The Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs are officially underway after an exciting Wild Card weekend. After a few weeks off, the Arizona Cardinals are fully healthy, rested and ready to play. Despite injuries during the regular season, the Cardinals have managed to get by and now eye the conference championship. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers are fresh off a win over the Washington Redskins, but injuries have been a huge issue. Now they hit the road to face off against the Cardinals to stay alive in the playoffs.
The Green Bay Packers are coming into the playoffs highly motivated, but injured. The is fresh off a convincing win against the Washington Redskins where Aaron Rodgers tossed two touchdowns and the run game put up 141 yards. The offense was running on full steam, something that has not happened in a long time. However, if they are going to repeat the success, it will be without certain players as injuries continue to be a huge issue for Green Bay.
According to ESPN.com, Davante Adams has been ruled out for the game after he suffered a knee injury against Washington. Adams' injury is not severe, so if Green Bay can get past Arizona then they might get him back. Until then, James Jones and Randall Cobb will have to step up along with tight end Richard Rodgers. The biggest x-factors will be Eddie Lacy and James Starks who must repeat the Wildcard performance. Lacy and Starks have not been the most consistent bunch, but if they can get moving early against Arizona, things could go well.
The Cardinals are coming off a franchise-record 13 wins while also winning the West Division title and earning home-field advantage. The team is 4-0 in home playoff games including a nice beating over Green Bay in 2009. Carson Palmer will look to continue his big season after passing for 4,671 yards and 35 touchdowns. Palmer has truly turned his career around and the combo of Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and John Brown work for him. Add in David Johnson at running back and the Cardinals will be a dangerous force in this game.
Arizona completely beat down Green Bay the first time they met this year. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 38-8 in one of their most dominating performances of the season. Arizona will look to repeat that success again at home as they face off against Green Bay in the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs.