Packers vs. Saints: 3 things you need to know
The Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints are trending in opposite directions heading into Sunday's game.
Aaron Rodgers is in scintillating form, leading the Packers to four consecutive victories. The Packers quarterback was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Carolina Panthers in a 38-17 win Oct. 19.
New Orleans appeared to be a Super Bowl contender prior to the season, but haven't remotely looked the part since. The Saints blew a 23-10 lead against the Detroit Lions in the final four minutes of the game, losing 24-23 and falling to 2-4.
Here's what you need to know:
Aaron Rodgers is in top-notch form
Green Bay stumbled to a 1-2 start, prompting panic across the state of Wisconsin. Rodgers went on the radio to tell fans to relax and the Packers rattled off four straight victories. During the streak, Rodgers has thrown 13 touchdowns with no interceptions.
Rogers facing off against a Saints secondary that's been plagued by injuries and poor play across the board seems almost unfair. Saints cornerback Corey White has been particularly awful, ranking 62th of 70 players in coverage who have taken at least 50 percent of their team's snaps. Patrick Robinson and Keenan Lewis have done little to help the Saints out either.
With 18 touchdowns and just one interception on the season, we're seeing Rodgers operate at a level that hasn't been matched since his 2011 MVP campaign (45 touchdowns, six interceptions). It certainly will be a tough test for any secondary to face Rodgers at this level, especially a struggling unit like the Saints.
Is Drew Brees rather ordinary?
NFL fans have grown accustomed to brilliance from New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. For the first time in close to a decade, Brees has looked mortal.
The 14th-year pro has thrown 11 touchdowns this season against seven interceptions and hasn't been operating the Saints' offense with his customary clinical efficiency. New Orleans' offensive line isn't to blame; the unit has allowed six sacks, second-lowest in the NFL.
Green Bay's secondary has allowed the sixth-fewest passing yards per game in the league this season, although they may be without cornerback Sam Shields. With all eyes on his counterpart Rodgers, Brees has a chance to prove that his best days aren't in the past.
Jordy Nelson may be the NFL's best WR
Jordy Nelson is perpetually underrated, even while starring for one of the league's flagship franchises. Nelson has emerged as the arguably the league's best receiver this season, with 47 catches for a league-leading 712 yards and six touchdowns.
Nelson is best-known for his ability in the slot, but can line up anywhere on the field and cause havoc. Moreover, Nelson's ability to extend drives and work as Rodgers's safety valve has opened up opportunities for other Packer receivers.
Randall Cobb has a team-leading eight touchdowns, and rookie Davante Adams is emerging as an up-and-coming star, with due credit going to Nelson for drawing the attention of opposing defenses.
Nelson will be a mismatch against any of the Saints cornerbacks: he's too quick for Keenan Lewis, and Corey White and Patrick Robinson routinely take horrendous routes to the ball. Look for Nelson to have another monstrous game.