Packers pass pro
The Cardinals are coming into Week 6 ranked 31st in pressure rate, per Next Gen Stats. Arizona’s defensive front lacks a game-changer and is struggling to affect the quarterback. The Packers added left tackle Rasheed Walker to the injury report with a knee injury, potentially creating an issue. But Sunday’s matchup should be an opportunity for the Packers to keep Jordan Love well protected in the passing game. In fact, Matt LaFleur’s team should probably dominate the line of scrimmage when the Packers have the ball.
Prediction: Packers 31, Cardinals 24 (1-4)
The Cardinals are battle-tested after facing the Bills, Lions and 49ers in the first five weeks, and you can bet Jonathan Gannon’s team is flying high after a dominant second half powered a comeback win in San Francisco last week. Add in the play of Kyler Murray, who can create through chaos, and the Cardinals are a pesky team that can’t be overlooked. I expect a back-and-forth game, but I also expect the Packers passing game to start breaking out. The Cardinals are one of the worst pass-rushing teams in football, and there are weaknesses all over the secondary. Jordan Love should play from comfortable pockets. Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson could both return. It’s time for the Packers to realize potential. The breakout game is coming, and I won’t be surprised if it arrives Sunday.
