Super Bowl contenders collide! A white-hot Green Bay Packers squad faces the AFC's top seed, the Denver Broncos, in a Week 15 showdown.
This may be the biggest game of Week 15 of the NFL season. In fact, let's just say it. It is. The 9-3-1 Green Bay Packers travel to the mile high city to take on the 11-2 Denver Broncos.
Both teams have to feel like they're Super Bowl contenders in their respective conferences, and both teams have good arguements.
The Packers are currently on top of the NFC North and they're the second seed in the NFC behind the 10-3 Los Angeles Rams. Green Bay is on a four-game winning streak, is 4-0 against division opponents and has superstars emerging all over the field. That's a list that includes quarterback Jordan Love, wide receiver Christian Watson and, of course, Micah Parsons on defense.
On the other sideline, the Broncos have been rolling. They're not just the top team in the AFC West but they currently hold the No. 1 seed in the AFC. They've won 10 games in a row. They've got an elite defense and a capable offense led by second-year quarterback Bo Nix.
This is a battle of two juggernauts and it could even be a preview of Super Bowl LX.
With all that in mind, here's all the info you need leading up to the game:
Game Time:
3:25 PM Lambeau Time
TV Channel:
CBS
Betting Odds:
Packers -2.5 per DRAFTKINGS, O/U 42.5
Key Matchup: Packers QB Jordan Love vs. Broncos defense
The Broncos have one of the best defenses in the NFL. They give up just 282 yards per game, which is third best in the league behind only the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns. They also give up just 18.1 points per game and they lead the league in team sacks with 55.
This is a defense that could stifle the Packers' offense and get in quarterback Jordan Love's head, but Love has always been cool as a cucumber and he's one of the best in the league at avoiding pressure.
If Love plays at the level he has been over this winning streak, which is a darn-near MVP level, the Packers can go on the road and pull off this massive win. He'll have to take care of the ball, but at the same time, head coach Matt LaFleur is going to have to unleash him and let him sling it.
Key Quote: Former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy on Green Bay's defense
"I love what the Packers are doing," McCarthy said Thursday on The Pat McAfee Show. "The most important part of your football team is the defense, and that defense is playing lights out. I can't say enough about the consistency of how they've played week in and week out. I think it's the most consistent component of the football team."
Prediction:
Packers 17, Broncos 13