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5 NFL teams on upset alert in Week 16

By Cody Williams

Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is all smiles after third quarter touchdown against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Carolina Panthers defeat the New York Giants 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is all smiles after third quarter touchdown against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Carolina Panthers defeat the New York Giants 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /
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Dec 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) reacts after a fourth down stop against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) reacts after a fourth down stop against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals have not so quietly been one of the best NFL teams all season and, as of late, have been just steamrolling competition as they’ve reeled off eight wins in a row. However, they already have a tough matchup in Week 16 against a Green Bay Packers team that needs a win to stay in the driver’s seat of the NFC North, but they are also going to be hurting in an area that’s one of their biggest strengths.

Though it’s only one player on a defensive unit that has been impressive as a whole, the season-ending ACL injury that Tyrann Mathieu suffered last week is more than a bit concerning. The value that he has for this defense as a playmaker in the secondary and one of the best defensive backs in the NFL can’t be understated by any stretch. Even if the scheme under Bruce Arians’ genius remains the same, not having a player of his caliber is something that the Cards will feel.

In addition, the Packers and Aaron Rodgers aren’t exactly who a team who just loss one of their biggest defensive threats want to be facing. Though he’s been shockingly underwhelming at times this season, Rodgers isn’t someone you want to bet against in a big game where he has at least some sort of advantage as a passer. Mathieu’s injury gives him that and I like the Packers to end Arizona’s winning streak this week.

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