Packers vs. Cardinals: 5 Things to Watch and a Prediction

Five things to watch and a prediction for when the Packers take on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16.

The Green Bay Packers (10-4) have an opportunity to clinch the NFC North and take a big step toward the No. 2 seed in the conference with a win over the Arizona Cardinals (12-4) on Sunday afternoon at University of Phoenix Stadium. 

A victory combined with a Vikings loss to the Giants on Sunday night would hand the division title to the Packers for the fifth straight season, while a win over the Cardinals would force Arizona to beat the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17 to hold off Green Bay for a first-round bye. 

Here are five things to watch and a prediction for Sunday's showdown in Arizona:

1. Cobb's Chance

As one of the game's premier perimeter cornerbacks, Arizona's Patrick Peterson is almost certain to take away either James Jones or Davante Adams on the outside. Neither are capable of consistently winning against a Pro Bowl level cover player. That reality will leave a big burden on Randall Cobb, who comes into the game with just 777 receiving yards and six touchdowns through 14 games. His production hasn't been good enough for a receiver possessing a $40 million contract, especially considering Aaron Rodgers has been healthy (or so we think) the whole season. Sunday would be an ideal time for Cobb to have one of those games that reminds you why the Packers paid him big money to return. It's difficult to see Green Bay winning without No. 18 playing a big role. 

2. Run to Win

There's no longer any doubt: The Packers—a team quarterbacked by two-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers—are a run-first team requiring consistent production on the ground to even play average offense. That's a loaded sentence, but every word is rooted in reality. Without a run game, the Packers struggle to even move the chains from series to series. The Cardinals and their fourth ranked rushing defense will put Mike McCarthy's still-sputtering offense to the test. Can Green Bay get production on the ground against a good defense? Sunday should provide a very clear look at how the Packers offense will fare in the postseason. 

3. Cornering the Market

The Packers survived in Oakland without cornerback Sam Shields, in large part due to a really poor day from quarterback Derek Carr. He missed some throws and made some poor, mostly unforced errors. Facing Carson Palmer and the Cardinals without Shields might be a different story. Palmer is a legitimate MVP candidate, using his ability to attack all areas—especially deep down the field—with accuracy and timing. Expect Bruce Arians to throw the book at rookies Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins. They'll need to have the game of their lives to keep the Cardinals passing game in check. 

4. Arizona's Neo

Get ready to hear plenty about David Johnson, Arizona's rookie running back. Mostly a returner and a gadget offensive player early on this season, Johnson has exploded late due to a hoard of injuries in Arizona's backfield. The rookie is running with his opportunity. Over the last three games, Johnson has produced 472 total yards and four touchdowns—including a 219-yard, three-score breakout last Sunday night. Could Johnson be Arizona's version of James Starks, who once upon a time helped spark the Packers' Super Bowl run as a rookie back in 2010? Johnson is better. In fact, he might just be the player that puts the Cardinals over the top in the NFC. The Packers can't afford for him to go off on Sunday afternoon. 

5. The Must Have

Pulling off the upset in Arizona will almost certainly require a handful of takeaways. The Cardinals have lost twice this season, and in both, the opposition took the football away in bunches. In October, the Rams forced three turnovers to survive allowing 447 total yards. A fortnight later, the Steelers also produced three takeaways in a game in which the Cardinals had 469 yards. The Packers can give up yards and still leave with a win, but only if takeaways are involved. But here's the catch: The Cardinals haven't turned the ball over since Nov. 22, a stretch of four games. Snapping Arizona's streak won't be easy, especially without Shields. 

Prediction: Cardinals 35, Packers 24

The Packers need a lot of things to go their way to win on the road against one of the NFL's elite teams. It's not impossible, but it's also not likely. The Cardinals are just too good in too many areas.

 

Zach Kruse contributes to Cheesehead TV. You can reach him on Twitter @zachkruse2 or by email at [email protected].
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Comments (39)

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Bearmeat's picture

December 26, 2015 at 11:49 pm

This is exactly right. For the first time since 2012, GB is severely deficient on one side of the ball. And this is the first year since 2008 that the other side of the ball isn't dominant enough that it usually won't matter.

