Standing between the Green Bay Packers and a clinched playoff berth are the all-but-hopeless New Orleans Saints, who have less than a one percent chance of making the postseason after last week’s one-point loss to the Washington Commanders.
The Packers are set to host a wounded Saints team on Monday Night Football, marking Green Bay’s fourth consecutive primetime game. New Orleans is expected to travel to Lambeau without their top offensive weapon, Alvin Kamara, and starting quarterback, Derek Carr.
If Carr can’t play, rookie Spencer Rattler will start under center after a poor showing from backup Jake Haener last week against Washington.
The Saints don’t have much to play for at this point and may be better off losing games to improve their draft position. Meanwhile, the Packers can still boost their playoff standing by winning their final three regular-season games.
With a second-consecutive postseason berth on the line, here are three key matchups Green Bay can exploit against a banged-up New Orleans team on Monday night.
WR Christian Watson vs CB Alontae Taylor
The Packers’ lethal deep threat has come alive of late, with three straight games of at least 55 receiving yards. On the heels of a 114-yard performance against the Detroit Lions, Watson totaled 56 yards on three receptions in last week’s win over the Seattle Seahawks, including this impressive toe-tapping grab down the left sideline. Watson could be in for another big week if he matches up against Taylor. Watson’s speed and playmaking ability present a significant challenge for the Saints corner, who has allowed more receptions and receiving yards than any other player in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.
RB Josh Jacobs vs Saints Run Defense
Jacobs set the tone last Sunday in Seattle, finishing with 17 touches for 111 yards in the first half. Although he slowed down in the second half, he still posted 132 yards from scrimmage. Jacobs has been the motor for Green Bay’s offense most of the season and could factor heavily into this week’s game plan against a struggling run defense. While the Packers boast the fourth-ranked rushing offense, New Orleans ranks 27th in rushing yards allowed per game and 30th in rushing yards allowed per carry. The Saints have also surrendered 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024, giving Jacobs a strong chance to extend his five-game scoring streak.
Edge Rashan Gary vs RT Trevor Penning
Penning has been through some tough stretches this season, and unfortunately, it isn’t about to get any easier. Gary has found his stride, with 5.5 sacks and 27 pressures over the past eight games. Lining up across from Green Bay’s top pass rusher will be a challenging matchup for Penning, who is tied for the 7th-most allowed pressures this season among offensive tackles. If you’re Gary, this matchup feels like a prime opportunity to dominate and make life miserable for New Orleans’ rookie quarterback.
