NFL Week 13: Previewing the Packers vs. Patriots Showdown

Sunday will mark the first ever meeting between Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady as starting quarterbacks. The last time the two teams met in 2010, Matt Flynn started in place of the injured Rodgers and nearly upset the heavily favored Patriots—losing 31-27.

But according to Rodgers, the game is about two Super Bowl contending teams—not the quarterbacks.

The Packers (8-3) enter this week's marquee showdown as the new leader in the NFC North after the Lions (7-4) were manhandled Sunday by the Patriots 34-9. 

The Patriots (9-2) are leaders in the AFC East and currently would be the No. 1 seed in the AFC if the playoffs started today.

Here are the keys to the game.

Home-Field Advantage

Both teams have been unstoppable at home this season. The Packers are 5-0 at Lambeau Field, while the Patriots are 6-0 in Foxborough. However, Green Bay will be hosting this contest, which gives it the early advantage. 

Tom Lynn/Associated Press

Rodgers has been especially outstanding at home. He has thrown for 18 touchdowns and zero interceptions in five home games. Green Bay is averaging 43.8 points per game at home, including back-to-back games with 50-plus points in Weeks 10 and 11.

The Patriots will need to find a way to cool down Rodgers and the Packers offense in Wisconsin—something that opposing defenses have not been able to figure out.

Expect Green Bay to utilize its no-huddle offense and put up a lot of points in front of its home fans, knowing that Tom Brady is its opposition.

Offensive Balance

In big games, time of possession is key. With two Hall of Fame-caliber quarterbacks taking the field Sunday, both teams will want their defenses to be well-rested before they take the field.

Last week versus the Vikings, Eddie Lacy had a season-high 25 carries for 125 yards despite battling a stomach illness. The Packers only ran 62 plays as they used Lacy to shorten the game. If Lacy can establish the run against New England Sunday, it will open up the big-play combo of Rodgers to Nelson. 

On the other hand, the Patriots surprised the Lions last weekend with LeGarrette Blount. At the end of last season, Blount left the Patriots to sign with the Steelers. But last week, the Steelers cut Blount for leaving the field before the game was over.

His return to the Patriots was stellar as he rushed 12 times for 78 yards and two touchdowns.

Steven Senne/Associated Press

No one knows what Bill Belichick will have up his sleeve Sunday regarding his running backs. Will Jonas Gray be back in the mix after being late to practice last week? Has Blount won the job back in New England? Or will Shane Vereen lead the rushing attack?

No matter who rushes for the Patriots, it will be key for the Packers to stop the run and get after Tom Brady, who at times can be affected by the pass rush.

Turnover Battle

In addition to time of possession, the team that wins the turnover battle will likely come out on top.

Sunday's game features the two best teams in the NFL in terms of turnover margin. The Packers own the best turnover margin at +15, while the Patriots are second in the league at +11. 

Tom Brady has thrown at least one interception in three straight games. Green Bay's defense has forced 23 turnovers this year—second in the NFL.

Meanwhile, Rodgers has only four total turnovers this season and has been nearly perfect at home.

Between the two powerhouse teams, Green Bay is more likely to win the turnover battle in what potentially could be a high-scoring affair. 

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

In what could be a Super Bowl preview, this one should not disappoint. What a great way to finish off a Thanksgiving weekend full of food and football.

Prediction 

Packers 38, Patriots 31