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EdsLaces's picture

December 27, 2015 at 12:55 am

No Sam Shields is going to kill us this week. If the Cards had 2 good wrs I'd like our chances, but they have 3. Gonna be a tough game for us without 37...I don't want to post a prediction because I always seem to jinx us. Either way ...go pack go!

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croatpackfan's picture

December 27, 2015 at 04:39 am

I see that here, on cheeseheadtv, most of you who writes for the web site and most of the fans thinks that Packers should go home before even playing the game. Why to trouble themselves. Arizona is Goliat , they are so good that nobody can play against them... Well, except Rams & Steelers, and Bengals, Vikings and some other teams. Packers surely has not any chance.

Shame on you! I am Packers fan and I believe team I support may and can win against any opponent, even against Cardinals, your NFL Gods. And I will never take down on my team if they played the best they may & can in every game. It will not be tragedy if we lose, but I beleive Packers will win!

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DrealynWilliams's picture

December 27, 2015 at 07:36 am

Same feeling I had while reading this article.

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TarynsEyes's picture

December 27, 2015 at 10:12 am

This is why there is so much anger in the comments. Why can't someone express what they feel about a player,the team and have a thought for an outcome other than ...Packers will win,everyone on the Packers is great,they can do no wrong.
Nobody is saying they aren't hoping for the win but hope/faith is blind.It's more than fine to have it but don't always be blind to some reality of things and that reality is the Cardinals are indeed much much better than the Packers and getting a win is really just hoping for the best.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

December 27, 2015 at 12:49 pm

People here can express whatever they feel about the team. Why can't anyone disagree with something posted without someone becoming butthurt? It's those that complain about others who disagrees that causes problems here. I go back and forth with RC often and there's no problem between us. The people (won't say any names) that attempt to belittle others and add excessive exclamation points to their sentences are rubbing people the wrong way.

It is fine to think the Pack aren't the best team. It is fine to think the Pack won't win this game. It is fine to think the Pack won't win it all this season. Everyone's opinion is fine.

But it is also fine to disagree with someone.

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EdsLaces's picture

December 27, 2015 at 10:49 am

So we can't be fans of the packers and ever think the packers will lose ? Ok got it...

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LouBen's picture

December 27, 2015 at 12:41 pm

It's great that you have the confidence in this team. It's going to take a lot more than confidence to win the game. This Arizona team is no joke regardless of who has beat them. ALMOST getting beat by MN, St. Louis etc etc doesn't matter in the end. They won. The Pack is struggling and you cannot deny that. We can only hope everyone competes at a high level and can take care of business. It's going to be a battle.
I've been following AZ's David Johnson. Went to No Iowa which is a couple miles from me. Good kid. He'll be a real threat. Come on Defense!!!!

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Dan Stodola's picture

December 27, 2015 at 01:02 pm

"ALMOST getting beat by MN, St. Louis etc etc doesn't matter in the end."

Same exact thing can be said about the Packers. Close wins and close losses (of which the Packers had a few) come down to one play here or there. No one is denying the Packers have struggled a bit this year, yet their record is 10-4. What does that say? To me it indicates a team that has learned to win, even when they haven't played their best football. And that is really the sign of a Good Team.

Living in Phx, I see the cards pretty much every week and they are for real. Packers will have a lot of difficulty matching up w/ the cards WR w/o Shields. With him they would stand a better chance for sure. That said, the Packers have kept finding a way to win. Hopefully that will continue today!

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CallingIt's picture

December 27, 2015 at 05:09 am

This is the kind of game you like to see. The best want to play the best. I love an underdog, its what makes games worth watching.

The tail of the tape doesn't give us a lot of optimism here but nothing is a lock. "On any given Sunday...". Can't you see two rookie CB's just itching to make a name for themselves? This is just such an opportunity. GB's 2015 draft class is growing up in a hurry.

In Denver we had high expectations and the team laid an egg, here I wouldn't be surprised to see the exact opposite. A team with a bit of a chip on their shoulder and an axe to grind. Just the kind of attitude that can flip the switch on.

I smell some real smash mouth football coming our way today folks. I'm smelling roasted bird for dinner! Go Pack!

