Best NFL games of Week 15: Steelers, Patriots meet in game of the year
By Joe Schiller
4. Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers
This game just got a lot more interesting because of the return of one man: Aaron Rodgers. That’s right, Rodgers is medically cleared to play and returns less than two months after breaking his collarbone. It was quite the speedy recovery but now one of the NFL’s best talents will take the field on Sunday. He’ll have a tough debut against the Carolina Panthers, who’ve been one of the top teams in the NFC this season.
It’s pretty simple for the Packers, win or go home. At 7-6, they have to win out to even have a chance at making the playoffs. And even then, a number of other teams have to lose. The odds are seemingly stacked against them but with Rodgers back, anything is possible. The Packers were in a similar situation last season and won out to make the postseason. I and many others are excited to see just how healthy Rodgers is and he’ll be tested right away against a stout defense.
There’s no question the Panthers are a legitimate playoff contender. The defense has been solid the entire season while Cam Newton and the offense continue to improve. Even with Rodgers’ return, the Panthers still have the upper hand. Keep in mind the Packers were the same team that was down 14-points to the winless Browns in the fourth quarter last Sunday. The defense is vulnerable and Newton will look to take advantage of that.
Ultimately, the matchup to watch will be Rodgers and the Packers passing attack against the Panthers secondary. Adam Thielen had a late-game surge that almost brought the Vikings back but the Panthers were able to hold off. We’ll see if they can do the same against the likes of Davante Adams and Jordy Nelson this week.