GREEN BAY – The Packers, 4-0-1 at home in 2018, look to stay undefeated at Lambeau Field against the Cardinals.
Here are five things to keep an eye on:
1. Opposite rankings: Arizona's defense is ranked fourth in the league in passing yards allowed but 30th in rushing yards allowed. That could mean a lot of touches for Packers RBs Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. Jones needs to average 79 yards per game over Green Bay's final five contests to become the team's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2014.
2. Trench matchup: One reason for the Cardinals' strong ranking against the pass is sack leader Chandler Jones, who tops the squad with 11 this season, his fifth double-digit sack season in the last six years. Normally, the Packers would just let All-Pro LT David Bakhtiari handle it with little worry, but Bakhtiari is questionable with a knee injury, so Green Bay's plan for Jones could change if Jason Spriggs steps in for Bakhtiari.
3. Perimeter stars: Another reason for Arizona's pass-defense ranking is star CB Patrick Peterson, who almost certainly will match up against Packers WR Davante Adams. The duel should be a treat to witness as Aaron Rodgers' top target looks to build on his 1,000-yard, 10-TD season.
4. Struggling offense: The Cardinals' offense ranks dead last in the NFL in numerous categories, including total yards, rushing yards, passing yards, first downs, third-down conversion rate, and most important, points. The Packers' defense could finally be getting a little healthier at cornerback if Kevin King and Bashaud Breeland, both questionable, can return to action on Sunday. If there's a game for Green Bay's defense to set the stage for a late-season run, it's this one.
5. Scoreboards: If the Packers are to win to stay alive in the playoff hunt, it would help if some other results go their way as well. Green Bay would like to see the following: Giants over Bears, Buccaneers over Panthers, Patriots over Vikings, 49ers over Seahawks, and Eagles over Redskins on Monday night.