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4thand1's picture

December 27, 2015 at 07:24 am

The Packers are the best team hands down.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

December 27, 2015 at 10:13 am

I'd agree they are the best franchise hands down.

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ray nichkee's picture

December 27, 2015 at 01:38 pm

Pacheats!

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Packer_Pete's picture

December 27, 2015 at 03:24 pm

Pittsburgh? Won't even make the playoffs... Carolina, New England, Pittsburgh all lost today, and were in games where one would say they wouldn't even have to play because wins were already 'guaranteed'... Seattle is in a game where a win is already guaranteed also, right? But doesn't matter, I just laugh at Pittsburgh being on that list. If the Packers as a 10-4 team and in the playoffs are worse than a team who will be watching the playoffs from their couches at home, then I really feel bad about the NFC...

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Packer_Pete's picture

December 27, 2015 at 06:13 am

so after coming back from vacay and reading on the site, I think the Packers have already lost the game? Did I miss something? this is certainly a good team they are playing against, but that is also the team that lost to the Rams (!!!) at home, were dominated by the Steelers, and barely sneaked by the 49ers, the Vikings, and the Ravens...
For all the talk about the great speed and whatever else of the Cardinals, they also lost their premier playmaker in the DBackfield with Mathieu. Meaning nobody of their other CBs can cover Cobb.
They can be had. In fact, I think the Packers win today.
GO PACK GO!

Oh yeah: And by the way, in Arizona last week on vacay, I think I met Cow when watching the Raiders game in a bar. Dude decked out in Pack gear all the way, but during the game had no good word about any of the players, and he left before the game was even over. Heard him talk to a Vikings fan on how envious he is of the Vikings good talent base blablabla... Had to have been cow.

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4thand1's picture

December 27, 2015 at 07:27 am

You missed the Packer train. The train that'll carry the SB 50 Lombardi home.

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4thand1's picture

December 27, 2015 at 07:48 am

Zero chance you were going to turn over a new leaf.
you suck.

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ray nichkee's picture

December 27, 2015 at 08:57 am

You are still around way too much spewing your stnky crap here.

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zeke's picture

December 27, 2015 at 11:00 am

You also said you'd never come back. But you did.

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mrtundra's picture

December 27, 2015 at 06:26 am

We need some take-aways from the Cardinals, who don't give many. We also need to take care of the ball on offense. That means everyone with the ball must protect it until they are tackled or have scored. We need every Packer, on offense and defense. to catch the ball if it hits them in the hands. We need our O- Line to punch some holes for our RBs. I don't care how banged up this team is, everyone has to step up and play their best game today.

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4thand1's picture

December 27, 2015 at 07:29 am

There is a very high probability the Cardinals get blown out today(by 17 or more).

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4thand1's picture

December 27, 2015 at 07:50 am

The only math you know is, how many pies you'll drop in a day.

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Since'61's picture

December 27, 2015 at 09:41 am

Cow - according to your own definition we beat the Vikings on the road 5 games ago. That is a lot more recent than October 2012.
Thanks, Since '61

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4thand1's picture

December 27, 2015 at 10:29 am

You said the Packers would lose to the lolions by 17 or more. Guess the Pack wins today by your dumb logic.

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MarkinMadison's picture

December 27, 2015 at 07:37 am

Call me a defeatist, call me a cynic, I call myself a realist. There is nothing wrong with writing a coherent article where you predict that the Packers will have a tough game and will lose. I've never seen anyone complain when a writer here predicts a Packer win. I've never seen anyone write in reaction to a 'winning article,' "Well, no need to play the game then." It's ridiculous.

The only team that has ever run the table is the 1972 Dolphins. Dominant dynasty teams in the pre-salary cap era (Packers, Steelers, 49ers, Cowboys) were unable to do it. It probably will never happen again.

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Bearmeat's picture

December 27, 2015 at 11:40 am

That's all I'm saying. I just don't think they'll win today. As a matter of fact, I think they'll lose by more than 10.

