The New Orleans Saints (5-9) are all but eliminated from playoff contention. They take their extremely slim chances to face the Green Pay Packers (10-4) on Monday Night Football in Lambeau Field.
New Orleans likely had their playoff hopes dashed last week, as theyir comeback effort fell short against the Commanders. Down 17-0, Spencer Rattler was inserted into the game at QB and sparked a comeback effort that got them to 20-19 on the last play of regulation. They opted to go for two and the win, but could not convert.
Now, the Saints have to face a 10-win Packers team that has its eyes on the playoffs. They will also have to do so inside the Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field.
Kickoff inside Lambeau Field is set for 7:15 PM on Monday, December 23rd.
FROZEN TUNDRA ACTIVATED
They don’t call it the “Frozen Tundra” for nothing. The weather forecast on Monday calls for snow with temperatures in the 20s.
The Saints are of course not used to weather like this. On the other hand, the Packers definitely are. That adds another advantage to Green Bay in a game where they have plenty.
RATTLER GETS ANOTHER SHOT
All signs point towards Rattler getting another start at quarterback for the Saints with Carr still injured.
The rookie signal caller got thrown into the fire with the Saints trailing by multiple scores against Washington. While he wasn’t perfect, he definitely made some big plays to help the Saints get back into the game. His best moments were on the final scoring drive, as he operated the two-minute offense effectively and helped New Orleans find their way into the end zone.
Monday night will be another audition for Rattler, as he may be auditioning for more opportunities down the road.
FINDING THINGS TO PLAY FOR
The Saints’ playoff chances are virtually gone. Virtually is the key word, though, as they technically have not been eliminated.
Still, with the chances standing at less than one percent, it may be time to find alternative things to play for. Darren Rizzi is still auditioning as a head coach. Plenty of these players are auditioning for future opportunities. Altogether, it will be an interesting end to the season with plenty of change to come afterwards.
SERIES RECORD: Packers lead 18-10
Last 5 Meetings:
2023: SAINTS 17 – PACKERS 18
2021: SAINTS 38 – PACKERS 3
2020: SAINTS 30 – PACKERS 37
2017: SAINTS 26 – PACKERS 17
2014: SAINTS 44 – PACKERS 23
STAT LEADERS:
Saints
Derek Carr: 189-279, 2,145 Yards, 15 TD, 5 INT
Alvin Kamara: 228 Carries, 950 Yards, 6 TD
Alvin Kamara: 68 Catches, 543 Yards, 2 TD
Bryan Bresee: 7.5 Sacks
Demario Davis: 104 Tackles (51 Solo)
Tyrann Mathieu & Paulson Adebo: 3 INT
Blake Grupe: 22-of-26 Field Goals, Long of 57, 29-of-31 PAT
Packers
Jordan Love: 226-355, 2,953 Yards, 23 TD, 11 INT
Josh Jacobs: 265 Carries, 1,147 Yards, 12 TD
Jayden Reed: 49 Catches, 727 Yards, 6 TD
Rashan Gary: 6.5 Sacks
Quay Walker: 102 Tackles (72 Solo)
Xavier McKinney: 7 INT
Brandon McManus: 14-of-15 Field Goals, Long of 51, 23-of-23 PAT
INJURY REPORT:
Saints
Derek Carr, QB, Left Hand/Concussion, Out
Alvin Kamara, RB, Groin, Out
Bub Means, WR, Ankle, Out
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, Chest, Questionable
Chris Olave, WR, Head, Out
Packers
Corey Ballentine, DB, Knee, Questionable
Javon Bullard, S, Ankle, Out
Luke Musgrave, TE, Ankle, Questionable
Quay Walker, LB, Ankle, Out
Jaire Alexander, CB, Knee, Questionable