Picking the Pack: Packers-Saints

They're beat up. They're expected to start Spencer Rattler after Derek Carr was ruled out with a broken bone in his left arm. 

So who are we picking? 

The Packers Win If: Start Fast 

Matt LaFleur's mindset to start the game last week was pretty clear.

He wanted the ball to take the crowd out at Lumen Field out of the game. 

This week, his mindset should be similar, but with a different intention.

The Saints are a beaten team after losing 20-19 last week against the Washington Commanders at home.

They're not going to the playoffs. They have a lot of guys with uncertain futures.

If they get down early in the cold weather in Green Bay, can they truly be motivated enough to push back?

That remains to be seen, but the guess here is a fast start will help the Packers bury the Saints early. 

The Packers Lose If: They turn the ball over

One way to make an inferior team feel confident in themselves is to give them extra chances.

That's something the Packers struggled with earlier in the season, but have cleaned up of late.

Josh Jacobs' fumble last week was his first since Week 2.

Jordan Love has not thrown an interception since the second half of the Green Bay's 20-19 win over the Chicago Bears.

If the Packers take care of the ball, it's hard to see the Saints putting together enough stops to keep up with their offense. 

If they do? This game could get uncomfortable. 

Winner: Packers 34 Saints 20

This game is pretty simple to me. If the Packers play their game, they're more talented than the Saints with both rosters at full strength.

Both rosters are not at full strength. The Saints are in shambles. They're starting a backup quarterback.

They fired their coach.

 They're a warm-weather team playing at a frigid Lambeau Field.

You get the picture right?

The Packers should be able to start fast and pull away from an inferior team at home to clinch their spot in the postseason. 

Player of the Game: Jordan Love 

Jordan Love is not going to win the MVP this season, but he is certainly playing at that level since the bye week.

Last year when the Packers made their run to the postseason, Love morphed into Michael Myers.

Everywhere you turned, there he was. 

Love has picked up his level of play, causing both his Head Coach and quarterbacks coach to say this is the best he's ever played. 

The thought here is that he's going to smell blood on Monday night against an inferior opponent.

A fast start on the shoulders of Jordan Love will give way to a punishing run game led by Josh Jacobs late, but Love is going to be the catalyst for a big win for the Packers.