Doesn't mean I ain't rooting for them.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

December 27, 2015 at 10:28 am

The Packers have a chance to win if they can run consistently and attack the middle of the field. Quarless is a much better blocker than Rodgers. If they can run and stretch the edges that should open up the seam and the middle. Mathieu's replacement Tony Jefferson is a decent player but has no where the instincts and range of Mathieu. If the Packers try and force the ball outside in this game they will get blown out.

This is going to be great test for Rollins and Randall. If they can contain the Cardinals receivers their future will be bright.

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Tundraboy's picture

December 27, 2015 at 12:21 pm

I agree . Let's hope they are successful running.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

December 27, 2015 at 01:01 pm

Y'all are overreacting. Everything said above is fine.

But at the same time, why can't someone disagree with what you said?

We talk about future records here every season. We predict who we think the Pack will beat and who they will lose to. We all do it. What's the difference in this scenario? Just agree to disagree.

I never go into a game thinking the Pack will lose, but I'm also aware that anything can happen and that there are teams just as good or better than the Pack (at times). That's just me. I know everyone doesn't think that way, but I don't think I'm more of a fan than any other Cheesehead.

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Dan Stodola's picture

December 27, 2015 at 01:11 pm

"I never go into a game thinking the Pack will lose."

Great comment Drea. That sentence sums it up succinctly. I always expect the Packers to win, but am not oblivious to the fact they won't win sometimes. Even in this frustrating season, I go into the game today, thinking the Packers will have a legit shot at winning.

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sonomaca's picture

December 27, 2015 at 07:48 am

No Bakhtiari. Does that mean Bulaga goes to LT and Barclay to right? Or, is Barclay your LT, where he practiced in the preseason?

I'm inclined to favor Barclay at LT, since he's a decent run blocker. That said, Rodgers will have to get the ball off in under 2.5 seconds if he hopes to survive this game.

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sonomaca's picture

December 27, 2015 at 07:51 am

One other thing: Palmer has a gimpy finger. That certainly won't help his accuracy. If I'm Capers, I'm blitzing early and often to see how the finger impacts throws under pressure.

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bears suck forever's picture

December 27, 2015 at 08:56 am

Fact is Arizona is the favoite, Pack are underdogs.

I hope they win out and take the division. I hope they run the playoffs and win the superbowl.

Reality is they are the 3rd or 4rh best team in the NFC.

Have a brat and a beer and enjoy the games we have left this season.

Go Pack Go.

The bears still suck!!

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Tundraboy's picture

December 27, 2015 at 09:23 am

I agree. Let's face it even in this off year, we are a top 5 team, and one that could be dangerous. So let's go Pack it could start today.

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J0hn Denver's Gavel's picture

December 27, 2015 at 10:16 am

I don't know if the Packers are statistically only the 6th best team in the NFC, they very well might be. I believe that the Packers are better than they have been playing lately. Hell, they are still winning, which is all that really matters. So what if they're big underdogs today, someone has to be, and it's usually not the Packers. Despite having to play a really good defense in Arizona, I think the offense will be happy to play on a clean field. Something they haven't had in a while. If the Packers can move the ball, score TDs and limit TOs, they definitely have a shot at the upset.

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Tundraboy's picture

December 27, 2015 at 11:10 am

Yes the NFC. First things first.

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Bearmeat's picture

December 27, 2015 at 11:45 am

You see, that's the thing: You ALWAYS assume the very worst possible outcome for the Packers. With the exception of 2008, that has not ever occurred under TT/MM/AR. And even in 2008, there was a great reason for that involving a QB drama over the summer.

GB is not the best franchise in the NFL since 2005. The Pats are. But you can make a strong argument that they're the 2nd best in that timeframe.

While that doesn't mean they're the favorites every year, it does mean they're more likely than not to win their division and make he divisional round of the playoffs at the least every year.

That is by definition an elite team that at the very least deserves the benefit of the doubt to win more than they lose.

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4thand1's picture

December 27, 2015 at 10:25 am

"I never said anything about turning over a new leaf, I just said I would be around a lot less". cowdouche you posted 8 out of 31 posts here this morn. That's over 25% of posts on this thread. A lot less? Once again, not a man of your word.
you suck.

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ray nichkee's picture

December 27, 2015 at 11:29 am

According to his math that aint much.

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