Fight To The Finish

As week 17 is fast approaching there is a lot on the line in Green Bay, Wisconsin as the Packers sit on the brink of elimination. The Packers find themselves up against the NFC North leading Chicago Bears who have far surpassed the expectations of critics. The Bears have clinched a division title and purely play the role of spoiler for the Packers who are sitting at 9 - 6.

The Packers will rely heavily on Offensive Player of the Year candidate Aaron Rodgers if they want to earn a Wild Card spot. Rodgers, who is coming off of a huge game against the New York Giants last week, is expected to be able to match that performance if not exceed it. After throwing for 404 yards last week and putting up a passer rating of 139.9, Rodgers is going to have to be a real game changer if the Packers are to make a Super Bowl run. Amazingly Rodgers was able to return two weeks after suffering his second concussion of the season in week 14 against the Detroit Lions.

The Packers have suffered injury wise this season but have still managed to tough out the season to hang on to a potential playoff spot. Most notably was the loss of Tight End Jermichael Finley who has the perfect combination of height and size to power through the opposition. Finley sustained a season ending knee injury back in week 5 against the Redskins. The Packers also lost starting running back Ryan Grant after he got his legs tangled up back in week 1 against Philadelphia. Grant became a large part of the offense last season after the loss of Ahman Green.

Clay Matthews

Outside Linebacker Clay Matthews will have to bring his game to Lambeau on Sunday if the Packers are to contain the Bears offense. Matthews has more than proven he is Pro Bowler status with 12.5 sacks this season.

The Packers have not been able to live up to preseason expectations but are finding their groove at an ideal time. They should have no problem making the playoffs considering the fact that if they win they are in but a loss and a Giants win will find them at home come playoff time. The Giants find themselves in Washington this week and the Packers could use a late Christmas gift from the Redskins.